Director Cryptography Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title

Director, Ohio Quantum Computing Institute

Department

Dean's Office College of Engineering and Computing

Worker Type

Regular

Pay Type

Salary

Position Salary Minimum

$150,000

Position Salary Maximum

$200,000

Salary will be commensurate with the level of the position, education, and experience.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefit Eligible

Yes

Screening Date

2026-04-01

Job Description Summary

The Ohio Quantum Computing Institute (OQCI), established through a $7 million state investment in partnership between Miami University and Cleveland Clinic, seeks a distinguished scholar-leader to serve as its inaugural Director. This is a 9-month faculty appointment at Miami University, with research support and reduced teaching load, for an accomplished researcher who will maintain an active, externally funded research program while building and leading the Institute's strategic growth at Miami University.

Job Description

The Director will shape and execute a research vision that advances applied and translational quantum computing, with a strategic emphasis on healthcare and biomedical applications in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, while supporting broader impact in areas such as optimization, cryptography, and materials simulation. A key responsibility of the Director is to lead the development of a diversified and sustainable research funding portfolio that supports center-scale growth and interdisciplinary collaboration, including major federal research opportunities (e.g., NSF center-scale programs), state innovation initiatives, multi-institutional and workforce development awards, industry partnerships, and translational research programs.

The Director will strategically grow quantum research capacity at Miami, leveraging existing faculty expertise and interdisciplinary strengths to elevate the university's research competitiveness and impact.Working closely with university leadership and campus partners the Director will establish the infrastructure and collaborations necessary for long-term institutional success.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Vision and Innovation

• Establish and lead a multidisciplinary research agenda leveraging quantum computing and technology for healthcare, industrial, and academic impact.
• Spearhead funding proposals and attract external grants and investments for continued Institute growth.
• Facilitate the integration of classical high-performance computing and AI-based GPU systems with quantum processors to support hybrid workflows for medical research.
• Guide commercialization efforts, leading the progression of quantum technologies from research to practical, scalable implementation.

Institute Leadership

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and roadmap of the OQCI.
• Recruit and mentor distinguished faculty and staff, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

External Engagement and Workforce Development

• Cultivate relationships with higher education, government, and industry stakeholders across Ohio.
• Represent the Institute in state, national and international forums.
• Support workforce development and talent pipelines to position Ohio as a global quantum technology hub.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required: PhD (or MD-PhD) in quantum information science, computer science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or a closely related discipline, with a strong record of peer-reviewed research in quantum computing or quantum-enabled technologies.The position is a 9-month faculty appointment with an academic home in an appropriate department within the College of Engineering and Computing (or other aligned unit). The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with tenure or tenure eligibility consistent with university policies. The successful applicant will have a strong record of peer-reviewed research in quantum computing or quantum-enabled technologies and will be expected to maintain an active, externally funded research program, contribute to graduate and/or undergraduate teaching, with a reduced teaching load commensurate with administrative responsibilities, participate in service activities, including mentoring faculty and students, and contributing to departmental, college, and university governance as appropriate. Salary is based on a 9-month academic-year appointment, with opportunities for summer research support contingent on external funding and institutional resources.

Consideration will be given to applicants with experience advancing applied or translational quantum computing, including the development of algorithms, software platforms, or hybrid classical-quantum workflows that support real-world applications. Experience collaborating across disciplines, particularly in healthcare, biomedical, optimization, cryptography, or materials domains, is strongly preferred.Demonstrate leadership in building research teams and positioning interdisciplinary groups for center-scale and workforce-oriented funding opportunities, including creating and expanding funding pathways for junior faculty.

Additional Position Information (if applicable)

Research Ecosystem and Institutional Infrastructure

Ohio offers a distinctive environment for applied quantum research, anchored by statewide investment, a globally recognized healthcare system, and strong federal and industry partnerships. Through the Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN), Miami faculty have connectivity to the Air Force Research Laboratory and other federal research centers, creating opportunities for defense- and aerospace-aligned quantum initiatives. The state's strengths in advanced manufacturing, materials science, healthcare innovation, and emerging semiconductor infrastructure further position Ohio as a growing hub for quantum-enabled technologies and workforce development.

Miami University provides integrated support for research growth, innovation, and applied impact. The ASPIRE Office advances large-scale and multi-investigator proposal development and strengthens competitiveness for major federal awards. The Office for Research and Innovation (ORI) supports sponsored programs, compliance, and corporate engagement, while Miami's technology transfer team guides intellectual property strategy and commercialization. College@Elm further expands industry and community partnerships, enhancing applied research and workforce development. Together, these units create a coordinated infrastructure to accelerate research impact and institutional growth.

Miami also supports OQCI through a robust and scalable quantum computing ecosystem that integrates advanced hardware access, high-performance simulation, and cloud-based platforms. Through its partnership with Cleveland Clinic, faculty have access to the IBM Quantum System One ("IBM Eagle R3"), a 156-qubit superconducting quantum processor enabling state-of-the-art universal quantum research and application development. Complementing this capability, Miami is deploying a GPU-accelerated quantum simulation environment (NVIDIA H200 NVL architecture with high-memory Xeon processors and high-speed interconnects) to support hybrid classical-quantum workflows, algorithm development, and large-scale simulation. Faculty and students additionally utilize AWS Braket to access multiple quantum architectures for research and instruction. Together, these resources provide a strong foundation for applied quantum research, software innovation, and hybrid computing advancement.

Required Application Documents

Resume/CV and Cover Letter

Special Instructions (if applicable)

Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Marnie Saunders at saundem9@miamioh.edu. Screening of applications will begin two weeks from posting date and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Remote Work
For positions that are approved for remote work: Remote work is not a right, it is a work arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason, including the convenience of the University.

Reasonable Accommodations
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Miami University Values Statement
Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

For more information on Miami University's mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560.

Clery Act
As part of the University's commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2223.

Labor Law Posters for Applicants

Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.