1

Quantum Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Quantum Professor information

See salary details

$58K

$114.8K

$189K

How much do quantum professor jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum professor in the United States is $114,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Quantum Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quantum Professor, you need an advanced degree (typically a PhD) in physics or a related field, with deep expertise in quantum mechanics and research experience. Familiarity with quantum simulation software, programming languages such as Python or MATLAB, and experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals are typically required. Strong communication, mentorship skills, and the ability to inspire and engage students set outstanding professors apart. These skills are crucial for advancing research, effectively teaching complex concepts, and fostering the next generation of quantum scientists.

What are some typical challenges Quantum Professors face in balancing research, teaching, and developing new course material?

Quantum Professors often juggle multiple demanding responsibilities, including conducting advanced research, publishing papers, mentoring graduate students, and developing or updating curriculum to reflect rapidly evolving quantum science. Staying current with breakthroughs in the field while ensuring students receive clear, foundational instruction can be challenging. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and securing research funding also require strong time management and communication skills. However, these challenges provide unique opportunities for professional growth and leadership in cutting-edge scientific discovery.

What are Quantum Professors?

Quantum Professors are academic professionals who specialize in the study, research, and teaching of quantum mechanics and related fields such as quantum computing, quantum information science, or quantum physics. They typically hold advanced degrees (usually a PhD) and work at universities or research institutions, conducting experiments, publishing papers, and instructing undergraduate and graduate students. Their work often contributes to advancements in technology and our understanding of the fundamental principles of the universe.

What is the difference between Quantum Professor vs Quantum Research Scientist?

AspectQuantum ProfessorQuantum Research Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Physics or related field, academic credentialsPhD in Physics, Engineering, or related field, specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentUniversities, academic institutions, research labsResearch labs, corporate R&D departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education, academia, research institutionsPrivate companies, government labs, industry-focused research
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic roles, teaching, research in quantum physicsApplied research, product development, industry innovation

The main difference between a Quantum Professor and a Quantum Research Scientist lies in their work environment and focus. Quantum Professors primarily work in academia, teaching students and conducting fundamental research. Quantum Research Scientists often work in industry or government labs, focusing on applied research and product development. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their career paths and daily tasks differ significantly.

More about Quantum Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Quantum Professor jobs? Cities with the most Quantum Professor job openings:
What states have the most Quantum Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Quantum Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Quantum Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,792 per year, or $55.2 per hour.
Empire Innovation Professor, Quantum Computing

Empire Innovation Professor, Quantum Computing

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


University at Buffalo rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

328th of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Empire Innovation Professor, Quantum Computing
Department
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Posting Number
F250120
Posting Link
https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/59604
Employer
State
Faculty Appointment Term
Term
Position Type
UUP Faculty
Posting Detail Information
Fiscal Year
2025-2026
Position Summary
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) invites candidates to apply for a tenure-track EIP position. A successful candidate should hold the rank of Full Professor at the time of application, although strong candidates at the rank of Associate Professor will also be considered. The successful candidate is expected to build a world-class research and educational program that exemplifies a strong drive towards team research, produces impactful research publications, attracts significant public and private research funding, and demonstrates commitment to effective teaching. Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
  • Quantum Computing Theory
  • Quantum Algorithms
  • Quantum Networking for Distributed Quantum Computing (As opposed to QKD)
  • Quantum Machine Learning
  • Quantum Sensing
  • Quantum Applications
  • Quantum-safe or Quantum-resistant Cryptography

We invite prominent leaders in Quantum Computing. Areas include quantum computing theory, algorithms, networking, and other software and hardware systems that embody quantum physics to enable secure, reliable, and efficient applications. This Empire Innovation Program hire aligns closely with the Department's long-standing focus on advanced computing theory, algorithms, networking, systems, and cybersecurity. The hire would also have immediate collaborative opportunities with faculty in the Physics, Mathematics, and Materials Design and Innovation departments.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels, mentor graduate students, advise students at all levels, and maintain an active research program. We are particularly looking for candidates who can operate and lead effectively in a diverse community of students and faculty and share our vision of helping all constituents reach their full potential.
About the Department of Computer Science and Engineering:
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) offers BS degrees in computer science (accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, and in computer engineering (accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, a combined 5-year BS- MS program, a minor in computer science, a Certificate in Data-Intensive Computing, and several joint programs (BS in Computer Science/MBA, BS in Computational Physics, BA in Social Sciences Interdisciplinary - Cognitive Science Concentration, BS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology - CSE concentration), a minor in cybersecurity, and an advanced graduate certificate in cybersecurity as well as MS and PhD programs in Computer Science & Engineering.
The department currently has over 50 tenure-track faculty, 18 teaching faculty, approximately 2,200 undergraduate majors, 1200 masters' and 160 PhD students. Over thirty junior faculty members have been hired since 2010, and we continue expanding. Two members of our faculty currently hold key university leadership positions, and nine members of our faculty are IEEE and/or ACM Fellows. The department is well known for offering an excellent collaborative and nurturing environment for faculty. Recently, a cohort of five junior faculty received the CAREER awards in 2019, setting a national record.
Our faculty members are actively involved in cutting-edge research and successful interdisciplinary programs and centers devoted to biometrics; bioinformatics; biomedical computing; computational and data science and engineering; computer vision and multimedia systems; database systems; document analysis and recognition; programming languages; high-performance computing; cybersecurity; embedded, networked and distributed systems; machine learning and artificial intelligence; connected and autonomous vehicles and sustainable transportation; and theory of computation. Our faculty has excellent publication records over the years. Since 2015, the department has moved up its rank to be among the top 40 on csrankings.org and is among the top 25 in two recent years (2017 and 2019). During the same period, our research expenditure has grown from $4.5 million (for AY 2015-2016) to close to $10.5 million (AY 2023-2024).
About the University at Buffalo:
The University at Buffalo (UB) is a flagship of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, a member of the prestigious American Association of Universities, is the largest and most comprehensive university in the SUNY system, with about 21,000 undergraduates 11,000 graduate students, and 2500 full-time faculty. The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has about 8,000 students across 9 academic departments. UB was recently announced as the recipient of $400M in funding for EmpireAI and continues to lead in many areas of AI, and this position is intended for a national leader in AI. The prestigious NSF National AI Institute for Exceptional Education continues to innovate in the application of AI to address important problems across disciplines. Backed by numerous centers across information integrity, autonomy, robotics, biometrics, and cybersecurity, for example, CSE faculty have a long history of interdisciplinary collaboration and a reputation as a leading department at UB.
About Buffalo:
Buffalo is a city with a rapidly growing economy, eclectic neighborhoods, world-class art galleries and museums, a vibrant theater and music community, the Lake Erie waterfront, a city-wide system of parks designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, and major and minor league sports teams. The awe-inspiring Niagara Falls is just 20 minutes away. The department is located on the UB North Campus in suburban Amherst, an area that combines outstanding public schools and services with a surprisingly low cost of living.
Learn more:
  • Our benefits, where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.
  • Being a part of the University at Buffalo community.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Candidates must hold a doctorate in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Candidates must demonstrate excellence in research, teaching, service, and mentoring.
  • Candidates should be internationally recognized scholars as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, citations and a sustained externally funded research program.

Preferred Qualifications
Physical Demands
Driving Requirements
Salary Range
Competitive
Additional Salary Information
Job Type
Full-Time
Campus
North Campus
Posting Alerts
Special Instructions Summary
We offer applicants the ability to include a statement about engagement and inclusive learning in an engineering environment, which could include:
  • Experiences you have had working across different student and colleague groups
  • Teaching activities that highlight an expansive pedagogy
  • Key definitions or philosophical frameworks that inform your approach.

This is not required but may be beneficial for the committee to review.
Additional Information
Is a background check required for this posting?
No
Background Check Notification
Contact Information
Contact's Name
Chunming Qiao
Contact's Pronouns
Contact's Title
SUNY Distinguished Professor
Contact's Email
qiao@buffalo.edu
Contact's Phone
716-645-4751
Posting Dates
Posted
10/20/2025
Deadline for Applicants
Open Until Filled
Date to be filled
09/01/2026
References
Number of References Required
3
Reference Cutoff Date
Instructions to Applicant

What University at Buffalo employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom