Faculty Position: Quantum Topology & Quantum Computing

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Quantum Topology & Quantum Computing within the Department of Mathematics, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

We seek a mathematician with a strong record in quantum topology and potential for collaboration across physics or computer science, and a demonstrated ability to teach effectively at undergraduate and graduate levels while building a funded research program.

Qualifications

• At minimum, applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent) in mathematics or a related field by the time of application.
• Applicants must have a PhD degree or equivalent by anticipated start date (July 1, 2027).
• A demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching is desired, with ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop an actively funded research program of high quality.
• Teach at undergraduate and/or graduate levels and mentor students.
• Recruit and supervise graduate students and participate in service.
• Collaborate across Mathematics and other disciplines to leverage synergies.

Skills

Quantum topology

Collaboration across disciplines

Teaching excellence

Education

PhD in mathematics or related field

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Professor

Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $100,000 - $160,000

Percent time: 100

Anticipated start: July 1 , 2027 or after

Application Window

Open date: September 16, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Oct 23, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The University of California, Santa Barbara announces a strategic expansion of its world-leading quantum research enterprise, building on an unrivaled legacy of excellence recently punctuated by the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. This initiative reinforces an extraordinary community of faculty whose work spans the full quantum spectrum-from superconducting qubits and synthetic materials to the theoretical foundations of quantum topology. UCSB leverages a premier research infrastructure including the NSF Quantum Foundry, the Eddleman Quantum Institute, and a state-of-the-art Nanofabrication Facility. These resources, combined with deep on-campus partnerships with global technology giants, position the university at the forefront of the federal government’s “big bets” in quantum information science.

To further strengthen this elite group, recruitment is underway for three foundational faculty positions in the first phase of this strategic cluster hire: an Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Experimentalist in Physics, JPF03135; a specialist in Quantum Topology in Mathematics; and an Experimental Physical Chemist in Chemistry and Biochemistry, JPF03152.

Faculty Position: Quantum Topology & Quantum Computing

As a vital part of this Quantum Cluster, the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

The Department is looking for accomplished mathematicians with a particular emphasis in the area of QuantumTopology broadly construed, and its intersections with quantum computing. Preference will be given to candidates with strong potential to collaborate with researchers in other disciplines, especially physics or computer science, as well as to interact robustly with colleagues specializing in Topology.

Responsibilities of faculty members generally include the development of an actively funded research program of high quality, teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, mentorship of undergraduate students, recruitment, supervision, and mentorship of graduate students, and participation in university service and professional activities that meets expectations for faculty rank and step. UCSB has a strong tradition of collaborative research, and successful candidates will be able to leverage synergies across the campus as appropriate to their field.

Our Research Environment

UC Santa Barbara offers a unique environment where innovative, interdisciplinary, and foundational research is conducted in a collegial atmosphere. We are looking for candidates who have demonstrated exceptional promise through novel research.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

At a minimum, applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent) except the dissertation (or equivalent) in mathematics or a related field at the time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Applicants must have a PhD degree or equivalent in mathematics or a related field by anticipated appointment start date (July 1, 2027).

Preferred qualifications

A demonstrated record of excellence in research, and a record of (or potential for) outstanding teaching are desired. Successful candidates will have a record of collaborative research, and will be able to leverage synergies within the Mathematics Department and Division.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• AMS Cover Sheet - available online at: AMS.org
• Statement of Research - Describe research experience and interests, highlighting major contributions to the field thus far, as well as areas to be investigated in future work. This statement may also include information about potential areas of collaboration within the department or campus and the research’s potential for sustained impact. (3-8 pages)
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy - Describe teaching experience and interests, highlighting courses taught and/or planned and teaching approaches and practices (e.g., lecturing style, assessment choices) adopted or likely to be adopted in these courses. This statement may also include a description of mentoring experience and interests. (1-3 pages)

Reference requirements

• 4-5 letters of reference required

Applicants will need to arrange for four (4) letters of reference to be submitted electronically to the UC Recruit website. It is encouraged that one of the letters will be directed towards teaching. Applicants are responsible for soliciting letters within the system.

Help contact

[e-mail]

About UC Santa Barbara

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
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Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA