Director, Quantum Horizons Alberta – Calgary

Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA) was established in 2023 as an Alberta-wide initiative to expand foundational knowledge of quantum science, to pursue transformational research into the potential of quantum mechanics, and to enhance Alberta’s stature as a globally recognized centre for quantum research and innovation. Initiated by a $12-million gift from a group of visionary donors, QHA is currently a $25-million centre of excellence that will build on and increase Alberta’s considerable capacity in quantum research through a partnership of the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, and the University of Lethbridge.

Funding through QHA is intended to build on existing expertise and attract new talent with the goal to recruit a minimum of eight new quantum research professors to Alberta over the next two years along with funding for many postdoctoral scholars and graduate students. Together, these initiatives will train the next generation of quantum scientists, including postdoctoral scholars and graduate students at each of the universities.

QHA will enable a long-term and sustainable path for Alberta’s leadership in foundational quantum research, creating impact that will reach far beyond Alberta.

The University of Calgary is actively seeking an established research leader to take on the pivotal role of Director, Quantum Horizons Alberta – Calgary. The Director will be tasked with guiding this initiative to new frontiers of knowledge in quantum science. This role requires a visionary leader, someone capable of inspiring a diverse team of researchers, graduate students, and stakeholders towards achieving ambitious goals that will accelerate foundational quantum research. The Director will oversee strategic planning, operational and research directions to ensure that the horizons of foundational quantum science are extended, all while establishing and promoting a culture of excellence and inclusion, and maintaining and continuing to grow their own international scientific stature.

The successful candidate for this prestigious position must have a Ph.D. or equivalent and will have qualifications commensurate with an appointment with tenure at the rank of Professor, or an equivalent level of seniority in the government or private sector. The ideal candidate is actively leading or previously led an innovative and externally funded research program in a frontier area of foundational theoretical or experimental quantum science. This individual will have a history of supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and experience teaching quantum science at both undergraduate and graduate levels. A proven track record in securing funding, the ability to develop a coherent scientific vision and research plan, and experience engaging and building collaborations is essential. Additionally, the Director must possess outstanding communication skills, capable of articulating the vision and achievements of Quantum Horizons Alberta to a global audience.

The appointment as Director, Quantum Horizons Alberta – Calgary is for a five-year period with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will be offered an academic position “With Tenure” at the rank of Full Professor, with negotiable teaching, research and service duties.

This role represents a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of a scientific revolution, shaping the direction of quantum research and education at the University of Calgary, coordinating with the University of Alberta, the University of Lethbridge and beyond. The Director will influence the trajectory of quantum science globally and will also play a crucial role in building a sustainable, innovative ecosystem that nurtures talent and propels Alberta to the forefront of the quantum age. If you are driven by the challenge of leading a world-renowned initiative extending the horizons of foundational quantum science, we invite you to apply for the role of Director at Quantum Horizons Alberta – Calgary.

To explore this opportunity further, please send your curriculum vitae and letter of interest in confidence, with the subject line “QHA Director Calgary” to apply@jssearch.ca.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here; in particular, we encourage members of equity-deserving groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding diversity at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodation can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).

UCalgary is one of Canada’s top five comprehensive research universities, with over 8,000 graduate students and 28,500 undergraduate students, over 1,800 academic staff (continuing, contingent term or limited term appointment), and more than 1,300 sessionals, over 3,200 non-academic staff, in 14 Faculties, across five campuses. Our focus on innovation and entrepreneurial thinking provides our students with the tools to succeed in our changing economy. The vibrant and research-intensive environment at UCalgary is home to 169 research chairs (75 Canada Research Chairs), and more than 50 research institutes and centres. UCalgary has the fastest growth rate in attracting research funding among the 10 largest universities in Canada. The recently completed Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High, was the third-largest fundraising campaign in Canadian history, surpassing our goal of $1.3 Billion.

We strive to innovate and create societal impact. With a consolidated budget of more than $1.6 billion, which includes an annual operating budget of just over $800 million and external research revenues of over $504 million, the University of Calgary is among Calgary’s largest employers and contributes nearly $16.5 billion annually to Alberta’s economy.

Building on the success of the Eyes High strategy, the University embarked on a new strategic visioning process to continue our excellence in research and teaching and strengthen our community engagement in one of Canada’s most diverse and fastest growing cities. This new strategy is supported by the University of Calgary’s academic and research plans as well as the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Indigenous, mental health and sustainability strategies.

The University of Calgary’s remarkable trajectory reflects strong growth and entrepreneurial spirit. Our students, postdocs, faculty, staff, and community have built a bold university in less than 60 years. This Strategic Plan – Ahead of Tomorrow – shapes our journey toward 2030, considered through long-term, foundational commitments to: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; Indigenous Engagement; Mental Health; Global Engagement; and Sustainability.

Based on our unique approach to teaching and learning, research excellence, community partnership, and campus operations, this Strategic Plan and our foundational commitments together lay a mosaic for the future.

Click this link to learn more about the 2023-2030 Ahead of Tomorrow Strategic Plan: https://www.ucalgary.ca/about/2030

About Calgary
Recently ranked the 2nd most liveable city in North America and 7th in the world (2023) by The Economist Intelligence Unit, and possessing one of the youngest populations of major cities in Canada, Calgary is home to world-class attractions, sporting amenities and public infrastructure that supports a healthy lifestyle, making it a great place to raise a family (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnh-WugziiiHwMT44-sVwrA). Situated where the Canadian plains reach the sunny foothills of Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a major urban centre surrounded by an area of profound beauty with an awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, rivers and gorgeous prairie. Calgary is the third most diverse major city in Canada, home to over 240 different ethnic origins, and there are 165 languages spoken here.

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