Grainger Engineering: Assistant Professor in Theoretical QIS - Department of Physics

Assistant Professor - Department of Physics

Theoretical Quantum Information Science

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Department of Physics in the The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for one (1) tenure-track, full-time Assistant Professor in Theoretical Quantum Information Science, including, but not limited to, quantum error correction, quantum optics, quantum algorithms, and atomic, molecular and optical physics.

There are numerous research groups at Illinois Physics and across the University that tackle problems related to QIS. At Illinois Physics, theoretical efforts include aspects such as developing new quantum algorithms and quantum computing platforms; studying the role of quantum entanglement in areas ranging from quantum gravity to condensed matter systems; quantum error correction and tomography; and improving quantum materials and devices.

Experimental efforts at Illinois Physics span superconducting and solid-state qubits, atomic and photonic qubits, quantum memories, hybrid quantum networks, quantum materials, quantum transduction, and quantum simulation.

The Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center (IQUIST) is an interdisciplinary center for QIS research on campus that includes people from many departments, including Illinois Physics. QIS researchers at Illinois are part of and leading many multi-institutional centers such as the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN), Q-NEXT, the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), and partnerships including the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute and the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP).

Students and faculty can also engage with the Illinois quantum entrepreneurship ecosystem through programs such as Duality.

A doctoral degree in Physics or related field is required by the expected fall 2026 start date; however starting date is negotiable. The budgeted salary range for the position is $110,000 to $140,000 on a 9-month service basis paid over 12 months. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by December 1, 2025.

Applications will be evaluated as received and those received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged, and applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after the closing date.

To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). The application package should include the following materials uploaded as a single PDF file in the "Resume/CV" section:
1) cover letter,
2) curriculum vitae,
3) research statement,
4) teaching statement,
5) service statement, and
6) names and contact information for four professional references (no letters required at this time). The research, teaching, and service statements offer a chance to share your motivation, approach, experience, leadership, impact, and vision in each area, including how you mission (), through campus, community, or professional engagement. For further information regarding application procedures, please address questions to Stephanie Swearingen at sswearin.

Our faculty and students are affiliated with and have access to world-class experimental and computational facilities located in on-campus multidisciplinary research (fundamental and translational) centers and laboratories, including:
Advanced Materials Testing and Evaluation Laboratory, the Coordinated Science Laboratory, Materials Research Laboratory, Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Lab, the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the IQUIST Center, and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.

We have an active and successful Dual Career Academic Couples Program and a commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff ().

Illinois offers resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career, along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Explore the full list of Employee Benefits and discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination…