Queen’s National Scholar (QNS) Assistant Professor in Theoretical Quantum Optics in Kingston

The Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen’s University invites applications for a tenure track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy. Candidates are expected to establish an independent, internationally competitive research program with demonstrated leadership in theoretical quantum optics, complementing existing quantum optics and nanophotonics research in the department. The position also involves teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

We are targeting an outstanding theorist or computational physicist; however, we will also consider exceptional experimentalists whose focus strongly complements existing quantum optics and nanophotonics research within the department. This QNS position comes with yearly research funds and a teaching reduction for five years. The appointment is expected to begin July 1, 2027.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent degree in Physics or a related field completed at the start date of the appointment.
• As a Queen’s National Scholar, the successful candidate will demonstrate excellence and leadership in research and will clearly demonstrate the following attributes:
• Be an innovative researcher whose accomplishments are recognized internationally and who has made a notable impact in their field, as demonstrated through peer-assessed publications and diverse forms of scholarly impact (e.g., invited presentations at international conferences, research awards, a track record of attracting external funding, and scientific collaborations).
• Have a vision of a clear, original, innovative research program of the highest quality with evidence of strong collaborations and interdisciplinary scholarship.
• Evidence that the research program aligns with institutional and faculty priorities in quantum optics and nanophotonics.
• Have an ability to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility (I-EDIAA) in teaching and research.

The successful candidate will also be expected to make contributions through service to the department, the Faculty, the University, and/or the broader community. The annual salary for this appointment is expected to be between $150,000 and $175,000. Actual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate for this position, an emerging leader in theoretical quantum optics, will join and amplify a thriving optics and photonics cluster at Queen’s. The candidate is expected to have a track record of research excellence, and a vision for future directions in areas related to quantum optics or quantum photonics with a focus on areas that include, but are not limited to, fundamental quantum optics, light-matter interactions, quantum related protocols, artificial intelligence, quantum sensing and quantum computing.

This physics-based research position should synergize and complement that of the existing groups at the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy, which already have a strong track record of collaborative work in quantum optics, including waveguide QED, quantum dot photonics, squeezing, photonics for quantum, AI, and related fields.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join and lead initiatives in these areas, supported by access to major shared infrastructure at Queen’s. This includes access to advanced computing facilities through the Centre for Advanced Computing, access to clean-room facilities through NanoFabrication Kingston, and access to a photonic testbed including ultrafast laser sources, a closed-cycle cryostat and detectors (including superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors) and a state of the art quantum optics modelling lab at the Nanophotonics Centre.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minority, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.

The deadline for applications is December 1, 2026.