Postdoctoral Scholar in Quantum Information and Quantum Matter

Postdoctoral Scholar in Quantum Information and Quantum Matter

The UW Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in quantum information and quantum matter. We welcome candidates whose interests include quantum phases of matter, quantum computing, quantum error correction, non-equilibrium physics, critical phenomena, open quantum systems, and quantum simulation. This is a full-time position for the duration of 2 years, with the possibility of a 3rd year renewal.

The anticipated start date is September 16, 2026.

The successful candidate will work primarily with Dr. Yaodong Li, and will collaborate with the groups of Dr. Lukasz Fidkowski and Dr. Mark Rudner. The position includes an annual research fund to support travel and other discretionary research expenses. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to build collaborations across campus through the Thouless Institute for Quantum Matter (TIQM), UW QuantumX, and the Department of Physics.

The ME Department at the University of Washington is in a significant and sustained growth period and seeks to build on existing strengths while expanding its impact. Candidates with a strong background in any area of Mechanical Engineering are encouraged to apply. We want to emphasize that the individual's excellence in research, as clearly identified by a record of publication in archival journals and presentations at top international conferences, is more important than the specific area of sub-specialization.

The University of Washington, located in Seattle, Washington, the heart of the high-tech Pacific Northwest, is one of the world's leading universities, ranking No. 8 in Best Global Universities in 2025-26 by U.S. News & World Report. The College of Engineering and the ME Department foster a highly collegial and collaborative culture. The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all.

As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

The Mechanical Engineering department's research and teaching portfolio covers all aspects in the broad field of mechanical engineering. The department currently has 41 tenured, tenure track, research and teaching faculty, over 700 undergraduates, 250 Master's students, 160 PhD students and 8 postdoctoral researchers, and continues to grow. More information about the ME department is available at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The base salary range for this position will be $70,000-$75,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Applicants must have a PhD or foreign equivalent doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline by the time of appointment.

Please submit the following via Interfolio:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae (with full publication list)
• Research statement (max 3 pages + 1 page bibliography)
• Three or more confidential letters of reference

Applications can be submitted at:  Review of applications will begin Dec 15, 2025, with applications accepted until the position is filled.

Questions? Contact Yaodong Li at liyd.