About the Opportunity

Northeastern University London Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Computer Science

Reliable Quantum Statistics

Northeastern University London > Computing, Mathematics, Engineering & Natural Sciences

Funded PhD Project (UK or International Students)

Funding provider: Northeastern University London (NU London)

Subject areas:

Project start date: October 2026

Supervisors (*lead):

• Osvaldo Simeone (Northeastern University London)
• Carlos Perez Delgado (University of Kent)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Computer Science

Mode of study: Full-time

Northeastern University London

As part of a major investment, Northeastern University London (NU London) has multiple, fully-funded PhD studentships available to accelerate its interdisciplinary research in the humanities, social sciences and digital sciences. Each scholarship is fully-funded for three and a half years (UKRI rates) and includes fees, an annual stipend, an additional London allowance and associated costs, such as training.

NU London is both a UK university governed by UK higher education regulations, and the European campus of Northeastern University – a large, top-tier research intensive, Boston-based institution. Founded in 1898, Northeastern received $230.7m of external research funding in 2022, and is the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. It has campuses across the United States and Canada (in Boston; Charlotte, North Carolina; Portland, Maine; Oakland, California; San Francisco; Seattle; Silicon Valley; Arlington, Virginia; the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Toronto and Vancouver). Whilst the PhD will be a UK qualification, students will have the opportunity to engage with and visit the Northeastern University network overseas as part of their London-based doctoral studies, providing a truly unique and highly sought-after dimension to their research training.

The Project

The project aims to develop reliable, adaptive, and universal statistical methods a broad range of statistical inference tasks in quantum systems with applications to quantum sensing, computing and communications. Topics will include:

•           Sequential and universal inference: adaptive measurement and stopping rules controlling type-I error with finite-sample guarantees.

•           Quantum statistical modeling: use of quantum relative entropy, Fisher information, and variational quantum circuits for practical implementations.

•           Causal and information-theoretic analysis: exploring relationships among quantum divergences and their role in statistical efficiency.

•           Simulation and numerical validation: using small- to mid-scale quantum simulators and classical emulators to verify theoretical results.

•           Applications: quantum sensing, computing, and communications.

The successful candidates will:

• Have a proven, strong educational background in history or a related subject (see eligibility criteria)
• Be excited and inspired by the proposed project area
• Be a self starter
• Have good communication skills
• Have an inquiring mind and be willing to challenge themselves

The successful candidates will benefit from a brand new campus on the banks of the River Thames next to Tower Bridge. This is an interdisciplinary, vibrant research environment with international collaboration and networking opportunities and dedicated research space. It will form the hub of a highly experienced, multi-institution supervisory team from NU London and the University of Kent.

Candidates are welcome to contact the NU London supervisor with informal enquiries before the application deadline: 31/07/2026 ([email protected])

Eligibility

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject - 2:1 or 1st (essential)
• Master’s degree in a relevant subject (optional)

English Language requirements:

If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with a score of at least 6.5 in each individual component) or equivalent.

Nationality

Applications are open to UK and international students. Please indicate if you are likely to require a visa on your application. We are unable to support visa costs

Funding

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, an annual stipend and an additional London allowance (set at UKRI rates) for 3.5 years.

How to Apply

Please upload a CV and a Covering Letter stating how you meet the requirements and why you are interested in the proposed research project

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary.

Position Type

Additional Information

About the University 

Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. 

Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge, NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award winning, contemporary facilities for students and staff including state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces. 

Inspired by excellence, infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion, at NU London, being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders and thinkers.  NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 students, our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29. 

Choose NU London 

 As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us, and our offerings encompass:  

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year). 

• Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities. 

• Support with private medical insurance. 

• Eye test reimbursement. 

• Cycle Scheme vouchers. 

• 24/7 employee assistance/ support via our Employee Assistance Programme.

• Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area. 

Enquiries 

Informal enquiries may be made to [email protected]. However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified. 

Application process 

​Applications should be made via by 00:00 on

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. 

Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and a full curriculum vitae. 

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications. 

Please note all employees of Northeastern University London are required to undergo at least a basic DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

For staff’s own wellbeing, for part time roles, the expectation is if you have multiple roles, they should not exceed full time (37.5 hours per week), and for full time roles, the expectation is that this will be your only role (apart from intermittent roles).

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.