"Director, Quantum Horizons Alberta – Calgary and Canada Research Chair Tier 1"

University of Calgary
Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA) was established in 2023 as an Alberta-wide initiative to expand foundational knowledge of quantum science, to pursue transformational research into the potential of quantum mechanics, and to enhance Alberta’s stature as a globally recognized centre for quantum research and innovation. Initiated by a $12-million gift from a group of visionary donors, QHA is currently a $25-million centre of excellence that will build on and increase Alberta’s considerable capacity in quantum research through a partnership of the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, and the University of Lethbridge.

Funding through QHA is intended to build on existing expertise and attract new talent with the goal to recruit a minimum of eight new quantum research professors to Alberta over the next two years along with funding for many postdoctoral scholars and graduate students. Together, these initiatives will train the next generation of quantum scientists, including postdoctoral scholars and graduate students at each of the universities.

QHA will enable a long-term and sustainable path for Alberta’s leadership in foundational quantum research, creating impact that will reach far beyond Alberta.

The University of Calgary is actively seeking an established research leader to take on the pivotal role of Director, Quantum Horizons Alberta – Calgary and Canada Research Chair Tier 1. The Director will be tasked with guiding this initiative to new frontiers of knowledge in quantum science. This role requires a visionary leader, someone capable of inspiring a diverse team of researchers, graduate students, and stakeholders towards achieving ambitious goals that will accelerate foundational quantum research. The Director will oversee strategic planning, operational and research directions to ensure that the horizons of foundational quantum science are extended, all while establishing and promoting a culture of excellence and inclusion, and maintaining and continuing to grow their own international scientific stature.

The successful candidate for this prestigious position must have a Ph.D. or equivalent and will have qualifications commensurate with an appointment with tenure at the rank of Professor, or an equivalent level of seniority in the government or private sector. The ideal candidate is actively leading or previously led an innovative and externally funded research program in a frontier area of foundational theoretical or experimental quantum science. This individual will have a history of supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and experience teaching quantum science at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

A proven track record in securing funding, the ability to develop a coherent scientific vision and research plan, and experience engaging and building collaborations is essential. Additionally, the Director must possess outstanding communication skills, capable of articulating the vision and achievements of Quantum Horizons Alberta to a global audience.

The appointment as Director, Quantum Horizons Alberta – Calgary and Canada Research Chair Tier 1 is for a five-year period with the possibility of renewal.

The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Full Professor (with Tenure) and nominated for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, with negotiable teaching, research and service duties. The applicant must meet the criteria for a Canada Research Chair at the Tier I level. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Government of Canada’s CRC website (http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/index-eng.aspx).

This role represents a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of a scientific revolution, shaping the direction of quantum research and education at the University of Calgary, coordinating with the University of Alberta, the University of Lethbridge and beyond. The Director will influence the trajectory of quantum science globally and will also play a crucial role in building a sustainable, innovative ecosystem that nurtures talent and propels Alberta to the forefront of the quantum age. If you are driven by the challenge of leading a world-renowned initiative extending the horizons of foundational quantum science, we invite you to apply for the role of Director at Quantum Horizons Alberta – Calgary and Canada Research Chair Tier 1.

To explore this opportunity further, please send your curriculum vitae and letter of interest in confidence, with the subject line “QHA Director Calgary” to apply@jssearch.ca.

The University of Calgary’s comprehensive benefits and pension program is designed to promote a productive level of health and well-being to staff members. To learn about our comprehensive benefits package for this Calgary-based, English-speaking position, please visit https://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/benefits-pension.

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate’s research productivity.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here; in particular, we encourage members of equity-deserving groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding diversity at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (oic@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodation can be sent to People & Culture (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).