Assistant Professor in Experimental Quantum Matter - Tenure-Track

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Physics at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Quantum Matter. Tenure-track appointments are usually made at the Assistant Professor level with an opportunity to apply for tenure in year five.

The department houses ~48 faculty across condensed matter and AMO physics and is equipped with ultrafast laser spectroscopy, STM, TEM, low-temperature cryogenics, and cavity optomechanics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics required or equivalent.
• Evidence of research excellence and potential for independent funding.
• Strong record of scholarly output in quantum materials or AMO physics.

Skills

Experimental physics

Quantum materials

AMO physics

Ultrafast spectroscopy

Education

PhD in Physics

Tools

STM

TEM

Cryogenics

Job description

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Physics at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Quantum Matter. Tenure-track appointments are usually made at the Assistant Professor level with an opportunity to apply for tenure in year five.

The Department of Physics houses approximately 48 faculty members covering condensed matter, AMO physics, astrophysics, space physics, biophysics, geophysics, and subatomic physics. Departmental laboratories are extensively equipped for ultrafast laser spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, low-temperature cryogenic physics, cavity optomechanics, and ultracold atoms. Faculty members benefit from dedicated machine and electronics shops staffed by specialist technical personnel.

Key institutional research highlights include:

• nanoFAB Facility: Direct access to over $100M in state-of-the-art nanofabrication, microprocessing, and characterization cleanroom tools.
• Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA): A landmark $25M Alberta-wide initiative dedicated to expanding fundamental quantum science research.
• NRC Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre: Located directly adjacent to the Department of Physics on campus, offering collaborative research potential.
• High-Performance Computing: Extensive computational infrastructure provided via the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

Candidates across all subfields of experimental condensed matter physics and atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics are encouraged to apply. Specific research areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Quantum Materials & Topological Systems: Synthesis, transport, and spectroscopic characterization of topological insulators, superconductors, and novel quantum states.
• Quantum Technologies & Quantum Optics: Development and demonstration of platforms for quantum communications, quantum computation, and/or quantum sensing.
• Light-Matter Interactions & Ultrafast Dynamics: Ultracold atomic ensembles, ultrafast spectroscopy, and non-equilibrium control of quantum phases.
• Low-Temperature Physics & Low-Dimensional Systems: Quantum fluids and solids, cryogenic measurements of 2D materials, and nanomechanical resonators.
• Nanoscience & Nanoscale Microscopy: Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of novel matter.