Is this programme right for you?

Parham Azish is a former student of the Master's Programme in Quantum Technology and is now a quantum engineer and works with customer success at Qblox in the Netherlands.

Where do you work now? Could you tell us a little about what you are doing?
– I'm working for a company that makes control electronics for Quantum systems. My job is to communicate with our users about their experiments and help them write the code for them on our instruments.

What does the labour market look like? Was it easy to find a job?
– It was very strange in my experience. The number of companies within Sweden that work with quantum computing, which is the aspect of quantum technology I'm interested in, is quite limited. However, when looking at the market globally, there are many startups that are just starting to expand and are looking for knowledgeable people with a background in both theory and experimentation.

What made you choose to study?
– I have had an obsession with quantum computers since I was 17, and I always knew that I wanted to contribute to the field in any shape or form that I could. When the opportunity to study a degree dedicated to that goal showed up, it was a clear choice for me to choose it after my Bachelor's in Uppsala

Your best advice for someone who is considering studying?
– I feel that as physics majors, especially those in Uppsala, we have a continuous focus on theoretical rigor and theory in general. My biggest advice would be to not lose sight of the whole picture; the end goal is for our theories to be real and usable, so don't be afraid to get in the lab or partake in experimental projects as well. That is part of the end goal and needs to also be in consideration, in parallel to theoretical knowledge.

What was the sense of community like in your programme?
– I was one of the first batch of students, so honestly speaking, there weren't many of us studying the program. There was always the sense of camaraderie throughout, be it with emotional support about the difficulty of coursework, late-night brainstorming, WhatsApp messages, or just trips to the union room ("skamvrån") for free coffee in between our lab/study sessions in the courses we shared.

What’s the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– I would say it is the student life. Without a doubt, the existence of nations did a lot in helping me develop as a person and acquire some of the soft skills that are not really expected of a physicist. These skills were also what helped me set myself apart from the others who were applying for the same positions. Real-world jobs always require real-world skills, such as interpersonal skills.

Do you have any final reflections or comments?
– A lesson I learned later than I would have wanted was that there is no mold for being a Scholar, and there is no greater expectation from you than to be really interested in what you do. All the pretentiousness and apprehension that comes with the way scholars are portrayed is just noise. It’s way more of a priority to figure out what type of person you are before finding out what type of physicist/engineer you are.

Three short questions
Favourite spot in Uppsala?
– Uplands nation with the Ekeby puddle(ekebypölen) being a close second place.

Best student tradition at Uppsala University?
– I would say the whole concept of Valborg/forsränning in Uppsala, which is just an amazing time throughout.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
– Hopefully, still working with Quantum computers and contributing to the chaos :) The last thing I would want to do is watch the field from the sidelines.

Autumn 2025

What do you work with?
– I work with quantum devices, where my team focuses on how the fundamental properties of electrons—such as their charge and spin—can be used to develop new quantum technologies. My research combines precision nanofabrication, utilizing atomic-scale quantum materials and systems, performing low-temperature experiments involving precision measurements to explore quantum and spin phenomena that can lead to future applications in quantum sensing, quantum computing, and energy-efficient intelligent electronics.

Can you explain what the programme, quantum technology, is to someone who doesn’t know?
– About a century ago, quantum mechanics was developed to explain the strange behavior of matter and light at the smallest scales. Those insights quickly turned into technologies that now define our world, such as transistors for computers, lasers for communication and medicine, MRI scanners for healthcare, and magnetic storage for data. The new generation of quantum technologies aims to push even further. Instead of relying on the average properties of ensembles of atoms or materials, we can now control single quantum systems, such as individual electrons, photons, or atomic spins, with remarkable precision. This level of control allows entirely new possibilities: computers that can solve problems beyond the reach of classical machines, sensors so precise that they can measure single quanta, and communication systems that are unbreakably secure.

What is the best thing about the programme?
– The best aspect is that it combines a strong foundation, similar to that of a master’s degree in physics, with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research and applications in quantum physics. Students not only learn the theory behind quantum mechanics and materials but also see how these ideas are applied in devices, laboratories, research projects, and collaborations in both academia and industry. This makes the programme both intellectually stimulating and highly relevant for future careers. Last year, we revised the study plan to include new courses on quantum programming, quantum materials, and quantum technologies, providing students with even more opportunities for exposure, as we are collaborating with other universities in Sweden and around the world.

What does the labor market look like?
– The demand for expertise in quantum technology is skyrocketing. Governments, companies, and research institutes worldwide are investing heavily in this area. Graduates with skills in quantum materials, quantum devices, quantum programming, and advanced measurement techniques are already in high demand in both academia and sectors such as computing, communications, and sensing. It is expected to increase rapidly over the next 5 years.

Do you have any advice for those who are thinking about applying to the programme?
–If you are curious about how the quantum world works and motivated to solve challenging problems, this program is a great fit. My advice is to stay open-minded, curious, be a learner, connect what you learn with real-world applications, and take advantage of the opportunities to work closely with researchers. The field is still developing, so your contributions can make a real difference. It is an excellent opportunity to follow professional growth in a highly competitive area.

Autumn 2025