Faculty Position: Quantum Topology & Quantum Computing

The University of California, Santa Barbara announces a strategic expansion of its world-leading quantum research enterprise, building on an unrivaled legacy of excellence recently punctuated by the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. This initiative reinforces an extraordinary community of faculty whose work spans the full quantum spectrum—from superconducting qubits and synthetic materials to the theoretical foundations of quantum topology. UCSB leverages a premier research infrastructure including the NSF Quantum Foundry, the Eddleman Quantum Institute, and a state-of-the-­art Nanofabrication Facility.

These resources, combined with deep on-campus partnerships with global technology giants, position the university at the forefront of the federal government's "big bets" in quantum information science.

To further strengthen this elite group, recruitment is underway for three foundational faculty positions in the first phase of this strategic cluster hire: an Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Experimentalist in Physics, JPF
03135; a specialist in Quantum Topology in Mathematics ; and an Experimental Physical Chemist in Chemistry and Biochemistry, JPF
03152

As a vital part of this Quantum Cluster, the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

The Department is looking for accomplished mathematicians with a particular emphasis in the area of Quantum Topology broadly construed, and its intersections with quantum computing. Preference will be given to candidates with strong potential to collaborate with researchers in other disciplines, especially physics or computer science, as well as to interact robustly with colleagues specializing in Topology.

Responsibilities of faculty members generally include the development of an actively funded research program of high quality, teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, mentorship of undergraduate students, recruitment, supervision, and mentorship of graduate students, and participation in university service and professional activities that meets expectations for faculty rank and step. UCSB has a strong tradition of collaborative research, and successful candidates will be able to leverage synergies across the campus as appropriate to their field.

UC Santa Barbara offers a unique environment where innovative, interdisciplinary, and foundational research is conducted in a collegial atmosphere. We are looking for candidates who have demonstrated exceptional promise through novel research.

At a minimum, applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent) except the dissertation (or equivalent) in mathematics or a related field at the time of application.