Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Experimental Quantum Physics

Engineering a world of possibilities

Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Experimental Quantum Physics

The Colorado School of Mines, a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, is excited to announce three faculty positions in Quantum Science and Engineering. These hires, one each in the departments of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Physics, will expand our research in quantum information science, support the launch of a new Bachelor of Science program in Quantum Systems Engineering, and strengthen our existing Master of Science in Quantum Engineering, one of the oldest in the nation. The candidate needs to apply separately to each position they feel qualified for. 
 

The Department of Physics at Colorado School of Mines invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the broadly defined area of Experimental Quantum Physics, with an anticipated start in Fall 2026. While we expect to hire at the Assistant Professor level, exceptional candidates may also be considered at a higher rank. We seek a creative and ambitious researcher whose work complements our strengths in physics and quantum engineering. Candidates whose research bridges multiple subfields, connects with industry or national laboratories, or integrates experimental and theoretical approaches are especially encouraged to apply. Areas of interest include: 

• Quantum computing (materials and devices for quantum computing; quantum architectures; experimental implementations of quantum algorithms and advantage, utility, and complementarity; enabling hardware and peripherals) 
• Quantum sensing (devices for quantum-enhanced measurements; real-world applications of quantum sensors) 
• Quantum materials (topological materials; correlated electron systems; superconductors and emergent phenomena) 
• Applied and cross-cutting approaches that connect quantum computing and quantum sensing with emerging technologies in energy, advanced materials, or information science 

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an independent, externally funded research program in quantum science and engineering 
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and related areas 
• Mentor students in research at the BS, MS, and PhD levels, including through Mines’ expanding quantum programs 
• Contribute to service at the departmental, institutional, and national levels 

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or a closely related field (conferred by the time of appointment) 
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in research, teaching, and student mentorship 
• Associate and Full Professor candidates must have an established and currently funded program with clear potential for continuance, and a proven track record of success in teaching, research, and service. In addition, Full Professor candidates should have an established international reputation.   

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral Research Experience

• Evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration or engagement with industry 
• Track record of publishing in quantum devices/quantum materials with an active role in design, fabrication, characterization, or integration.  

About Mines and the Physics Department 

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—just 20 minutes from Denver—Mines, Colorado’s oldest public university, is uniquely positioned at the center of Colorado’s innovation economy. Mines has close proximity to Denver and Boulder, providing opportunities for significant collaboration with government labs (including NREL, NIST, NCAR, and NOAA), industry, and other universities. Mines has about 6300 undergraduate students and 1850 graduate students in a broad range of applied science and engineering disciplines. Mines maintains high-quality, well-funded research programs (~$106M in awards for fiscal year 2024) with strong participation from both graduate and undergraduate students. The 2026 edition of U.S. News and World Report ranks Mines as a top 100 university. Mines has the highest admissions standards of any public university in Colorado and among the highest of any public university in the U.S.  
 

The Department of Physics is housed in the new (opened in 2019) CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering building, which is at the center of campus and has modern laboratories and teaching spaces. The Physics faculty are research-active and well known nationally and internationally. Learn more at https://physics.mines.edu/.
 

About Quantum at Mines and in Colorado 

Colorado is a federally designated Quantum Tech Hub and home to the largest concentration of quantum companies in the U.S. Mines is a key partner in the Elevate Quantum consortium, which is positioning Colorado as a global hub for quantum innovation and workforce development. Mines complements its well-equipped Shared Instrumentation Facilities with unique resources that create rare opportunities for advancing discovery and application. Examples include the Edgar Experimental Mine—a flexible underground environment for testing quantum technologies—and Quantum COmmons, which will provide state-of-the-art quantum device fabrication and measurement services to incubate startups and accelerate innovation across the quantum ecosystem. Mines launched one of the first interdisciplinary master’s programs in Quantum Engineering in the United States (2020). It is now launching a new BS degree in quantum systems engineering, the first of its kind in the nation.  
 

The Quantum Engineering Program brings together 29 faculty members from seven departments at Mines. Their research spans a wide range of topics, including quantum algorithms for near-term intermediate-scale quantum computers, quantum complexity, spin qubits in silicon, materials for quantum information, the interface of machine learning with quantum systems, and the use of quantum sensors for discoveries in astro-particle physics. Additional areas include cryogenic electronics to enhance quantum readout, quantum-proof encryption, and quantum algorithms applied to challenges in materials science, chemistry, and petroleum engineering. More information is available at quantum.mines.edu. 
 

Total Rewards

Assistant Professor $95,000 – $107,000 

Associate Professor $105,000 – $132,000 

Professor - $130,000 -$182,000 
 

Mines takes into consideration a combination of the candidate’s education, training, and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion, and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining the salary rates for potential new employees. 
 

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes: 

• Flexible health and dental care options 
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus. 
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution 
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents) 
• Free RTD Ecopass for transportation throughout the Denver Metro area.  

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits. 

Application Process

Review of applications will begin on December 1st and continue until the position is filled. Candidates who have applied by that time will be given preference. The desired start date is August 2026. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, and veteran status). Applicants will notice on the application form, there is only one location to upload all required materials. Further, once submitted, the applicant will not be able to edit their application. Applicants may submit their application as one combined document or as separate documents. 

Applicants should submit the following materials: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement (maximum 4 pages), teaching statement (maximum 2 pages), and the names and contact information of three references.  
 

Research Statement

Candidates should describe how their research relates to and complements research activities and expertise at Mines. The statement should cover both the candidate's past history of successful research as well as plans for future research at Mines, and plans for obtaining external funding for that future research. Candidates should also be sure to describe any transdisciplinary aspects of their research. (For more information, visit https://research.mines.edu/). 
 

Teaching Statement

Mines is committed to high quality, hands-on and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education. (For more information, visit https://trefnycenter.mines.edu/)

Formatting guidelines for Research and Teaching Statements:  

• Margins: 1 inch on all sides
• Fonts: 11 or 12 pt depending on chosen font to ensure readability
• Spacing: Single
• Figures/tables: Captions/labels ≥ 9 pt
• File format: PDF

Supplemental Information

It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. 
 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at  hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance. 
 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR with any questions at kfeighny@mines.edu. 

Equal Opportunity  
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons.  Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses. 
 

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce. 

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety. 

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting