Chair of Excellence in Quantum Science and Technology

Chair of Excellence in Quantum Science and Technology

Call 2026

InstituteQ is opening two positions in its third call for the Chair of Excellence in Quantum Science and Technology.

What is the Chair of Excellence Program?

The chair of excellence program is designed to host international leading experts and eminent scholars at one of the host organizations at InstituteQ for a three-year term, and a cumulative commitment of 9–12 months. The chairs are expected to strengthen key scientific areas where InstituteQ already holds significant visibility and also to foster expertise and excellence in emerging areas. Currently, over 90 research groups participate in the operations of the institute (full list of research groups here). Focus areas include, but are not limited, to quantum materials (such as superconducting flat-band and two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials), quantum software and algorithms, and quantum devices (including solid state qubits, quantum circuits, quantum nanomechanics). Appointed chairs are expected to collaborate with InstituteQ research groups, present their work at InstituteQ colloquia, and deliver a lecture (either individually or as a guest lecturer) during their stay.

Chair of Excellence call 2026

InstituteQ invites international leading experts and eminent scholars to apply for two positions as Chair of Excellence in Quantum Science and Technology. The call is open to both senior-level scientists and outstanding young researchers with a proven track record of excellence. InstituteQ actively promotes diversity in all its forms; researchers with underrepresented and historically marginalized identities, particularly relating to gender, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates are expected to enrich strategic focus areas of member organization at InstituteQ and additionally or alternatively initiate and/or strengthen emerging themes of high relevance and of candidate’s interest.

One position is hosted at Aalto University and the other at the University of Jyväskylä (JYU). Each position includes a EUR 60 000 award* distributed over the three-year period 2026-2028, including EUR 15 000 travel grant (EUR 5 000/year). The Chair is expected to conduct at least 2-3 longer term research and teaching visits to the host university. The total duration of the visits is expected to be 9-12 months, distributed flexibly based on mutual agreement between the host university and the candidate over the three-year period 2026-2028.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Leading experts and eminent scholars at all career stages with a strong scientific track record are eligible to apply.
• Collaboration with InstituteQ groups is expected (see here)
• During their stay, awardees are expected to serve the InstituteQ community through:
  • Delivering a lecture (either individually or as a guest lecturer), and/or hold a workshop/training in a hybrid format
  • Giving a talk in the InstituteQ colloquium series (see here)
• Awardees must follow the dual-use and research security guidelines of the host university

What we offer

InstituteQ, in close collaboration with its host universities, offers an exceptional academic environment conducive to advancing research, generating novel scientific ideas, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across the quantum science and technology landscape. Finland’s leading universities, research organizations, and quantum-focused industries constitute a robust and coherent ecosystem situated within the Nordic region’s largest innovation hub. The available state-of-the-art research infrastructure supports the full spectrum of activities, from fundamental scientific inquiry to application-oriented and industrially relevant research and development.

For the selected candidates, office space during visits, as well as the standard office facilities (e.g., computer facilities, university e-mail, access to information services) will be provided. The travel costs to and from Finland, as directly related to the Chair of Excellence, are reimbursed according to the real costs (economy class) but up to EUR 5 000/year included in the total award.

Ready to apply?

Please submit your application as one single PDF in English through Aalto University’s online recruitment system (“Apply Now” link).

Application materials:

1. Letter of motivation/cover letter
2. Letter of support from the collaborating InstituteQ PI at the host university
3. Project proposal of two-three pages for the three-year period, including:
   • Envisioned collaborations with local InstituteQ PIs
   • List of potential trainings/workshops/lectures/courses
   • Intended schedule of visits
   • Considerations for continuation of the collaboration beyond the Chair period
4. CV
5. List of 5 selected publications or other outputs of high relevance

31.3.2026 update: Chair hosted at JYU does not accept further applications. Aalto’s Chair position continues accepting applications until the end of April.

The positions will begin according to a mutually agreed schedule for 2026-2028 but not earlier than May 1, 2026.