Assistant Professor, Theoretical Quantum Physics & Machine Learning; CIFAR AI & QHA Chair

Competition 1700

Working for the Department/Faculty

The Department of Physics has approximately 48 faculty with research interests in condensed matter physics, astrophysics, biophysics, geophysics and subatomic physics. Our condensed matter theory group currently focuses on superconductivity, topological quantum materials, computational physics, and quantum simulation. Our experimental condensed matter group is well equipped with labs for ultrafast laser spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, low-temperature physics, cavity optomechanics, and ultra cold atoms; as well as $100M+ in equipment at the university’s characterization and fabrication facility (nanoFAB). The National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT), located next door to the physics building, also houses a number of condensed matter labs. Access to high-performance computing resources is available through the Digital Research Alliance of Canada. Initiatives by the Governments of Alberta and Canada provide exceptional opportunities for additional funding to establish new research programs at the University of Alberta.

Position

The Department of Physics, University of Alberta (http://www.physics.ualberta.ca/) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in theoretical quantum physics and machine learning. We are primarily seeking an emerging scholar to hire at the Assistant Professor level who is committed to excellence in teaching and research. Applicants must possess a PhD in physics (or related field) and have the potential to develop an innovative and externally-funded research program in theoretical quantum physics and machine learning. The successful candidate will be expected to build a strong, independent research program, supervise graduate students and teach physics at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

To be successful, candidates must also receive the endorsement of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) as suitable for nomination to a Canada CIFAR Artificial Intelligence (CCAI) Chair at the University of Alberta.

Amii is one of three institutes named in the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy (https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/strategie-ia/) and represents more than 35 artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning (ML) researchers at the University of Alberta, as well as CCAI Chairs at post-secondary institutions across Western Canada. The CCAI Chair includes research funding for at least five (5) years. This position is part of a University of Alberta cluster hire in the areas of research strength that include Health, Energy, and Indigenous Initiatives in health and humanities, among others (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/research/index.html). The University of Alberta is world-renowned for its strength in AI; this cohort will bring together and foster the next generation of scientists leading the development of machine learning for societal benefit, fulfilling Amii's mandate of AI for good and all.

The successful candidate will also be nominated for associate faculty member status with Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA). Initiated by a $12-million gift from a group of visionary donors, QHA is a new $25-million Alberta-wide initiative to pursue transformational research in fundamental and theoretical quantum science (https://www.quantumhorizonsab.ca/). QHA provides funding for eight new faculty at its three host universities (U. Alberta, U. Calgary, U. Lethbridge), focused on foundational quantum science research, including four at the University of Alberta. QHA also provides research support to its faculty members with funding for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows; research infrastructure, travel and collaboration across all three QHA nodes; and participation in QHA seminars, summer schools, and conferences.

The anticipated start date for this position is 1st July 2025.

Salary will be based on the incumbent’s qualifications, experience, and achievements and in accordance with the Faculty Agreement.

Qualifications

PhD in physics or related field.

Candidates must also demonstrate how they will work to expand the diversity of the Department through a statement about equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). In the EDI statement, candidates should describe how they plan to incorporate these considerations into their teaching, research, and service. Candidates are also encouraged to describe how they will contribute to increasing the diversification of ideas within the Department of Physics.

How to Apply:

Please click "Apply" below. Upload ONE .pdf file that includes these documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement
• Teaching statement
• Publication list
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

In addition, please arrange for three referees, preferably with at least one being able to speak to the candidate’s expertise in AI/ML, to email confidential reference letters directly to Suzette Chan, the Department Chair’s Executive Assistant, at suzette.chan@ualberta.ca, with the subject line, with the subject line "TQPML Assistant Professor 2025 Reference Letter”. 

Complete applications and all reference letters must be received by December 10, 2024, for full consideration. Interviewees will have the opportunity to express the need for any accommodations, e.g., related to one’s mobility, dietary restrictions, child care, etc.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce and has both a Strategic Plan for EDI and an Indigenous Strategic Plan. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Mitis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; those with non-traditional career paths and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

For further information, please email Suzette Chan, the Department Chair’s Executive Assistant, at suzette.chan@ualberta.ca (using “TQPML Assistant Professor 2025” as the email’s subject).