Faculty Professor Assistant - Full-Time

Tenure-Stream Faculty Position

As the University of Pittsburgh’s newest school, the School of Computing and Information (SCI) is a growing interdisciplinary community of faculty, staff and students who are accustomed to thinking beyond boundaries and innovating new approaches to lead our institution and nation to positive change. Since 2017, SCI has recruited nearly forty new faculty members, and we are continuing our growth with multiple openings in the tenure stream this year.

SCI’s interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and education spans computer science, informatics, and networked systems, and information culture and data stewardship with rich connections to partners in education, health sciences, medicine, engineering, social sciences, business, and other areas.

This faculty position at SCI involves close collaboration with quantum researchers across campus departments and schools. Pitt's commitment to advancing quantum technologies is demonstrated through new hires for quantum research within SCI and across other departments within Pitt, and initiatives like the $11.6M Western Pennsylvania Quantum Information Core (https://www.pitt.edu/pittwire/features-articles/pitt-investment-pa-quantum), in which SCI plays a pivotal role. Pitt's extensive research presence, with annual expenditures exceeding $1 billion, offers abundant collaboration opportunities. In addition, the region includes strong cross-university collaboration opportunities. More than a decade ago Pitt established the Pittsburgh Quantum Institute, which is now co-directed by Pitt and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), and has over 100 faculty members from Pitt, CMU, and Duquesne University (https://www.pqi.org/).

The position also comes with an opportunity to contribute to Pitt’s efforts in quantum technologies education to build a quantum and quantum-adjacent workforce. SCI in partnership with the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences recently launched an undergraduate major degree program, Bachelor of Science in Physics and Quantum Computing, with more programs at the graduate level in the pipeline.

SCI places a strong emphasis on diversity, social justice, and inclusive excellence, and we are actively seeking faculty colleagues who share a deep commitment to these principles and contribute to the broadening of participation in computing through their research, education, service, engagement and lived experiences. We promote an equitable and inclusive community through faculty development and mentorship, promotion of work-life balance, a program for dual-career couples, and a commitment to recruit, retain, and develop faculty from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

About the Position

Quantum Computing Systems (Assistant Professor)

The School of Computing and Information (SCI) is seeking a tenure-stream Assistant Professor in the broad area of quantum computing systems. SCI has three departments – Computer Science, Informatics and Networked Systems, and Information Culture and Data Stewardship. SCI is interested in candidates whose expertise aligns with one or more of these departments and who can collaborate effectively with our faculty in various quantum computing domains. These include quantum software design, compilation and optimization, quantum device architecture, quantum system design in the NISQ era and beyond, large-scale quantum simulation, and quantum cryptography systems. Faculty who are excited to collaborate across schools with our colleagues in the Swanson School of Engineering and the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences are encouraged to apply.

We expect candidates to bridge the gap between standard and quantum computing and information in a variety of ways, such as:

• Coordinating the interaction between classical processes and quantum devices.

• Developing and optimizing quantum compilation software to support quantum development.

• Developing innovative approaches for quantum systems design.

• Efficient emulation of quantum computing and networking.

• Building machine learning systems to optimize quantum computing.

• Developing quantum cryptosystems for secure multiparty and blind quantum computation.

Minimum required qualifications

• Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in computer science, computer engineering, information science, information systems or closely related area.

• Candidates should hold the PhD degree by September 2024.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with a track record of initiating a successful research program in quantum computing or in one of the following broad areas such as quantum compilation, distributed quantum computing, quantum error correction, and fault tolerance, quantum machine learning, architecture of quantum devices, or quantum cryptography.

• Candidates with a strong curiosity and willingness to explore futuristic advancements in quantum science and technology and take their research in emerging directions.

We have other faculty openings in the tenure and appointment streams. Please see https://sci.pitt.edu/recruiting for more details.

Application Process

Individuals interested in the opening may apply at https://sci.pitt.edu/recruiting. A completed application includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, a statement of commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community, and the names and contact information of at least three recommenders.

For best consideration, please apply by January 2, 2024. Application review will begin immediately, and we anticipate that individuals will be invited to interview on campus starting in January. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2024.

A completed application includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, statement of commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community, and the names and contact information of at least three recommenders.

Questions about this position and/or application status should be emailed to sci-recruit@pitt.edu.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

A completed application includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, a statement of commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community, and the names and contact information for at least three recommenders.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.