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The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) seeks to appoint a new Executive Director. This is a unique opportunity to shape the global future of quantum information science and engineering. IQC is well connected internationally, and the directorship provides an effective platform for sharing visions of a quantum future. Quantum information is an established strategic priority of both the University of Waterloo and the government of Canada. The Director of IQC plays a critical role in the leadership of the Institute by setting its overall strategic direction, cultivating key external relationships, and ensuring that it delivers against its mandate. The Director of IQC reports to the Vice President, University Research at the University of Waterloo.
IQC is a multidisciplinary research center at the University of Waterloo, dedicated to the development and advancement of quantum information science and technology. Established in 2002, it spans the Faculties of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, and today has an annual budget of approximately $25 million and includes 30 faculty members and 40 postdoctoral fellows. IQC is exceptionally well outfitted for advancing quantum science and as a welcoming meeting place for researchers. It has 58,000 square feet of laboratory space in three facilities, including purpose- built laboratories for nano-fabrication, metrology, and ultralow vibration experiments. IQC’s headquarters, the Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre, was designed to facilitate interactions and includes ample space for discussions and collaborative research. In addition to its internationally recognized research, IQC offers a unique interdisciplinary graduate program in Quantum Information to approximately 150 students. It also runs a variety of outreach programs, including the USEQIP summer school for undergraduates and the Quantum Innovators workshop for aspiring faculty candidates. IQC is supported by a strong administrative staff, including finance and communications personnel, https://uwaterloo.ca/institute-for-quantum-computing/.
IQC sits within the Quantum Valley ecosystem, with partners including the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and Quantum Valley Ideas Laboratory; more than 250 researchers work within 1km of IQC to advance the science, technology and commercial impact of quantum information. Investment in the Quantum Valley (governmental, industrial, philanthropic, and academic) now totals $1.8 billion CAD, including the recent $76 million CAD award by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
Attractive factors include stable funding, including an endowment of more than $100 million CAD, the potential for significant faculty hiring (growth to 39 faculty members), and the established, internationally recognized excellence of IQC’s comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to quantum information. In addition, the Executive Director will have significant start-up funding to establish their research program.
Exceptional candidates
The successful candidate will share the Institute’s core values for excellence in teaching and research; will have a bold strategic vision for the future of quantum information science and engineering; and will continue to build IQC through shared enthusiasm with faculty, staff, students, government, and industrial partners. The successful candidate will be able to recognize excellence broadly across the disciplines that comprise quantum information, and will lead the Institute’s academic program, maintain a vision for research, strengthen the Institute’s research infrastructure, and lead its hiringof exceptional new faculty. In addition, the successful candidate will supervise IQC’s administrative and technical staff teams, promote collaborative efforts, support faculty - led initiatives, and advance the Institute’s commitment to faculty, student, and staff member inclusion, openness of processes, and equitable hiring and research practices.
Candidates for the position of Executive Director of IQC are PhD - level senior scholars in quantum information with leadership practice and at least 10 years’ experience in an academic setting. They must be a leading authority in quantum information broadly, and have a demonstrated ability to maintain a research program of the highest calibre. IQC offers an internationally competitive salary.
The term of the appointment is five years, with the potential for one-time renewal. The successful candidate will hold a professorial appointment in an appropriate discipline within the Faculty of Mathematics, Science, or Engineering and will retain that position at the conclusion of their directorship. It is anticipated that the Executive Director will also be appointed to a position of Associate Faculty at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
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The review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
The University of Waterloo regards diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to employment equity and accessibility for all employees. As such, we encourage applications from women, Indigenous (First Nations,Métis and Inuit) peoples, persons with disabilities, members of diverse gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. At Waterloo, you will have the opportunity to work across disciplines and collaborate with an international community of scholars and a diverse student body, situated in a rapidly growing community that has been termed a “hub of innovation”. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will receive priority in the recruitment process.
To Apply: Please send a curriculum vitae and a statement of interest in the position, in confidence, to Dr. Charmaine Dean, Vice-President University Research, at IQC.search@uwaterloo.ca
If you have any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, eligibility, or a request for accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Dr. Charmaine Dean, Vice-President University Research, at IQC.search@uwaterloo.ca
