Supervisors

Dr Dikai Guan

Dr Bruce (Jun-Yu) Ou

Project Description

This project, within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton ( carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. While researching the project outlined below you will also receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Superconducting qubits power today’s quantum computers, yet their fragile performance is limited by tiny material flaws. This project engineers the atomic-scale microstructure of Josephson junctions—optimising grain orientation, stress, and interfaces—for longer-lived, reproducible qubits. Students will combine advanced thin-film growth, microscopy, and cryogenic testing to engineer “perfect” quantum hardware.

Superconducting qubits underpin today’s most advanced quantum computers, yet their performance is limited by mat...