Assistant Professor, Theoretical Quantum Computation

The Opportunity

The Department of Physics (physics.ucf.edu) in the College of Sciences (COS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invite applications for a full-time, nine-month faculty position for a theorist specializing in quantum information processing at the rank of assistant professor (tenure-earning), anticipated to begin in August 2025.

We seek candidates whose experience and plans lie at the forefront of areas such as quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum simulations, and quantum error correction. Predominant research activities of the selected candidate will include theoretical studies of quantum information systems and methods with potential to tackle challenges in artificial intelligence, materials science, chemistry, and physics, and secure communications. The successful candidate is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded, and creative research program and have a strong commitment to excellence in graduate and undergraduate education. Instructional duties and service assignments are in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy.

The Department of Physics has 60 faculty, offers B.S., B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, and has modern, well-designed office and working spaces. UCF provides computational research support including a high-performance computing cluster. UCF is a leading, metropolitan, research-intensive university with over 68,000 students. We offer support for expectant mothers, paid parental leave for both parents, on-site pre-school, and professional development and leadership training for all faculty at all career stages. UCF provides competitive startup funds.

The College of Sciences (COS) houses most of the university’s natural, computational, and social sciences in eight departments, two schools, and several centers. The college’s programs play a key role in advancing UCF as a national research university that is determined to help students from all backgrounds achieve success. For more information, visit https://sciences.ucf.edu/.

Minimum Qualifications:

A doctoral degree from an accredited institution in physics or a closely related discipline at the time of hire, and a substantial record of independent research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A record of successful research in quantum information systems.

• A record of externally funded research.

• Experience teaching physics at the university level.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, candidates should upload: (1) a cover letter, (2) a current curriculum vitae, (3) a research statement and plan, (4) a teaching statement, and (5) a list with contact information for three (3) professional references.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Eduardo Mucciolo, search committee chair, at Eduardo.Mucciolo@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

9/25/2025

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program. 

• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.

• Retirement savings options. 

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions. 

• Education assistance.

• Flexible work environment. 

• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.