Operationalising quantum communications

By February 25th, 2025

The Opportunity 

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

The Program includes:

  1. Admission to a university PhD program.
  2. Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
  3. A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $47,000 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate).  
  4. A four year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum.
  5. A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner.
  6. A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the participating university in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

The Project

Supervisory team details

  1. University
Name of university supervisorProfessor Ben Buchler
Name of universityThe Australian National University
Email addressben.buchler@anu.edu.au
FacultyResearch School of Physics, College of Science
  • CSIRO
Name of CSIRO supervisorDr Sebastian Kish
Email addresssebastian.kish@data61.csiro.au
CSIRO Business UnitData 61
  • Industry
Name of industry supervisorDr Aaron Tranter
Name of business/organisationAqacia Pty Ltd
Email addressaaron@aqacia.com
Websitewww.aqacia.com

Project details

Project titleOperationalising quantum communications for real-world deployment 
Project descriptionThis project will develop infrastructure for quantum communications including quantum memory technology and quantum communication protocols. The expected outcomes are a quantum memory platform for free-space communications and software architecture for operating quantum communications. This could result in a solution for deploying quantum communications technology within Australia for government, industry and public utilisation. 
Primary location of studentAustralian National University, Canberra ACT 2600
Industry engagement component locationAqacia Pty Ltd, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2600
Other locationsCSIRO Marsfield, 26 Pembroke Road, Marsfield NSW 2122
Ideal student skillsetExperience in quantum technology is desirable. Some knowledge of quantum states of light/light matter interactions is also desirable. An interest in software development is advantageous but not necessary.
Application Close DateOpen until position filled

Eligibility Requirements

 The student must:

  1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.  
  2. Meet participating university PhD admission requirements.
  3. Meet university English language requirements.
  4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
  5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
  6. Enrol as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy.
  7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures.
  8. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements.

Application Process

  1. Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) following the instructions detailed on the participating university’s webpage.
  2. The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
  3. The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant and informs iPhD office.
  4. The nominated applicant will be instructed to apply.
  5. The application is then assessed by the host university against PhD admission criteria.
  6. The university will issue a letter of offer for the program if all conditions have been satisfied.  

Further information