Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Ecole Polytechnique ENSTA Ecole des Ponts ENSAE Télécom Paris Télécom SudParis
Share

PhD track Quantum Science and Technologies (QUANTIX)

PhD track Quantum Science and Technologies (QUANTIX)
Program

PhD track in Quantum Science and Technologies

ECTS Credits

120 (first two years)

Language

English

Orientation

Research

Location

Palaiseau Campus

Course duration

two years (coursework period), followed by a three-year dissertation phase

Course start

September

Degrees awarded

Master’s degree (after the first two years), PhD (on completion of the dissertation)

WHY ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?

Asset n° 1

Get ready for a PhD by starting research at an early stage

Asset n°2

Be closely associated with the research activities carried out in a world-renowned innovation cluster

Asset n°3

Benefit from individual and personalized supervision by a faculty member

Quantum Technologies have seen a dramatic development in the past few years. The realization of individual quantum systems and the control of new materials with unconventional properties has paved the way to the development of machines and protocols based on the most fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics, without classical counterparts, such as the superposition of states and entanglement. The demonstration of quantum supremacy in 2019 has been a major step, but many new challenges remain to be taken for the complete deployment of Quantum Technologies, at both the fundamental level and that of practical applications.

The Quantum Science and Technologies PhD track is organized around six pillars:

  • Quantum Materials
  • Quantum Simulation
  • Quantum Computation
  • Quantum Sensing and Metrology
  • Quantum Communication and Networking
  • Quantum Information Processing

It aims at providing the students with a high level education at the state of the art of quantum physics and quantum information processing in direct contact with forefront research in all these fields.

Objectives

  • Be trained to forefront challenges in quantum science and its technological applications
  • Contribute to cutting-edge research in a word-leading research center
  • Discover a multidisciplinary field at the frontier of theoretical and experimental physics, computer science, and applied mathematics.
  • Discover the diversity of quantum technologies in the rich scientific environment of the Plateau de Saclay
  • Become a leader of the next generation of reserachers and engineers in quantum science and technologies

Partner University

  • Université Paris-Saclay

The five-year curriculum of the PhD track trains students in cutting-edge research for them to pursue international careers  in prestigious universities and academic labs or leading companies in quantum technologies. 

The PhD Track provides a five-year "à la carte" integrated Master and PhD program for particularly motivated and talented students aiming at preparing a career in academia or industry through an individualized research-oriented training program in Quantum Science and Technologies. Students will be attributed an academic tutor in their field of research from the very start of their studies at IP Paris. In coordination with their tutor, students will elaborate their own personal curriculum consisting of course work and research phases corresponding to their research interests and professional project.

During their first year, students will follow a selection of high level courses focused on quantum physics and its interfaces. It may include computer science and applied mathematics courses, as well as complementary modules allowing them to broaden their general scientific culture and to acquire complementary skills. At the same time, the students are immediately members of the research team of their tutor and participate in team activities and research discussions. This includes in particular attending relevant research seminars and potentially topical workshops. During the first year, students will work on a research project, in collaboration with their host team. A significant part of the second year will be devoted to a larger-scale research work, giving rise to a Master thesis and – most likely – first research publications. This is also the occasion to consolidate their choice for the topic of their PhD.

While it will still be possible to follow selected – more specialized – scientific courses and courses in secondary skills, the last three years of the PhD Track program will be mainly devoted to research work towards the PhD degree.

In addition to the weekly laboratory work, two mandatory full-time internships take place during the spring, one at the M1 level, the other at the M2 level. The duration and corresponding number of ECTS are at least those of the main Master in which the student is enrolled. The number of ECTS can be adapted depending on the duration of the internship.

Students have the opportunity to visit international partner universities.

Admission requirements

Academic prerequisites

Completion with highest honors of a Bachelor in physics, including courses in quantum physics, at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.

Evidence of research potential is essential as the main goal of such a PhD program is to train first class researchers. 

Students who have completed the first year of an equivalent program may exceptionally be directly admitted to the second year (4-year PhD program).

Language prerequisites

A certificate of proficiency in English (level B2) is required (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL), except for native speakers and students who previously studied in English.

How to apply

Applications are exclusively online. You will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Transcript 
  • Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)  
  • CV/resume 
  • Statement of purpose indicating which 2 choices of research subjects among the one listed on this page under the section "PhD Track Research Projects"

You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session. 

Fees and scholarships

Registration fees are available here

Find out more about scholarships

Please note that fees and scholarships may change for the following year.

Applications and admission dates

Coordinator

General enquiry

When applying to the PhD Tracks in Physics, you should describe your preferred fields of study and research in your motivation letter. You are ecouraged to choose two preferred PhD Track subjects among the list below. Since the posted offers do not cover the full spectrum of our activities, you can also visit the web pages of the 11 laboratories (CPHT, IPVF, LLR, LOA, LOB, LPICM, LPMC, LPP, LSI, LULI, Omega) affiliated to the physics department and indicate the research lines that interest you the most.

PhD Track research projects in “QUANTUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY”

Description

Quantum Technologies have seen a dramatic development in the past few years. The realization of individual quantum systems and the control of new materials with unconventional properties has paved the way to the development of machines and protocols based on the most fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics, without classical counterparts, such as the superposition of states and entanglement. The demonstration of quantum supremacy in 2019 has been a major step, but many new challenges remain to be taken for the complete deployment of Quantum Technologies, at both the fundamental level and that of practical applications.

The Quantum Science and Technologies PhD track is organized around six pillars:

  • Quantum Materials
  • Quantum Simulation
  • Quantum Computation
  • Quantum Sensing and Metrology
  • Quantum Communication and Networking
  • Quantum Information Processing

It aims at providing the students with a high level education at the state of the art of quantum physics and quantum information processing in direct contact with forefront research in all these fields.

Objectives

  • Be trained to forefront challenges in quantum science and its technological applications
  • Contribute to cutting-edge research in a word-leading research center
  • Discover a multidisciplinary field at the frontier of theoretical and experimental physics, computer science, and applied mathematics.
  • Discover the diversity of quantum technologies in the rich scientific environment of the Plateau de Saclay
  • Become a leader of the next generation of reserachers and engineers in quantum science and technologies

Partner University

  • Université Paris-Saclay

The five-year curriculum of the PhD track trains students in cutting-edge research for them to pursue international careers  in prestigious universities and academic labs or leading companies in quantum technologies. 

The PhD Track provides a five-year "à la carte" integrated Master and PhD program for particularly motivated and talented students aiming at preparing a career in academia or industry through an individualized research-oriented training program in Quantum Science and Technologies. Students will be attributed an academic tutor in their field of research from the very start of their studies at IP Paris. In coordination with their tutor, students will elaborate their own personal curriculum consisting of course work and research phases corresponding to their research interests and professional project.

During their first year, students will follow a selection of high level courses focused on quantum physics and its interfaces. It may include computer science and applied mathematics courses, as well as complementary modules allowing them to broaden their general scientific culture and to acquire complementary skills. At the same time, the students are immediately members of the research team of their tutor and participate in team activities and research discussions. This includes in particular attending relevant research seminars and potentially topical workshops. During the first year, students will work on a research project, in collaboration with their host team. A significant part of the second year will be devoted to a larger-scale research work, giving rise to a Master thesis and – most likely – first research publications. This is also the occasion to consolidate their choice for the topic of their PhD.

While it will still be possible to follow selected – more specialized – scientific courses and courses in secondary skills, the last three years of the PhD Track program will be mainly devoted to research work towards the PhD degree.

In addition to the weekly laboratory work, two mandatory full-time internships take place during the spring, one at the M1 level, the other at the M2 level. The duration and corresponding number of ECTS are at least those of the main Master in which the student is enrolled. The number of ECTS can be adapted depending on the duration of the internship.

Students have the opportunity to visit international partner universities.

Admission requirements

Academic prerequisites

Completion with highest honors of a Bachelor in physics, including courses in quantum physics, at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.

Evidence of research potential is essential as the main goal of such a PhD program is to train first class researchers. 

Students who have completed the first year of an equivalent program may exceptionally be directly admitted to the second year (4-year PhD program).

Language prerequisites

A certificate of proficiency in English (level B2) is required (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL), except for native speakers and students who previously studied in English.

How to apply

Applications are exclusively online. You will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Transcript 
  • Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)  
  • CV/resume 
  • Statement of purpose indicating which 2 choices of research subjects among the one listed on this page under the section "PhD Track Research Projects"

You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session. 

Fees and scholarships

Registration fees are available here

Find out more about scholarships

Please note that fees and scholarships may change for the following year.

Applications and admission dates

Coordinator

General enquiry

When applying to the PhD Tracks in Physics, you should describe your preferred fields of study and research in your motivation letter. You are ecouraged to choose two preferred PhD Track subjects among the list below. Since the posted offers do not cover the full spectrum of our activities, you can also visit the web pages of the 11 laboratories (CPHT, IPVF, LLR, LOA, LOB, LPICM, LPMC, LPP, LSI, LULI, Omega) affiliated to the physics department and indicate the research lines that interest you the most.

PhD Track research projects in “QUANTUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY”