Employment opportunities

The Institute for Quantum Computing is currently looking to fill the following positions:

• Director, Institute for Quantum Computing
• Tier 2 Canada Research Chair
• Four tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor in Math or Science
• Research Assistant Professor

For more information, please visit the Institute for Quantum Computing website.

Director, Institute for Quantum Computing

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 hiring of 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.

Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/faculty-association/why-waterloo.

The review of applications will begin November 15, 2018 and 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.

Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Quantum Information Science

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo is seeking an exceptional scholar and researcher for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair and tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, and in special cases Associate or Full Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2019.  Candidates internal to the University of Waterloo are eligible to compete for the Tier 2 Canada Research Chair.

A PhD and significant evidence of excellence in research in quantum information science and technology and the potential for effective teaching are required. Responsibilities include the supervision of graduate students and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Based on qualifications, a salary range of $80,143 to $155,000 will be considered. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates. The search is open to all areas of quantum information that connect with the goals and ongoing research at IQC. 

Full consideration for this position is assured only for applications received by October 15, 2018. Interested individuals should upload their application via the faculty application form at http://uwaterloo.ca/iqc/positions and arrange for three referees to upload letters of reference.

IQC is a collaborative research institute at the University of Waterloo focused on quantum information science and technology, ranging from the theory of quantum information to practical applications. At present, IQC has a complement of 30 faculty members (growing to 39) from the Faculties of Engineering, Mathematics and Science.  Membership in IQC is renewable, with an initial appointment of 5 years, and comes with research space, a teaching reduction of one course, and a stipend. Information about research at IQC can be found at http://uwaterloo.ca/iqc/research.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a regular faculty member of the Department of Chemistry or Department of Physics & Astronomy within the Faculty of Science and will be subsequently nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. Nominations for Canada Research Chairs (CRC) are subject to review by the CRC Secretariat and appointment as a CRC is conditional on their approval (see the CRC terms of reference). The University of Waterloo is committed to providing the candidate with the support required to secure the CRC.

The successful candidate will have obtained a PhD or equivalent within ten years of nomination to the CRC position and will be an outstanding emerging scholar with a demonstrated potential to achieve a significant international reputation in the next five to ten years. Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc. may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program's Tier 2 justification process which can be found at: http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx. The University of Waterloo understands the impact that legitimate career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement and encourages potential candidates to explain in their application the impact this may have on their record. Please consult the CRC website http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/ and the University of Waterloo Office of Research for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria. 

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. 

Diversity is integral to academic excellence, and as such, the University is committed to attracting and retaining diverse faculty. Based on existing demographics within Canada Research Chairs at the University of Waterloo, priority in hiring will be given to qualified women who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their letter of intent in their application. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their application, the information will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for the fulfillment of the special program purpose(s) http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/equity-equite/index-eng.aspx. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

If you have any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, eligibility, the CRC program etc., please contact the IQC Director iqc-dtr@uwaterloo.ca.

Faculty Positions

Applications are invited for four tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor, and in special cases Associate or Full Professor, at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and any department in the Faculties of Mathematics and Science. IQC is a collaborative research institute focused on quantum information science and technology, ranging from the theory of quantum information to practical applications. Membership in IQC is renewable, with an initial appointment of 5 years, and comes with research space, a teaching reduction of one course, and a stipend. Information about research at IQC can be found at http://uwaterloo.ca/iqc/research.

A PhD and significant evidence of excellence in research in quantum information science and technology and the potential for effective teaching are required. Responsibilities include the supervision of graduate students and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Based on qualifications, a salary range of $80,500 to $155,000 will be considered. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates. Effective date of appointment is July 1, 2019. The search is open to all areas of quantum information that connect with the goals and ongoing research at IQC.

The University of Waterloo is host to the Institute for Quantum Computing. At present, IQC has a complement of 30 faculty members (growing to 39) from the Faculties of Engineering, Mathematics and Science. Interested individuals should upload their application via the faculty application form at: http://uwaterloo.ca/iqc/positions.

Full consideration for these positions is assured only for applications rec​eived by December 1, 2018.

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, IQC Director (iqc-dtr@uwaterloo.ca).
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.

Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/faculty-association/why-waterloo.

Research Assistant Professor

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant Professor in the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and any department in the Faculties of Mathematics, Engineering and Science. The IQC is a collaborative research institute focused on quantum information, science and technology. Membership in IQC is a five-year appointment, subject to re-evaluation after three years taking into consideration performance and availability of funding. Only those candidates whose research program directly connects with the goals and ongoing research at IQC will be considered. Information about research at IQC can be found at http://uwaterloo.ca/iqc/research.

A PhD and significant evidence of excellence in research in quantum information science and technology are required. Based on qualifications a salary range of $70,000 to $90,000 will be considered. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates. Effective date of appointment is negotiable.

The University of Waterloo is host to the Institute for Quantum Computing. At present, IQC has a complement of 29 faculty members (growing to 39) from the Faculties of Engineering, Mathematics and Science. Interested individuals should upload their application via the faculty application form at: http://uwaterloo.ca/iqc/positions.

The application review process will begin on May 20, 2018 and continue until the position is filled.