Assistant Professor, Quantum Computing Algorithms - The Department of Physics & Astronomy, Western University in London

Position Description

Position Title

Assistant Professor, The Department of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Science, Western University

Appointment Type and Rank

Probationary (Tenure-Track) – Assistant Professor

Number of Positions

One

Posting Date

October 29, 2026

Closing Date to Apply

December 18, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

July 1, 2027 or as negotiated

Position Profile

The Department of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Science, at the University of Western Ontario invites applications for a Probationary/Tenure-Track faculty appointment with responsibilities in teaching, research and service. The area of research is broadly defined as quantum computing algorithms, with teaching responsibilities to include an existing 100+ student course in ‘Quantum Computing and Information’ for physics and software engineering students. The successful applicant will receive a probationary (tenure-track) appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Academic Expectations

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching within the Physics & Astronomy program at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including mentorship of trainees. They will also develop an independent, globally competitive, externally funded research program in algorithms for quantum computing to run on existing and proposed hardware. Algorithm, rather than hardware, development is the focus of this position, which is expected to exploit funding opportunities and collaborations with governmental agencies and industrial partnerships. The successful candidate will be expected to supervise graduate students and participate in other educational and professional activities including administrative duties both internal (within the Department, Faculty, University) and external (community and learned societies).

Qualifications or Experience and Skills Required

The ideal candidate must hold a doctoral degree in Physics or a closely related field with postdoctoral or equivalent experience. The successful candidate will have expertise in quantum algorithm development as demonstrated by a record of publication in high-quality journals or conference proceedings. The successful candidate will provide a high-quality quantum algorithms research plan that discusses specific external funding targets and potential collaborators and will be expected to develop this plan into a thriving independent research program. Experience with, or demonstrated potential for, teaching courses at the university level, and mentoring junior trainees in a research environment, as demonstrated in a teaching statement, is essential. Candidates must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills and show evidence of contributing to equity, diversity, and inclusion within academic or professional settings. The University welcomes applications from individuals committed to fostering inclusive learning environments and contributing positively to the broader academic community.

Compensation Details

• Salary for this position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Salary range will be $115,000 to $140,000.
• This position includes a comprehensive benefits package.
• Further details can be accessed at: https://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/your_benefits/faculty.html

Affirmation Policy Statement

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 –Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

Department of Physics & Astronomy

The Department of Physics & Astronomy (https://www.physics.uwo.ca): is a research-intensive department in Western’s Faculty of Science (https://www.uwo.ca/sci), with undergraduate programs in physics, astronomy, and medical physics, and graduate programs in physics and in astronomy. The Department is home to approximately 30 faculty, including 7 current or former Canada Research Chairs and Industrial Research Chairs. Physics & Astronomy at Western has core research strengths in multiple areas including scientific computation, condensed matter physics, and molecular astrophysics. Members participate in Western’s research institutes (e.g. Western Institute for Neuroscience, Institute for Earth and Space Exploration) and make use of Western’s Advanced Materials Foundry and the SHARCNET computing facility.

Faculty of Science

Western Science ranks among Canada’s top ten Faculties of Science. With 1,215 faculty and staff, over seven departments and six centres, the Faculty of Science is dedicated to advancing the scientific frontier in order to address societal challenges. We work in collaboration with members of the local, national, and international community to inform decisions which impact on issues of environment and sustainability, to build industrial capacity through, for example, the development of multiple applications for big data, and to challenge existing boundaries by conceiving new materials and biomaterials.

University

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff, and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence, and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.

City

The City: London is a major city in southwestern Ontario, known as “The Forest City,” for its abundant parks, tree-lined streets, and extensive natural spaces. Situated at the confluence of the Thames and North Thames Rivers, it lies roughly halfway between Toronto and Detroit. With a population just over 500,000, London serves as a regional hub for healthcare, education, culture, and economic activity. It is home to Western University, Fanshawe College, and several major hospitals, making it a centre for medical research and higher education. The city features a vibrant arts scene, numerous museums, festivals, and heritage sites, offering many amenities of a larger urban centre while maintaining a strong community feel.

Existing Vacancy Disclosure Statement

This position is an existing vacancy.

Eligibility and Commitment to Equity

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communications skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Priority for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

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