Assistant Professor, Theoretical Physics Research in Quantum Technologies (Computing, Communications, and Materials Simulation)
Last updated: December 13, 2023, 1:07 p.m.
Job title: Assistant Professor, Theoretical Physics Research in Quantum Technologies (Computing, Communications, and Materials Simulation)
Position code: 21_T_PHYS_M
Date posted: December 13, 2023
Application deadline: February 16th, 2024
Advertised until: Position is filled
Position description
The Department of Physics in the Faculty of Arts and Science invites applications for a tenure-track position in Theoretical Physics: Research in Quantum Technologies (Computing, Communications, and Materials Simulation), at the rank of Assistant Professor. Duties include research, teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, and service to the institution. We are seeking candidates with a specialization in subfields including, but not limited to, theoretical physics approaches towards applications of quantum computing, the development of quantum algorithms, simulations of quantum materials, quantum communications and cryptography. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong independent physics research program, supervise graduate students, secure significant external funding, and establish collaborations with members of the Department of Physics, as well as with external partners across Quebec and Canada. Open-access infrastructure available in Quebec includes: QUANTUM ALGOLAB which is a platform providing access to IBM’s quantum computer in Bromont, Quebec. DistriQ a Quantum start-up incubator, NUMANA a quantum communication network for research purposes, Calcul Quebec’s supercomputers (via DRAC) and MonarQ quantum computer.
Qualifications and assets
Candidates must have completed their PhD in physics, or a closely related field, and have relevant postdoctoral experience by the start date of the appointment. The main criteria for selection are scholarly and teaching excellence. The successful candidate will provide evidence of high-quality scholarly output that demonstrates potential for independent research leading to peer assessed publications and the securing of external research funding, as well as strong potential for outstanding teaching contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates are encouraged to share any career interruptions or personal circumstances that may have had an impact on their career goals in their letter of application. These will be carefully considered in the assessment process. The Department values diversity among its faculty and strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. Concordia University is an English-language institution of higher learning at which the primary language of instruction and research is English. Since this position supports academic functions of the university, proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of French, including reading and grading student work in French, is an asset.
How to apply
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. While applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship, all applicants must include one of the following statements:
Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
or
No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
Application packages should be addressed to Dr. Valter Zazubovits, Chair of the Department of Physics, and must include: a cover letter; a current curriculum vitae (including a description of any career interruption(s) and impact)); copies of three (3) representative publications; a five (5) page outline of the proposed research program, which should also address potential for collaborations within the Department, Concordia, other Quebec Universities, and beyond; a one page diversity statement outlining their perspective on, and demonstrated experience with, diversity and inclusion (see below for more details); as well as a statement of teaching philosophy/interests (if available, attach any teaching evaluations). Candidates must also arrange to have three (3) letters of reference submitted by the referees themselves. Applications and letters of reference must be submitted electronically directly to AcademicJobsOnline.org at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26716 by February 16, 2024, but will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. The appointment is expected to commence in August 2024. Any inquiries about this position should be directed to the Department Chair, Dr. Valter Zazubovits at valter.zazubovits@concordia.ca.
Concordia University is strongly committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and recognizes the importance of inclusion in achieving excellence in teaching and research. As part of this commitment to providing our students with the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive educational environment of a Next‐Generation University, we require all applicants to articulate in their cover letter how their background, as well as lived and professional experiences and expertise have prepared them to teach in ways that are relevant for a diverse, multicultural contemporary Canadian society.
Possible examples to demonstrate a diverse experience may include, but are not limited to:
• teaching about underrepresented populations
• mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds
• committee work
• offering or organizing educational programming
• participation in training and workshops
All applicants will receive an email invitation to complete a short equity survey. Participation in the survey is voluntary and no identifying information about candidates will be shared with hiring committees. Candidates who wish to self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group to the hiring committee may do so in their cover letter or by writing directly to the contact person indicated in this posting.
Adaptive measures
Applicants who anticipate requiring adaptive measures throughout any stage of the recruitment process may contact, in confidence, Anna Barrafato, Accessibility Change Lead: anna.barrafato@concordia.ca or by phone at 514.848.2424 extension 3511.
The Department of Physics has focused its recent hires in two strategic research fields: (i) nanoscale and quantum materials, and (ii) biomedical physics, while maintaining active research groups in particle physics and physics education. The department is growing and diversifying its research and programs rapidly and is a hub for quantitative multidisciplinary sciences, with deep connections to other science and engineering departments across the university and beyond. The department has extensive state-of-the-art research infrastructure relevant to experimental and theoretical study of quantum materials, including a state-of-the-art dilution cryostat, electronics, optics, and fabrication infrastructure, as well as extensive nanomaterials research facilities.
Relevant research centers at Concordia University include CERMM (Centre for Research in Molecular Modeling) and SRC (Security Research Centre). The city of Montreal and the province of Quebec are home to a rich and welcoming research ecosystem of universities and research centers with extensive activities in quantum materials and technologies. You can find additional information about the department’s research groups here, and information about our programs and community here.
The Faculty of Arts and Science was created in July 1977 through the merger of the former Loyola Faculty of Arts and Science, the former Sir George Williams Faculty of Arts, and the former Sir George Williams Faculty of Science.
The Faculty consists of 27 academic departments, colleges, institutes, and schools as well as more than 20 research centres. The Faculty is committed to responsible and innovative leadership in developing and disseminating knowledge and values and encouraging constructive social criticism. We achieve these objectives through inclusive and accessible academic programs which stress a broad-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning. We are dedicated to superior teaching and research supported by excellence in scholarship and creative activity, and a tradition of service to the community. The Faculty serves many interdependent academic communities in an urban environment where students and faculty can pursue their shared commitment to lifelong learning. For more about the Faculty of Arts and Science, please visit: www.concordia.ca/artsci.
Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, on the traditional lands and waters of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.
Building on the skills of our faculty and the strengths of Indigenous, local, and global partnerships, we set our sights further and more broadly than others and align the quality of learning opportunities to larger trends and substantial challenges facing society.
“Concordia is a young, forward-looking university. It’s a unique place where experimentation, innovation and creativity are truly valued. Our community of students, faculty, staff and alumni all contribute to our momentum as Canada’s next-gen university.” — Concordia President Graham Carr.
Profoundly global, Concordia is North America’s top university under the age of 50 and is recognized for attracting some of the most talented faculty and students from around the world. Driven by ambition, innovation and a commitment to reconciliation, research and community engagement, Concordia is celebrated for advancing transformative learning, convergent thinking and public impact.
Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, is exceptional; safe, vibrant and diverse, with new things to discover around every corner. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather and conduct our activities. With a population of 1.7 million, Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is home to four major universities and several clinical research centres and has been named the best student city in the world. It offers the most affordable tuition in Canada.
The city enjoys a thriving multicultural scene. Bilingualism is a part of Montreal’s tradition and adds to its inspiring atmosphere. While supporting a significant anglophone population, it is the one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world.
Montreal is famed for its innovative culinary scene and festivals. It was also the first metropolis to be designated a UNESCO City of Design by the Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity.
The city is recognized globally as an important centre for commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, gaming and film.
Territorial Acknowledgement
Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.
Employment Equity
Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications.
Immigration Status
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. While applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship, all applications must include one of the following statements:
Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
or
No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
