The Faculty of Science and the Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC) at the University of Victoria invite applications for a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 in “Quantum Computing for Modeling of Molecules and Materials”. The successful applicant will be nominated by the university for a CRC Tier 2 and upon approval by the CRC Secretariat, will then be offered a tenured or tenure-track appointment at the appropriate rank. Rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Preferably, the position will involve a formal cross-appointment in the Departments of Chemistry and Physics and Astronomy.
Quantum computing is an exciting and fast-growing research area that is generating new approaches for the calculation and prediction of molecular and material properties. The province of British Columbia (BC) houses some of the most innovative quantum computing companies in the world and it has recently allocated funds for a new Quantum Algorithms Institute aimed at securing a steady flow of highly-trained personnel to support our Provincial industrial leadership in this area. The University of Victoria, through the Faculty of Science, CAMTEC and the Matrix Institute for Applied Data Science, provides an ideal environment to support the Provincial initiative by enabling a high-level research program in the application of quantum computational tools to solve relevant problems in chemistry, physics, materials science and nanotechnology.
Tier 2 CRC Chairs are one of Canada’s premier early-career recognition and recruitment programs, and are intended for exceptional emerging scholars. Candidates must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years after earning their highest degree at the time of nomination (expected nomination by April 2021). However, applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Please contact the Strategic Research Initiatives Office at the University of Victoria for more information (sridirector@uvic.ca). Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria.
Requirements
The successful candidate will be an emerging world-class scholar who has demonstrated research productivity and potential to achieve international recognition within the next 5-10 years. The appointee will be expected to establish an independent, creative, innovative, high-impact and externally-funded research program. The proposed research program should have the potential for national and international collaborations, including industrial partnerships, and should be complementary to the quantum computing activities at the University of Victoria and in BC. It is anticipated that the appointee will develop as an outstanding teacher and mentor of diverse undergraduate and graduate students, and has the potential to manage a healthy research environment that integrates diverse employees. A PhD degree in an area related to quantum computing or computational materials science is required.
Applicants should provide: a) a cover letter that states the primary and the secondary department for the potential cross-appointment; b) a curriculum vitae; c) a concise research proposal (5 pages maximum - NSERC Discovery Grant format preferred); d) a teaching statement, including teaching interests and experience (maximum 2 pages); e) an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) statement (maximum 1 page) indicating previous experience with a diverse group of co-workers and collaborators, and a brief plan about future implementation of an inclusive environment in the research group; f) a brief (maximum 1 page) statement about the quantum computing ecosystem in BC and in Canada, indicating the potential for collaborations; g) names and contact information (addresses, email addresses and phone numbers) for four or more individuals able to act as references; and h) up to 4 publications that illustrate their most important past research contributions.
Additional information
Victoria is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world and boasts a vibrant environment for advanced research, which includes close interactions between members of the Faculty of Science, CAMTEC, the MATRIX Institute and other provincial and national research centres.
UVic offers a diverse research environment and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
Faculty and Librarians at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association.
Contact information
Application documents should be submitted electronically addressed to:
Dr. Alexandre G. Brolo
Director of the Centre for Advanced Materials & Related Technology
University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 2Y2
You are asked to upload your application information to this service for our mutual convenience and the convenience of your referees. Your data will be stored on servers located outside Canada and is not under the control of the University of Victoria. You may wish to review the privacy statement. If you do not wish to use this service, please email Sandra Carlson at dsecchem@uvic.ca for application instructions.
Application deadline
Applications will start to be considered after October 1st, 2020 to identify a suitable candidate who will be nominated for a CRC by April 2021.
Equity statement
UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Read our full equity statement.
Applicants who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence. The University of Victoria acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement and encourages applicants to explain these in their application.
We acknowledge with respect the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
