Quantum Sensing Technologies for Biomedicine (25004)

Primary Supervisors:

Various (details below)

Introduction:

We are delighted to welcome applications for several funded UCL PhD studentships affiliated to the Q-BIOMED, The UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub (www.qbiomed.org). 

Q-BIOMED is a world-leading research programme and the first UK Quantum Research Hub dedicated to health (www.qbiomed.org). We are one of five quantum research hubs announced as part of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. Q-BIOMED aims to develop quantum sensors to deliver a step change in earlier disease diagnosis and treatment for diseases including cancer, infections, neurological and cardiovascular disease. Earlier diagnosis, through ultra-sensitive nanodiamond diagnostics, faster MRI scan times, and improved access through lower costs and portable instruments could offer a paradigm shift in healthcare, potentially saving lives, reducing waiting lists and easing pressures on the NHS. Moreover, quantum sensing technologies capable of analysing single cells and molecules could help researchers identify mechanisms within cells that could be targeted by new treatments. 

We will exploit various quantum systems, including solid state defects such as nitrogen-vacancy centres and atomic systems in optically pumped magnetometers; and develop new quantum control methods, quantum-limited amplifiers, squeezed states and enhanced MASERs. We will use these to build sensing and imaging capabilities, in vitro diagnostic tests, and smart interventional tools to support biomedical research. 

The Hub brings together researchers in quantum sensing and biomedicine across six UK universities, six NHS trusts, charities, government, and industry partners. These nine studentships offer the opportunity to be part of this £24m programme, forming a cohort working on a range of projects across the four flagships of the Hub: 

Flagship 1 - Biomedical imaging: Quantum magnetic field sensors for Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease; MASER enhanced MRI. 
 
Flagship 2 - Quantum-enhanced in-vitro diagnostics: Ultra-sensitive diagnostic tests using nanodiamond sensors in lateral flow and other formats. 
 
Flagship 3 - New surgical and treatment interventions for early-stage and hard-to-treat cancers. 
 
Flagship 4 - New quantum sensing technology to identify cellular mechanisms that could be targeted to prevent disease. 

Person specification & requirements:

We are looking for applicants from diverse backgrounds to address the range of challenges in the Hub: physics, engineering, medicine, chemistry, biology, mathematics, or other relevant discipline (project dependent). Applicants should have a 1st or 2:1 degree or equivalent in a relevant area. 
 
These studentships are only open to Home Fee paying applicants. Overseas fee payers will not be considered. Find out more information about Fee Status criteria.

Funding:

This is a full studentship available to Home Fee applicants only. Please see the page on UCL fee status.

The successful student will receive a stipend starting from at least the UCL minimum (£23,805 in 2026/27) as well as the cost of tuition fees for Home fee students (£6,400 in 2026/27). 

The stipends awarded to PhD students at UCL are tax free and incur no income tax or national insurance contributions. The amount received increases each year over the duration of the studentship. 

Project Information:

Two 4-year studentships are available in the London Centre for Nanotechnology. They may also be additional 3-year industry-linked studentship(s) in the Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences. 

Being part of the Q-BIOMED Hub, students will also take part in our Q-BIOMED Future Leaders Programme and other cross-Hub activities. Find out more about our Hub.

Project and supervisor list  

Quantum Spin Dynamics group Prof John Morton (London Centre for Nanotechnology; Electrical Engineering). The Quantum Spin Dynamics group develops methods for measuring and controlling spins in molecules and materials, with applications in quantum technologies. Our research projects span high-sensitivity electron spin resonance using squeezed microwaves, single microwave photon detectors and superconducting micro-resonators with detection volumes down to femtolitres and operating temperatures down to 10 mK. We also study optically-readable spins such as NV centres in diamond and explore their use in quantum sensing. 

Widefield quantum sensing with optical spins for biosensing Dr Benjamin Miller (London Centre for Nanotechnology; Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering). This project aims to develop techniques and protocols for quantum sensing using large ensembles of randomly orientated spins in biological samples. This may include nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond nanoparticles, and other solid state and molecular spins. Applications include pushing towards the detection single proteins, detection of spin labels, and for nanoscale characterisation of biochemical and biophysical processes. 

This is not an exhaustive list, so students are encouraged to contact potential supervisors for more information if desired. 

How to apply:

Application Deadline: Friday 17th April 2026

Please complete the following steps to apply.

•    Make a formal application via the UCL application portal: Apply | Prospective Students Graduate - UCL – University College London. Please select the programme code RRDMPHSING01 (Research Degree: Medical Physics)  and enter Project Code 25004 under ‘Name of Award 1’ 
•    If shortlisted, candidates will be invited for an interview.

Please include in your application:

• A CV 
• A cover letter including your preferred start date
• A 500-word research summary on a relevant topic 

Q&A:

For general pre-application enquiries please contact Dr Ben Miller, Q-BIOMED @ UCL Education Lead. 
 
What is Q-BIOMED? 

Q-BIOMED is a £24m National UK Quantum Technologies Research Hub – one of five quantum research hubs, funded UKRI, NIHR and industry partners as part of the UK £2.5Bn National Quantum Technologies Research Programme. The Q-BIOMED Hub brings together researchers from UCL and Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick Cardiff, and Heriot Watt universities, as well as NHS trusts, industry partners and charities. Our Hub has already impacted on policy and shaped the new Quantum Mission for Health. 

Is this a CDT? 

No, this is not a CDT programme. Across all partner universities 19 PhD studentships are associated with the Q-BIOMED Hub and benefit from our stakeholder engagement, Future Leaders training, public engagement and outreach programmes meetings and other programs within the national Hub, as well as the opportunity to be part of a cross-disciplinary, multi-institutional program. 

How will students be selected? 

Applicants will submit a CV, cover letter, and a short 500-word research summary on a relevant topic (see How to Apply section). 

Following applications, each supervisor will shortlist and interview candidates for their projects. You may be invited to interview for more than one project. Interviews will take place in May. 

When do projects start? 

Projects start in October 2026 

Application Timeline:

• After the deadline, all applicants that expressed their interest and specified Project 25004 in their Portico application will be considered for interview.
• Candidates will normally be invited for interview within three weeks of the deadline. If you have not been contacted within this time-period, you have unfortunately not been successful in being shortlisted.
• The interview panel will normally consist of the supervision team on the project.
• Note that applications without specifying the project they are applying for and/or making a formal Portico application will be automatically rejected.
• If you are offered and accept a studentship position, a formal UCL Offer of Admission will be sent to you as well as an offer of studentship funding.