Grainger Engineering: Professor (Open Rank) Theoretical QIS - Department of Physics

The Department of Physics in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, faculty position in quantum information science (QIS) theory, broadly defined, at the assistant, associate, or full professor level. Applications are welcome across specialties including but not limited to quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, quantum computing architectures, quantum information, and quantum simulation of physical systems.

Successful candidates must be able to teach in these and other areas while also contributing to the excellence of our programs through research and service efforts. Candidates are expected to establish and maintain an active and independent research program, teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and provide service to the department, the university, and the profession.

Successful candidates are expected to tackle leading problems in QIS and complement the numerous groups already working on QIS at Illinois Physics and the University. 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 nuclear physics and condensed matter systems; quantum error correction and tomography; developing digital and analog quantum simulations of physical systems; 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 a related field is required by the expected fall 2027 start date; however starting date is negotiable. The budgeted salary range for the position is $115,000 to $135,000 at the Assistant Professor level, $135,000 to $160,000 at the Associate Professor level, and $160,000 to $220,000 at the Full Professor level, for a 9-month service basis paid over 12 months. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Full consideration will be given to applications received by November 1, 2026. Applications may be reviewed as they are received. Those submitted
after the stated deadline may still be considered until the position is
filled. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however,
no hiring decision will be made until after that date. This position is
eligible for work authorization sponsorship.

To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu. 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 three 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 would support the university's land-grant mission (https://boldly.illinois.edu/), through campus, community, or professional engagement. For further information regarding application procedures, please address questions to Stephanie Swearingen and sswearin@illinois.edu.

Faculty and students at Illinois benefit from access to world-class experimental, computational, and interdisciplinary facilities and centers across campus, including the Coordinated Science Laboratory, Materials Research Laboratory, the Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Lab, the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the Illinois Center for Advanced Studies of the Universe, and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.

We have an active and successful Dual Career Academic Couples Program and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff (https://provost.illinois.edu/faculty-affairs/work-life-balance/).

Founded in 1867 as Illinois's flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land-grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm-shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes. The university's legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career - along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.

Faculty Recruitment
Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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 statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.