Quantum Optics Professor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

About the Job 

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities invites applications in the areas of: i) computer engineering, ii) AI, iii) Optics and photonics. These are tenure-track / tenured faculty positions, hiring at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor levels; rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Computer Engineering:

Expertise in chip design and verification, design automation, computer architecture, and emerging computing platforms is of particular interest, including the fields of AI/ML, heterogeneous integration, quantum, and physics-inspired computing.

Collaboration in research and development in chip design, verification methods, electronic design automation, and computer architecture. Particular application areas of interest include (but are not limited to): AI/ML accelerator design, application of AI/ML for chip design and verification, domain-specific computing, heterogeneous architectures, hardware-algorithm co-design, quantum, and physics-inspired computing.

AI: 

Expertise in algorithms, theory, and applications across the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning are of particular interest. 

Collaboration in research and development in basic and applied research in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Theoretical areas of interest include (but are not limited to) optimization, neural networks, and reinforcement learning. Application areas of interest include (but are not limited to) robotics, foundation models, image / signal processing, optimization, and control. 

Optics and Photonics:

Expertise in the fields of optics, photonics, nanophotonics, quantum optics, optical materials, devices, instrumentation, and systems including (but not limited to): Integrated and nano-scale photonics; metasurfaces, and plasmonics; Optical manufacturing, patterning, and machining techniques; Biophotonics and optical biosensing; Optical imaging and spectroscopy; Optical measurement and sensing science and instrumentation; Quantum optics; Optoelectronics and silicon photonics; Optical communications and interconnects. 

Collaboration in research and development of one or more of the above listed fields of expertise. Candidates whose work bridges optics and photonics with emerging areas such as quantum technologies or computing, packaging, neuroengineering, biomedical diagnostics, high power devices or systems, or AI-enabled systems are particularly encouraged to apply. Demonstrated ability in micro- and/or nano-fabrication is desirable; candidates are expected to make extensive use of the Minnesota Nano Center (MNC) cleanroom facilities.

Research

• Develop research proposals for external funding opportunities and collaborate with researchers from academia and industry on joint research projects.
• Engage in research, publication, and scientific creation.

Teaching

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
• Advise students regarding specific coursework and broader academic or career goals.

Service

• Provide service through participation in governance of the department and/or the University.
• Contribute to outreach activities that support the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering mission.
• Contribute to the development of the profession, keep current with the field, and broaden knowledge and expertise.

Successful candidates will have outstanding academic and research records and are expected to establish a vigorous, funded research program, teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and be involved in service to the University and the profession. An earned doctorate or equivalent foreign degree in an appropriate discipline is required at the time of appointment. It is anticipated that the appointment will begin Fall 2026. Completion of PhD required. 

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest departments within the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Current research areas include Biomedical and Biological Computation Methods; Devices and Systems; Communications, Signal Processing, and Networking; Computer Engineering, VLSI, and Circuits; Fields, Photonics, and Magnetics; Micro and Nano Structures; Sustainable Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives; Systems and Controls. To learn more about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, please visit the department website.

Pay Range: Assistant Professor $110,000-$130,000, Associate Professor $125,000-$160,000, Full Professor $135,000-$230,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass