At Defence Trailblazer, we’re committing to strengthening pathways between academia and industry – including at the early career researcher level.
UNSW PhD student Richard Rademacher began his postgrad studies in electrical engineering after working for nine years in the US military as a research engineer in Radar, Communications, and Aircraft design.
“Coming from a Defence background, I learned the value of technology readiness levels, and the importance of all the different avenues for developing laboratory ideas into viable, reliable, accurate products,” says Richard.
Now Richard is focused on applying his skills to the growing quantum computing industry. His PhD project with industry partner Diraq aims to expand knowledge of modelling and simulation of silicon spin qubit quantum computers.
The Defence Trailblazer industry PhD is exposing Richard to real-world industry challenges.
“Diraq is working to build at-scale quantum computers,” says Richard. “Over the course of my study, I’ve learned state-of-the-art metrology of semiconductors, and deep fundamental theory unique to spin quantum systems. I have an appreciation for how much progress has been accomplished, and realistic understanding of what’s still to be done.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to tackle smaller challenges that often don’t make the research journals, such as integration with a manufacturing pipeline, product yields, reliability, and field-environment robustness.”
“I also love the incredibly broad range of applications. Most people have heard about quantum encryption research, but there’s a demand for quantum computers in materials science, chemistry, pharmaceutical, operations research, and data mining.”
Richard is making the most of the industry and university facilities and expertise. “The industry PhD program has been invaluable to me. Programs like Defence Trailblazer help provide new career opportunities for students like me, and a means for early-career researchers to work for cutting edge companies.”
“My academic supervisors have been excellent, and the industry partnership with Diraq has given me access to the kind of cutting-edge designs and experimental data that simply isn’t available to a student on their own.”
Diraq has grown from a UNSW spin-out company to become world leaders in building quantum processors. Over the next ten years, Diraq plans to progress from prototypes to working silicon quantum processor chips.
Dr Andre Saraiva, Richard’s industry supervisor at Diraq, remarked: “Rich is a rare student who blends deep industry experience with academic ambition. After a distinguished career as an Electrical Engineer in Defence, he’s now pursuing a PhD in Theoretical Quantum Information.”
“Diraq benefits not only from his technical expertise but also from the fresh, practice-driven perspective he brings to research—opening paths our team alone might not see. His PhD is a true two-way learning journey.”
