Executive Director, QCORE

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Preferred start by January 11, 2027.

Applicants will be required to list a minimum of five references during the application process.

QCORE seeks a strategic leader to build and sustain an organization that advances research and scientific discovery.

The Executive Director of QCORE serves as the head of a university-wide research institute and works closely with affiliated faculty and staff to build and lead a successful program advancing research and scientific discovery in quantum science, engineering, and business.

QCORE’s primary objective is to empower Montana’s quantum ecosystem by uniting cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and community engagement – enabling breakthrough technologies that shape the future of quantum innovation. The vision of QCORE is to lead Montana’s transformation into a global powerhouse for quantum-enabled technologies by 2035, fostering economic growth, academic excellence and a resilient, future-focused workforce.

QCORE exists to steward the development of transformative quantum technologies in service to the common good. QCORE will help students plan for careers in quantum and quantum-enabling systems and will support transitioning into those careers through strategic partnerships with Montana’s growing quantum industry. Strategic partnerships serve as the mechanism for QCORE to strengthen relationships between industry, research and innovators – growing collaboration and creating shared opportunities for beneficial technology innovations.

Pending approval of research center status, QCORE is housed in The College of Letters & Science ( CLS ), the largest center for learning, teaching and research at Montana State University. CLS offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematical, and social sciences.

Building on the great strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry. CLS is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued. CLS is at the confluence of intellectual tradition, discovery, and innovation.

When research center status is finalized for QCORE , the center will be in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.

• Strategically position QCORE to be a nationally recognized, best-in-class research and development center for advancement of quantum technology, a leader in quantum workforce development and a deeply integrated innovation ecosystem that supports the translation of quantum and related technologies to industry.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies to improve QCORE’s overall sustainability, effectiveness, and responsiveness to the needs of sponsoring organizations and companies in the state, region, nation, and internationally.
• Develop and maintain a best-in-class governance structure for QCORE .
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including federal agencies, individual donors, institutional funders, congressional representatives, and corporate partners.
• Build strategic alliances and partnerships with other testbeds, academic institutions, corporations, and governments to expand QCORE’s reach, visibility, and impact.
• Lead efforts to secure sustainable funding through partnerships, campaigns, and new initiatives to diversify the organization’s revenue (e.g., federal and…