Job Details
Assistant Professor - Physics, Quantum Information Theory - Fall 2027
Location: Knoxville, TN
Open Date: Sep 10, 2026
Description: The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Quantum Information Theory , with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2027. We seek candidates capable of developing an innovative research program in theoretical quantum information science and quantum computing, broadly construed . We welcome applications spanning the full quantum information…
science landscape, from fundamental theory to theory closely connected with quantum technologies and physical platforms. Relevant areas include but are not limited to: quantum information and computation; quantum algorithms and complexity; quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing; quantum simulation; quantum sensing and metrology; quantum communication and networks; quantum cryptography; quantum control; quantum many-body information science; theoretical quantum optics; quantum architectures and resource estimation; and hardware-aware theory or hardware–software co-design. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research will complement and extend existing theoretical and experimental strengths at UTK and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and who can build intellectual connections across different layers of quantum science and technology. Candidates whose work links fundamental quantum information concepts to realistic devices, architectures, experiments, or applications are especially encouraged to apply. The search is not restricted to any quantum-computing platform, application area, or methodological approach. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Tennessee's flagship State research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. The successful candidate will benefit greatly from available computational resources, and by the proximity to unique research facilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The campus is in one of the most beautiful areas of the country with easy access to miles of inland waterways, pristine state and national parks, diverse cultural opportunities, and a blend of convenient urban and rural living settings. Downtown Knoxville, adjacent to campus, is a thriving neighborhood filled with restaurants, shops, and indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, and is home to the Knoxville Symphony and Knoxville Opera, as well as to the annual Big Ears Music Festival, Jazz on the Square, Shakespeare on the Square, and other events.
Qualifications:
UTK offers a rich environment for quantum science. Faculty across Physics and Astronomy and other departments pursue research in quantum computation, quantum materials, quantum optics, quantum sensing, quantum communication and networking, and related areas. UTK researchers have extensive collaborations with ORNL, including activities associated with the Quantum Science Center, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations across the university. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop collaborations spanning fundamental physics, computation, engineering, and emerging quantum technologies. The successful candidate is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program; supervise graduate and undergraduate researchers; contribute to the department's graduate and undergraduate teaching missions; and participate in the continued development of quantum information science research and education at UTK. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Physics or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Candidates must have demonstrated research expertise in theoretical quantum information science, broadly construed, together with a record of research accomplishments appropriate to their career stage. Candidates must demonstrate the potential to establish an independent, externally funded research program of high quality, the potential for effective teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the potential for successful mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively to a collaborative research and educational environment within the Department of Physics and Astronomy and across the broader quantum science community at UTK and ORNL.
Application Instructions:
Applicants should include (1) a cover letter describing their interest in the position; (2) a curriculum vitae including full list of publications; (3) a research statement outlining previous and future directions with detail on aligned sources of extramural funding; (4) a teaching and mentoring statement; (5) complete letters of recommendation from 3 references (requested through Interfolio). All application materials should be submitted on-line at https://apply.interfolio.com/xxxxxx. Only electronic applications will be considered, and acceptable file formats are .pdf or .docx. Review of applications will start on December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. George Siopsis, Search Committee Chair, via gsiopsis@utk.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.
Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.
Organization
Working at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee is one of the nation's oldest and most storied public universities. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee's flagship land-grant institution includes the statewide Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute in Tullahoma. The university embodies excellence in teaching, discovery, scholarship, research, creative activity, outreach, and engagement. Known as the Volunteers, we lead with a spirit of selflessness, empathy, and courage, and strive to be champions for diversity, equity, and inclusion
UT Knoxville is a Research 1 university with 11 academic colleges and more than 900 programs of study. With an enrollment of more than 30,000 students, our academic programs are repeatedly ranked top in their class. The university co-manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the country's most prominent national lab, driving innovation in advanced manufacturing and materials, national security, and more. We are closely connected with our communities through outreach and extension efforts across Tennessee and through partnerships with non-profits, corporations, and industries—regionally, nationally, and around the globe.
The city of Knoxville is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The modern, thriving community is surrounded by gorgeous lakes and hundreds of miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails. Situated along the banks of the Tennessee River, our beautiful features an eclectic music scene, internationally recognized festivals, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of diverse cultural activities. Knoxville is located within a day's drive of Atlanta, Nashville, Asheville, Charlotte, Louisville, Cincinnati, Memphis, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a population of more than 850,000 people. The region houses many leading corporations and organizations, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pilot/Flying J, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Regal Cinemas, along with HGTV, Food Network, and other networks owned by Discovery Inc.
As a member of the UT family, you will be surrounded by top-notch faculty, staff, and students from around the world. You will be part of a diverse campus community that is passionate about changing the world and cheering for the Vols on game day.
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