{"id":145759,"date":"2026-07-01T08:55:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T00:55:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/research\/?post_type=hdr-r-projects&p=145759"},"modified":"2026-07-01T08:55:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T00:55:55","slug":"quantum-optimisation-algorithms-for-early-fault-tolerant-quantum-computers","status":"publish","type":"hdr-r-projects","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/research\/hdr-r-projects\/quantum-optimisation-algorithms-for-early-fault-tolerant-quantum-computers\/","title":{"rendered":"Quantum optimisation algorithms for early fault-tolerant quantum computers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Quantum information processing combines ideas from quantum physics and information theory to demonstrate computational capabilities beyond the reach of the classical world. Quantum computing discipline is currently the most active research and development area within quantum science and technology, supported by governments, industries and startups worldwide. In particular, quantum optimisation has shown it can be applied to many problems that arise in industries such as mining, transport, supply chain logistics, finance, pharmaceutical, defence and so on.
Current quantum computing devices suffer from experimental imperfections. This makes quantum computations inherently error-prone, and as a result, quantum algorithms should account for these non-ideal circumstances. This project investigates quantum optimisation protocols for early fault-tolerant quantum computers through quantum error correction, quantum circuit optimisation, and the development of resource-efficient algorithmic techniques. The research will analyse optimisation algorithms suitable for logical qubits and error-corrected architectures, with emphasis on scalability, robustness, and practical implementation. The findings of this research work can pave the way for practical quantum computing suitable for both fundamental science and real-world applications.
The selected PhD candidate will have the opportunity to get involved in research activities with both domestic and international collaborators, attending and presenting research outcomes in conferences and participating in seminars, group meetings and discussing ideas and results with a multidisciplinary audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aim  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantum information is well known to be delicate in that it is subject to decoherence. Therefore, protecting quantum information from noise is essential for implementing realistic quantum algorithms. The aim of this project is to develop algorithms that are robust to errors by design. The algorithms will incorporate fault-tolerant primitives and scalable optimisation techniques suitable for early generations of error-corrected quantum computers. These novel practical schemes are eventually integrated into more complex algorithms relevant for tackling problems in academia and industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Objectives <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through this research work, it is expected to compile resource estimates in terms of logical qubits, fault-tolerant gate counts, circuit depth, and error-correction overheads for implementing quantum optimisation protocols on future quantum hardware. The project outcomes will include publications in peer-reviewed journals such as those in the suite of the American Physical Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Significance <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantum information science has gone through at least three decades of intensive scientific research. Quantum technologies are now one of the critical technological areas, and quantum computing is by far the largest subdiscipline in terms of research and development across the entire quantum technology ecosystem. Quantum optimisation, in particular, has attracted a lot of attention due to its sheer potential to solve critical applications in industry.
Fault-tolerant quantum computing is expected to enable scalable optimisation algorithms capable of outperforming classical approaches for selected industrial and scientific problems. However, significant challenges remain in understanding how optimisation algorithms should be implemented efficiently in the presence of quantum error correction and logical gate constraints. Benchmarking and developing resource-efficient optimisation schemes for early fault-tolerant quantum computers will therefore be essential for practical quantum advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Internship <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curtin Centre for Optimisation and Decision Science has already accomplished a quantum optimisation research project in cooperation with an industry partner. We are in the process of continuing that line of effort to foster fruitful collaboration to achieve our goals in tackling industry-scale applications.
An internship may be available for this project. The PhD candidate will work with high-performing researchers in the centre. The centre has extensive ongoing industry collaborations with major companies and government organisations. Some of the entities that the team has worked with include Alcoa, Roy Hill, Woodside Energy, Global Grain Handling Solutions, and Water Corporation. With the existing connections in the centre, the student will have various internship opportunities to apply their research in industry projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideal Candidate <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are looking for a self-motivated PhD candidate with excellent organisation, problem-solving and project management skills. It is expected that the candidate participates in seminars, group meetings, and other activities of scientific exchange. Candidates with strong quantitative skills, including familiarity with the following items, are desired for this project:
1) background in theoretical physics, in particular, quantum information theory
2) keen interest in developing and applying quantum algorithms for optimisation problems
3) programming skills with Python and managing projects in cloud-based systems such as GitHub
4) Must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project is open to International and Domestic applicants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scholarship  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are identified as the preferred candidate for this project, you may be considered for an RTP scholarship<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enquires and How to Apply <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For enquires about this opportunity contact Associate Professor Elham Mardaneh via Elham.Mardaneh@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To formally apply submit an Expression of Interest<\/a> to Associate Professor Elham Mardaneh during the Central Scholarship round (July 1st – July 31st 2026)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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