Director, Quantum Innovation Center, Associate or Full Professor

Job

Location:

Columbia

Full-Time

The University of Missouri (MU) seeks an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Director of the Quantum Innovation Center (QIC), an interdisciplinary initiative advancing research, education, workforce development, and strategic partnerships in quantum computing and quantum information science.

The Director will lead a dynamic collaboration spanning the University of Missouri System, academic institutions, and industry partners nationwide, while building on MU's existing strengths in quantum computing and related fields. The Center also provides opportunities to connect quantum research with complementary areas of innovation across the University creating pathways for interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging applications of quantum technologies in health and biomedical research.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Engineering and working collaboratively across the University, the Director will provide strategic leadership for the continued development, growth, and national visibility of the Center. The successful candidate will build and strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations, cultivate external partnerships, support faculty recruitment and development, and identify opportunities to advance MU's role within the rapidly evolving quantum ecosystem.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a nationally recognized scholar and collaborative leader to shape the future direction of a growing interdisciplinary center while contributing to the University of Missouri's broader strengths in research, education, and innovation. The position includes a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department or another appropriate academic department.

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Quantum Innovation Center, advancing its research, education, workforce development, and innovation mission in alignment with University and national priorities.
• Build and expand a high-impact quantum research portfolio by identifying emerging opportunities, establishing strategic priorities, and developing interdisciplinary research initiatives across engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and related fields.
• Recruit and engage exceptional faculty and researchers whose scholarship advances the Center's priorities, expands MU's research capabilities, and creates opportunities for new interdisciplinary collaborations and externally funded research.
• Build interdisciplinary research teams and strengthen research development
  , supporting competitive proposals to federal agencies, national laboratories, industry sponsors, foundations, and other funding partners.
• Advance graduate and undergraduate research and postdoctoral training
  , creating opportunities for students and trainees to engage in quantum-related research and prepare for careers in quantum science and technology.
• Lead the development and expansion of innovative education and workforce development programs
  , including certificates, workshops, internships, experiential learning, and continuing education that respond to evolving workforce needs.
• Strengthen pathways from education to careers by developing relationships with industry, government laboratories, national security organizations, graduate programs, and other employers and training partners.
• Develop and sustain strategic external partnerships with industry, national laboratories, federal agencies, professional organizations, and other organizations to expand sponsored research, internships, workforce development, and collaborative educational opportunities.
• Serve as a…