Theoretical Quantum Information Science
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 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.
Please visit go.physics.illinois.edu/QISTheory26 to view the complete position announcement, which includes salary and benefits information and application instructions. Full consideration will be given to applications received by November 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled that participates in the federal e-Verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.
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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by accessibility@illinois.edu.