Director, Quantum Innovation Center, Associate or Full Professor

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Missouri seeks an innovative leader to serve as the inaugural Director of the Quantum Innovation Center (QIC). This tenured position will provide strategic leadership for a cross‑disciplinary initiative spanning engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science, building partnerships with industry and national laboratories.

The Director will recruit top faculty, shape the center's research portfolio, and drive education and workforce programs to elevate MU's

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or a closely related field.
• Tenured Professor or Associate Professor at MU with appropriate appointment.
• Additional criteria: leadership of a research center or comparable initiative; cross-disciplinary collaboration; successful externally funded research; experience in education/workforce programs; familiarity with quantum computing and related fields; cross-sector collaboration; strategic planning and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Quantum Innovation Center, advancing its mission in research, education, workforce development, and innovation.
• Build and expand a high-impact quantum research portfolio across engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and related fields.
• Recruit and engage exceptional faculty and researchers to advance MU's priorities.
• Lead interdisciplinary research teams and develop competitive proposals to federal agencies, national labs, industry sponsors, and foundations.
• Advance graduate and undergraduate training and postdoctoral opportunities in quantum science and technology.
• Develop and expand education and workforce development programs, including certificates, internships, and experiential learning.
• Strengthen external partnerships with industry, national laboratories, and government agencies.

Education

Earned doctorate in engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or a closely related field.

Job description

Job ID: 61321

Location: Columbia

Full-Time

Job Description

The University of Missouri (MU) seeks an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Director of the Quantum Innovation Center (QIC), an interdisciplinary initiative advancing research, education, workforce development, and strategic partnerships in quantum computing and quantum information science.

The Director will lead a dynamic collaboration spanning the University of Missouri System, academic institutions, and industry partners nationwide, while building on MU's existing strengths in quantum computing and related fields. The Center also provides opportunities to connect quantum research with complementary areas of innovation across the University creating pathways for interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging applications of quantum technologies in health and biomedical research.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Engineering and working collaboratively across the University, the Director will provide strategic leadership for the continued development, growth, and national visibility of the Center. The successful candidate will build and strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations, cultivate external partnerships, support faculty recruitment and development, and identify opportunities to advance MU's role within the rapidly evolving quantum ecosystem.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a nationally recognized scholar and collaborative leader to shape the future direction of a growing interdisciplinary center while contributing to the University of Missouri's broader strengths in research, education, and innovation. The position includes a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department or another appropriate academic department.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Quantum Innovation Center, advancing its research, education, workforce development, and innovation mission in alignment with University and national priorities.


• Build and expand a high-impact quantum research portfolio by identifying emerging opportunities, establishing strategic priorities, and developing interdisciplinary research initiatives across engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and related fields.


• Recruit and engage exceptional faculty and researchers whose scholarship advances the Center's priorities, expands MU's research capabilities, and creates opportunities for new interdisciplinary collaborations and externally funded research.


• Build interdisciplinary research teams and strengthen research development, supporting competitive proposals to federal agencies, national laboratories, industry sponsors, foundations, and other funding partners.


• Advance graduate and undergraduate research and postdoctoral training, creating opportunities for students and trainees to engage in quantum-related research and prepare for careers in quantum science and technology.


• Lead the development and expansion of innovative education and workforce development programs, including certificates, workshops, internships, experiential learning, and continuing education that respond to evolving workforce needs.


• Strengthen pathways from education to careers by developing relationships with industry, government laboratories, national security organizations, graduate programs, and other employers and training partners.


• Develop and sustain strategic external partnerships with industry, national laboratories, federal agencies, professional organizations, and other organizations to expand sponsored research, internships, workforce development, and collaborative educational opportunities.


• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Center and MU, strengthening its national and international reputation and representing the Center at regional, national, and international forums.


• Cultivate philanthropic and other external support in partnership with University Advancement and academic leadership, while identifying opportunities for strategic investment and industry engagement.


• Establish effective governance and operating practices that foster interdisciplinary collaboration, support long‑term growth and sustainability, and ensure effective coordination across participating departments, colleges, and disciplines.


• Provide responsible stewardship of Center resources, programs, and activities, developing sustainable approaches to resource allocation and operations while ensuring alignment with University policies and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or a closely related field.


• Qualifications for appointment as a tenured Professor or Associate Professor at the University of Missouri.

Additional criteria the candidates will be evaluated upon:

• Experience directing a research center, institute, national laboratory program, or comparable initiative.


• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborative research programs.


• Demonstrated success securing major federal, industry, or philanthropic investments.


• Experience developing educational and workforce development programs.


• Familiarity with quantum computing platforms, quantum information science, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, or related fields.


• Experience working across academic, governmental, industrial, and community sectors.


• Distinguished record of scholarship and externally funded research.


• Demonstrated success leading interdisciplinary research initiatives, programs, centers, or collaborative teams.


• Experience developing partnerships with industry, government agencies, national laboratories, foundations, or other external stakeholders.


• Strong record of strategic planning, program development, and organizational leadership.


• Outstanding communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Application Materials

Candidates should include a cover letter outlining qualifications and a detailed curriculum vitae.

After initial review by the committee, all uploaded materials may be shared with all faculty in the prospective department. For affiliations and joint appointments materials may be shared with all faculty in all departments involved.

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The posting will remain open until filled. Specific academic home(s) of candidates will be determined throughout the hiring process. This is not a remote opportunity.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big‑city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.