Engineering a world of possibilities

Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Quantum Computing

The Opportunity

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 Computer Science invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the broadly defined area of Quantum Computing, 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 ambitions researcher whose work complements and expands our strengths in computer science and applied interdisciplinary 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 computer architectures (hybrid quantum-classical computing systems, secure and scalable design of quantum computing platforms);
Quantum algorithms and applications (quantum algorithm development, integration of domain-specific approaches and emerging workloads with quantum computers);
Fault tolerance and error mitigation for quantum (resource-efficient fault-tolerant architectures, fault-tolerant quantum algorithms, security protocols for reliable and resilient quantum computation);
Quantum software and programming languages (software tools for quantum circuit optimization, simulation, and verification; high-level languages and compilers for quantum computing)

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a vigorous, externally funded research program that relates to and supports quantum computing.
Develop and teach courses that are valuable to undergraduate and graduate students, both within Computer Science and across Mines.
Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research and coursework, including through the expanding quantum programs at Mines.
Contribute both institutionally and professionally through active service.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. from an accredited program in Computer Science or a closely related field relevant to the search areas by the time the appointment begins.
Demonstrated potential for excellence in research, teaching, and student mentorship.
Evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration or engagement with quantum science and technology.
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.

About Mines & The CS Department

Colorado School of Mines, Colorado's oldest public university, produces talent, knowledge and solutions that serve industry and benefit society—all to create a more prosperous future. Mines has about 6400 undergraduate students and 1900 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. Located in Golden, Colorado, 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.

The Computer Science Department consists of 27 full-time faculty and hosts a thriving research program focusing on algorithms, human-centered computing, machine learning & data science, robotics, security & privacy, and systems. The department educates approximately 1000 undergraduate and 140 graduate students, offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science, and supports growing interdisciplinary programs in Quantum Engineering, Data Science, Robotics, Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, and Operations Research with Engineering. The CS faculty often advise graduate students in these programs, and they work collaboratively with researchers across other departments, universities, hospitals (including CU-Anschutz Medical Campus), national labs and industry partners. More information about the university and the CS Department can be found at https://www.mines.edu and https://www.cs.mines.edu. For any questions, please contact cs@mines.edu.

About Quantum at Mines & 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 (started in 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: $110,000 – $132,000
Associate Professor: $125,000 – $157,000
Professor: $145,000 – $217,100

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 a salary rate 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 Recreation Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on-campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit https://mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How To Apply

Priority review will begin on November 1st, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by December 15th, 2025. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veteran status) and upload the below documents (required). References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. Applications must specify in the application package to which rank they are applying. 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. The application must include:

A Curriculum Vitae,
a statement of research (at most 4 pgs),
a statement of teaching (at most 2 pgs),
a cover letter expressing interest in the position, and
up to three representative research papers (PDFs) that best reflect the applicant’s scholarly contributions.

Research Statement: Candidates should describe how their research relates to and complements research activities and expertise at Mines, its expected scholarly and societal impact, its relevance to Mines’ goals (e.g., earth, energy, and environment), and current or future connections to industry and/or opportunities for entrepreneurship. The statement should cover both the candidate's history of successful research as well as their plans for future research at Mines, and their 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.

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.

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Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Quantum Computing