Director, Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), Singapore

Global Search: Director, Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), Singapore

The Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) in Singapore is seeking a visionary, globally recognized leader to serve as its next Director, also as a Full Professor at the Department of Physics, National University of Singapore (NUS).

Having evolved from a premier research institute into a pivotal national research centre, CQT now plays a central role in Singapore’s rapidly expanding quantum research community and quantum industry ecosystem. Operating with strong multi-institutional ties across the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), CQT bridges the gap between deep-tech academic excellence and national economic impact.

The incoming Director will possess the international gravitas required to lead a national flagship, manage multi-stakeholder relationships across academia and government agencies, and steer The Centre for Quantum Technologies into its next phase of global influence, in alignment with Singapore’s national interests and ambitions.

Key Responsibilities & Strategic Mandate

• Strategic Leadership: Provide overarching scientific and operational leadership to a national-level organization, balancing foundational quantum research with strategic national goals.
• Stakeholder Management: Work effectively and collaboratively with key stakeholders across Singapore’s ecosystem, including NUS, NTU, SUTD, A*STAR, and various government funding agencies.
• Industry & Ecosystem Growth: Drive the translation of quantum research into the broader economy. Foster deep connections with the growing quantum industry, leveraging awareness of global commercial developments, startups, and hardware development.
• Talent Acquisition: Build on CQT’s success by continuing to attract, recruit, and retain top-tier global quantum researchers and rising stars to Singapore.

About CQT

CQT is a world-class research hub hosting leading experimental and theoretical groups dedicated to advancing quantum technologies and quantum science. Backed by robust core funding and national talent pipelines, CQT’s scientific roadmap is structured across five core pillars:

• Basic Science: Curiosity-driven research exploring foundations of quantum information, cryptography, and platforms ranging from Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) systems to superconducting devices.
• Advanced Instruments: Engineering specialized technologies, including satellite and aerospace quantum payloads, high-speed signal processing, and international-standard optical clocks.
• Quantum Communication & Security: Leading national deployment initiatives, such as the National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN) fiber testbed for cryptographic protocols.
• Quantum Processors, Computation & Simulation: Driving advancements in quantum algorithms, error correction, fault tolerance, and architectural scaling.
• Quantum Sensing & Metrology: Developing state-of-the-art positioning, navigation, and timing applications

Currently CQT leads or co-leads a number of nation-wide programs, including National Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI), Advanced Quantum Algorithms and Solutions (AQAS), Quantum Computing Integration Facility (QCIF), National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH), and Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing (HQCC).

Ideal Candidate Profile & Key Attributes

The search committee is seeking an individual with a distinguished record of achievement who meets the following criteria:

• Global Research Standing: An exceptional academic reputation and high international visibility within the quantum information science and quantum technologies community.
• Industry & Technology Awareness: A strong understanding of the commercial quantum landscape, with a particular appreciation for industrial components, translation, and hardware aspects of quantum computation.
• Leadership & Gravitas: Proven institutional leadership capabilities with the administrative skills to manage large-scale resources and navigate a complex, multi-institutional ecosystem.
• Ecosystem Familiarity: Prior familiarity with Singapore’s scientific landscape, or a strong willingness to deeply integrate into the local research and technology infrastructure, is highly desirable.

How to Apply or Nominate

The Search Committee invites expressions of interest, full Curriculum Vitae, or nominations to be sent confidentially to physec@nus.edu.sg.  Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

All nominations and applications will be kept in the strictest confidence. We appreciate your kind understanding that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.