"Assistant Director, Quantum Science and Engineering MS Programs"

Context of the Job

The University of Delaware (UD) has launched a new graduate degree program in Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE). This program is training M.S. and Ph.D. students with the skills required to develop hardware and software that enables devices that leverage quantum phenomena to improve sensing, computation, and simulation capabilities. Responsibilities of the Associate Director of the QSE program include recruitment of applicants, development of new educational programs and paradigms that track the evolution of the field and workforce needs, maintaining and expanding teaching laboratories used to provide students with experience in the experimental methods of quantum science, teaching QSE courses, and supervision of practicum and thesis research projects conducted in UD’s shared facilities (e.g. nanofabrication, electron microscopy, optics laboratories).

The search will remain open until the position is filled. Applications received by March 1 are assured of full consideration.

Major Responsibilities

• Recruit MS program applicants.
• Development and delivery of virtual and in-person information sessions. Visit regional partner institutions. Follow up on technical inquiries.
• Establish and maintain QSE teaching and research capabilities.
• Provide training and oversight to students to ensure work adheres to safety standards.
• Install, maintain, and calibrate equipment in both the QSE teaching laboratory and shared optics labs. Provide expert training and guidance to students taking QSE laboratory courses or working in the shared optics laboratory. Teach appropriate QSE courses as needed.
• Supervise MS student practicum and research experiences.
• Coordinate with core facility directors and relevant faculty to identify projects of appropriate scale for MS research aligned with UDs QSE research thrusts.
• Development and supervision of hands-on experimental research projects by MS students conducted in UDs core facilities and shared optics laboratories.
• Teaching and research leadership. Collaborate with the director and other faculty members in strategic planning for both the teaching and research laboratories.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to develop new educational programs that meet workforce and student needs.
• Supervise experimental MS student research.
• Supervise student workers, technicians, and other staff (as needed) to support the function of the laboratory.
• Maintain personal competence and advances the state-of-the-art by involvement in professional activities, including attending conferences, reviewing papers, etc.
• Join faculty leadership in building relationships with industry to understand employer needs and ensure our programs are preparing graduates with the desired skills.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree and at least five years of experience with ultrafast laser systems, cryogenics, and/or quantum optics. Degree in physics, engineering, or other related field preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of the fundamentals as well as recent advances in solid state and photonic quantum information technologies.
• Hands-on experience with solid state and photonic quantum technologies preferred.
• Ability to independently learn new techniques, approaches, materials, research areas, and technologies.
• Experience, inclination, and troubleshooting skills enabling maintenance and operation of quantum science and engineering experimental systems.
• Ability to coordinate personnel to effect repairs and maintenance of complex equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, persistence, follow through, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• High energy, self-motivated with strong communication skills and personal work ethic, and a strong sense of ownership.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of personnel at multiple levels of expertise.
• Project management skills to prioritize and organize work, analyze and solve problems, and make sound decisions.
• Competence in investigation, analysis, and logic to coordinate scientific research.

Special Requirements

The work environment requires safety training, wearing protective equipment, occasional handling of chemicals and hazardous gases, and includes exposure to class IV laser systems and cryogenic temperatures. Involves the use of tools requiring high dexterity and requires standing, bending, crouching, stooping, and occasionally lifting 25-50 lbs.