Phasecraft internship programme: creating future quantum leaders
We believe the future of quantum computing is built on research excellence and ambition, and that academia and industry have both a role to play in delivering its potential. This drives everything we do – from our research on developing the mathematical foundations to quantum computing through to the applications we are developing in partnership with leaders like Johnson Matthey and National Grid ESO, and to the implementation of our algorithms on state-of-the-art quantum hardware platforms such as those developed by Google, IBM, and QuERA. It’s also the driving force behind our Phasecraft Internship Programme.
Set up to offer PhD students and early-career researchers the opportunity to step beyond academic research, our programme encourages interns to spend three months working on ambitious projects, engaging with our team of world-class scientists and engineers, and gaining hands-on insights into how advances can be turned into real-world impact.
For 2024, our internship programme welcomed, among others: Beatriz Dias, a PhD student at the Technical University of Munich; Brent Harrison, a PhD student at Dartmouth College; and Mahathi Vempati, a PhD student from the University of Maryland to our London and Bristol offices.
Together, their experiences reflect our mission of bridging the gap between theory and application and highlight the unique environment our internship creates for aspiring quantum leaders.
Theory meets real-world practice
Each intern came with a specific focus but soon found common ground in how these projects could come together to solve broader challenges. Beatriz’s project centred on classical algorithms. These are crucial for testing and benchmarking quantum systems and are used to validate computations on a smaller scale before scaling up. "It was exciting to connect my understanding of theory with the practical needs of quantum computing”, said Beatriz. “I had a lot of experience with the theory, but during the internship I got to see firsthand how quantum algorithms could directly solve practical problems”.
For Mahathi, her work focused on improving the Variational Quantum Eigensolver algorithm to make it more efficient for solving complex chemical problems. "I learned about quantum algorithms for problems in chemistry”, she said. "Previously, I had worked on more theoretical problems, so it was interesting to work on algorithms that could have a tangible impact”.
Brent’s project focused on dynamical quantum phase transitions. Working closely with Phasecraft researchers, he investigated how quantum computers could model these phenomena, providing new insights into many-body quantum systems. Unlike his theoretical work, the internship allowed him to gain hands-on experience with IBM’s quantum hardware. "Working directly with hardware was a completely new and rewarding challenge”, he explained. "It gave me a fresh perspective on how quantum theory translates into practice”.
Collaborative culture
Beyond these individual projects, the interns all praised the value of being around like-minded and skilled teams, and the chance to participate in our annual company retreat. “Phasecraft is like a giant academic research group, but with more resources and a clear goal of solving practical problems”, according to Brent.
“Anyone can talk to anyone”, continued Beatriz. “You don’t have to stay confined to your specific project. If you ask people about their work, you can learn a lot from the team’s diverse skillsets, which makes the experience so much richer”, which she admitted was quite differentto her work in academia. “The PhD is more pedagogic and students are often left to solve problems on their own. At Phasecraft, I liked the rhythm of discussing problems with colleagues and finding solutions together. It was fast and dynamic, which I found really motivating”.
For the retreat, the interns were able to spend four days discussing projects, exchanging ideas, and building connections. "The retreat was a highlight”, continued Beatriz. “Spending a few days with the whole company – meeting people from Bristol, London, and Washington DC – was a great way to connect and feel part of the wider team. It gave me a better sense of the company’s mission and how my project fit into that”.
Overcoming challenges
Adapting to the pace and learning curve of the internship, however, was a challenge all three interns faced, but also embraced. Brent described it as “a demanding but rewarding experience”, while Mahathi noted that the first few weeks involved “a lot of learning and picking up new skills” but this only helped her grow as a researcher as a result. Beatriz too, appreciated the intensity. “The three-month duration was perfect – it was enough time to contribute meaningfully but short enough to keep the momentum going”, she said.
Future quantum leaders
The internship gave the interns a glimpse at what life outside academia could look like. Beatriz, who has spent her academic career in physics and mathematics, found the industry-focused approach inspiring. “Working at Phasecraft showed me how my skills could be applied to real-world challenges, and it’s made me seriously consider a career in the quantum industry”.
Mahathi echoed this, claiming the experience has broadened her perspective. “I’m now thinking about problems at the intersection of quantum algorithms and their applications, something I hadn’t considered before”, she said.
As Brent, Mahathi, and Beatriz have shown, this programme is more than just an internship or learning opportunity – it’s a chance to work on cutting-edge research, collaborate with a world-class team, and gain experience in a fast-moving industry.
The Phasecraft Internship Programme is open to students and early-career researchers with a passion for quantum computing. Interns have the opportunity to collaborate with experts and experience the supportive, dynamic environment that defines what we’re doing as a company. Applications for the next intake are open now. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible with quantum computing, we’d love to hear from you.
