Job Summary
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Purdue University invites applications for a faculty position in theoretical quantum matter and quantum information to begin August 2026. We seek candidates whose research advances the interface of quantum information science and condensed matter theory, particularly in areas such as quantum computation, quantum error correction, quantum simulation, tensor-network methods, generalized symmetries and topological phases of matter.
The successful candidate will join the multidisciplinary Quantum Science Theory group at Purdue University–-part of a large-scale initiative by the College of Science that bridges the departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics. This initiative is supported by significant investments from the College, including dedicated interdisciplinary space for future hires, a Quantum Science Theory Postdoctoral Fellowship, and a program to support visits from fellow researchers for building and sustaining collaborations.
The candidate will be expected to establish an externally-funded research program, mentor graduate students, and contribute to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD in physics or another closely related field.
The Department, College, and University
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has 60 tenured and tenure-track professors, 200 graduate students, and 280 undergraduates. It is engaged in research in astrophysics, atomic, molecular, and optical physics, biophysics, condensed matter, high-energy physics, nuclear physics, physics education, and quantum information science. More information is available at https://www.physics.purdue.edu/.
The College of Science, encompassing the physical, computing and life sciences at Purdue, is home to over 350 faculty and more than 6000 students. It is strongly committed to supporting quantum information sciences, and has hired 15 new faculty members across the departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics in the last 5 years. More information can be found at https://www.purdue.edu/science/.
Purdue University is one of the nation’s leading land-grant universities, with an enrollment of over 52,000 students primarily focused on STEM subjects. Quantum science and engineering is one of the four pillars of the Purdue Computes Initiative (https://www.purdue.edu/computes/), and as part of this effort, the university has established the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute (https://quantum.research.purdue.edu). The university also hosts the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, which provides faculty and students with access to diverse high-performance computing resources (https://www.rcac.purdue.edu).
Application Procedure
Application materials must be submitted through https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Assistant-Professor-of-Physics-&-Astronomy/39004-en_US and include:
(1) Cover letter,
(2) Curriculum vitae with a list of publications,
(3) Statement of present and future research plans (4-page limit)
(4) Statement of teaching philosophy.
In addition, candidates should arrange for at least 3 letters of reference to be sent to qissearch@purdue.edu. Questions regarding the positions and the search may also be directed to qissearch@purdue.edu.
Applications completed by December 5th, 2025 will be given full consideration, although the search will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.