PhD Fellowship Spin Qubits

PhD fellowships in the operation of spin qubits 

We seek outstanding candidates for 1-2 PhD positions to work on the development and operation of spin qubit processors in the low-temperature laboratory of Prof. Ferdinand Kuemmeth. 

The positions are open from 1st May 2026 or by arrangement. 

We offer

• Structured doctoral training, international visibility, and participation in joint workshops and conferences
• Integration in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional networks
• Excellent scientific infrastructure and mentoring

The Projects  

The projects explore the operation of few-qubit arrays using sophisticated control and readout techniques, focusing on semiconducting spin qubits based on silicon and germanium heterostructures that are in some cases made in house and in some cases supplied by research collaborations. On the materials side, isotopic purification of 28Si gives rise to exceptionally long coherence times for electron spin qubits, while strong spin-orbit coupling in the valence band of Ge allows novel hole spin control techniques that are fast and energy efficient. Furthermore, spin-qubit control in high-bandwidth dilution refrigerators by FPGA-powered control electronics allows you to harness recent advances in low-latency signal generation, machine-learning-enabled data acquisition, and real-time quantum control. 
The projects combine nanofabrication, low-temperature physics using dilution refrigerators, low-noise and high-frequency electrical measurement and control techniques, data analysis, interaction with theoretical physicists, and scientific writing in English. An active collaboration between experiment and theory in various research groups across Europe is envisioned.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree or a US undergraduate degree in Physics or Applied Physics with relevant additional experimental experience as needed, ideally including published research.

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in the physics and engineering of spin qubits and quantum information processors 
• Professional activities, work/educational experience, and publications relevant to the PhD project
• Good language skills in English (German skills are not formally required) 

Application Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted by email to Professor Ferdinand Kuemmeth (ferdinand.kuemmeth@ur.de).

Please include:  

1. Cover letter that motivates your application for the specific PhD project (max. one page) 
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position 
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an English translation if issued in a language different from English or German. If not completed, copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor 
4. Publication list (if possible)
5. If possible, please list up to three scientists that you have worked with closely in your past research 

At a later stage, prior to receiving an official offer, you may be required to provide additional documents (officially certified translations, high school diploma, etc.), see general information below. 

Application deadline: 
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but at the latest on 22 March 2026.

Questions
For information about the research group and active projects, please contact the principal supervisor (ferdinand.kuemmeth@ur.de). 
General information about the doctoral program at the University of Regensburg is available on their website: https://www.uni-regensburg.de/en/international/welcome-center/information-about-phd-studies