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QUBIC x DETSI 2026 Quantum Biotechnology PhD Scholarship

This project is closed.

Project summary

Program
PhD
Location
St Lucia
Research area
Biological sciences, Biomedical and clinical sciences, Environmental sciences, Mathematical sciences, Physical sciences

Project description

A PhD scholarship is available to study with ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) researchers and their industry partners, on projects spanning quantum physics, biophysics, biology, chemistry and the humanities.

As a QUBIC student you will do research at the interface of quantum technologies and life science, to drive innovation across manufacturing, clean energy, agriculture, health and national security.

You will address environmental and sustainability challenges and accelerate the commercialisation of quantum solutions. Proposed projects are encouraged to consider how their quantum biotechnology innovations are developed with practical applications in mind.

Please note: to be considered for this scholarship you must be eligible to travel and commit to a project on campus at QUBIC, The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

As part of their support for the establishment of QUBIC, the Queensland Government’s Department of the Environment, Science, and Innovation (DETSI) has provided $900,000 in funding over 3 years for Early Career Researcher opportunities at QUBIC’s UQ Node, to develop and apply quantum biotechnologies to environmental and sustainability challenges.

In 2026 funding will support:

  • 1 x DETSI Quantum Biotechnology PhD scholarship (2 were awarded in 2024, 1 scholarship remains for 2026)

Please review the QUBIC UQ Node potential advisors' profiles below. Where your studies and interests align, you are invited to contact the advisor to discuss potential projects and candidacy to join their research group prior to your StudyLink submission. Contact information is on the supervisors’ profile page.

Research environment

The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology is the first national Centre globally at the interface of quantum and biological science. We aim to create a unique, vibrant, multidisciplinary environment for transformational, collaborative research at the very cutting edge.

The Centre has nodes at The University of Queensland, the University of Melbourne, the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Wollongong and Flinders University.

Our research program and methodology are designed to be deeply interdisciplinary, bringing our team together for major impact.

QUBIC is committed to improving equity, diversity and inclusion within our Centre, at our partner institutions and in the wider quantum biotechnology community. Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment which allows all our members to achieve success, and to feel respected and supported.

Scholarship

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered.
  • $10,000 for travel and other costs (excluding personnel).

This scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $39,220 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered.
  • $10,000 for travel and other costs (excluding personnel).

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Supervisor

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history.

A working knowledge of physics, biology, computational methods, and/or environment would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of quantum physics, biophysics, biology, chemistry, or the humanities and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of manufacturing, clean energy, agriculture, health, or sustainability is highly desirable.

Equity criteria

Applications from women, Indigenous Australians and students from rural, regional and remote communities and other under-represented groups are strongly encouraged as QUBIC seeks to bolster diversity and attract and train the next generation of quantum technology specialists.

How to apply

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 28 August, 2026 28 August, 2026.

Before you apply

  1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
  2. Prepare your documentation.
  3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Rachael Birks or Errol Hunt (admin.qubic@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

  1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
  2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
  3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: QUBIC-RUBINSZTEINDUNLOP
  4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/qubic-x-detsi-2026-quantum-biotechnology-phd-scholarship

Submit an EOI

Do you have questions?

The Graduate Research School is here to help.

Contact us