PhD Studentship: Photonic Time–Space Correlator (PhoTiSC) for Ultra-Fast 3D Imaging & Time-Reso[...]

University of Birmingham
Birmingham
2 days ago
Create job alert
About the Project

Capture when and where each photon lands—build the instrument that makes it possible.


Project Overview

This PhD project focuses on developing the Photonic Time–Space Correlator (PhoTiSC)—a novel instrument that can measure both the arrival time and position of photons with exceptional precision. Current solutions for 3D imaging and time resolved microscopy are either prohibitively expensive or limited in speed and accuracy. PhoTiSC offers a cost effective alternative by combining an ultrafast timing detector with a position sensitive sensor, enabling simultaneous time–space correlation at sub‑nanosecond resolution.


As a PhD researcher, you will take PhoTiSC from concept to prototype: designing and integrating optical and electronic components, validating performance in the lab, and deploying the system in real experiments. This technology has applications in advanced microscopy, compact LiDAR systems, and scientific imaging, with strong potential for industrial impact and commercialisation. You will gain hands on experience in optics, high speed electronics, FPGA based readout, and data analysis, while collaborating with leading academic and industrial partners.


What You’ll Do

  • Design & build a PhoTiSC demonstrator integrating ultrafast timing detectors with a novel monolithic position‑sensitive detector (mPSD).
  • Develop electronics and firmware for high‑speed readout (FPGA/SystemVerilog optional).
  • Integrate the prototype into a reaction microscope at TU Dortmund and validate performance.
  • Collaborate with industry partners (Hamamatsu, Laser Components, Dstl) and present at international conferences.

Training & Environment

  • Access to cleanroom/nanofabrication, advanced optical labs, and data analysis resources.
  • Gain skills in experimental optics, high‑speed electronics, FPGA design, and commercialisation strategy.
  • Work in a supportive, collaborative group with opportunities for international travel.

Impact

  • Scientific: Enable sub‑nanosecond timing in imaging workflows; advance photonic instrumentation.
  • Technological: Deliver a cost‑effective alternative to six‑figure detection systems.
  • Societal: Applications in robotics, medical imaging, and defence.
  • Commercial: Progress toward TRL 4–5, industry demos, and spin‑out potential.

Career Prospects

Graduates will be competitive for roles in:



  • Photonics R&D, LiDAR/autonomous systems, medical imaging, defence, and academic instrumentation.

You’ll leave with a portfolio of hardware prototypes, data analysis tools, and industry engagement experience.


Candidate Profile

  • Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Photonics.
  • Interest in instrumentation, optics, FPGA design.
  • Programming (Python, SystemVerilog) is desirable, but training will be provided.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under‑represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.


How to Apply

Apply via the University of Birmingham portal with:



  • CV
  • Academic transcripts
  • 1‑page statement of research interests

Start date: October 2026


Informal enquiries: Dr Andre Kaplan –


This is a competition‑funded PhD project.


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) PhD Studentship in Satellite Quantum Communications

PhD: Miniaturised Quantum Satellite QKD Systems

PhD Position in 2D Materials as Quantum Sensors

PhD Studentship: Machine Learning Density Functionals from Quantum Computing

PhD in ML for Density Functionals in Quantum Chemistry

Fully Funded Quantum Tech PhD: Shape the Future

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Quantum Computing Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Quantum Computing Job?

Quantum computing is one of the most exciting frontiers in science and technology — and the job market reflects that excitement. But for aspiring practitioners, the sheer number of tools, frameworks, programming languages and hardware platforms can feel overwhelming. One job advert mentions Qiskit, another talks about Cirq or Pennylane. You see references to quantum annealers and superconducting qubits, to measurement hardware and simulators, to noise mitigation libraries and cloud platforms. It’s easy to conclude that unless you master every quantum tool, you’ll never get a job. Here’s the honest truth most quantum computing hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real problems and explain why your solutions work. Tools matter, but context, understanding, judgement and results matter more. So how many quantum computing tools do you actually need to know to succeed in a job search? The real answer is significantly fewer than most people assume — and far more focused by role. This article breaks down what tools really matter in quantum jobs, which ones are core, which are role-specific, and how you can build a coherent toolkit that employers actually value.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Quantum Computing Job Applications (UK Guide)

Quantum computing is one of the fastest-evolving fields in technology, blending physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering. Roles in this space — from Quantum Algorithm Developer and Quantum Software Engineer to Quantum Research Scientist and Quantum Hardware Specialist — are highly sought after, and hiring managers are exceptionally selective. Because quantum computing is complex and multidisciplinary, recruiters and hiring managers look for clear, concrete evidence of relevant expertise and impact right at the start of your application. They often decide whether to read your CV in detail within the first 10–20 seconds, based on a handful of high-value signals. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in quantum computing applications, how they assess CVs and portfolios, and what you can do to optimise your application to get noticed in the UK quantum job market.

Riverlane Jobs in Quantum Computing

If you’re looking for Riverlane jobs in quantum computing, you’re aiming at one of the most important layers in the quantum stack: quantum error correction (QEC). In simple terms, Riverlane focuses on the software, methods & tooling that help quantum computers produce reliable results despite noise. That matters because as quantum hardware scales, the ability to correct errors becomes the difference between “interesting experiments” and “useful quantum computing”. This guide is written for UK job seekers who want to understand: what Riverlane does (in job-seeker language) the roles they hire for the skills that map best to their work how to tailor your CV & LinkedIn how to prepare for interviews how to find & land Riverlane vacancies in the UK You do not need to be a quantum PhD to have a realistic pathway in. But you do need to understand the problem they’re solving & position your experience around it.