Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty in Quantum Engineering
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Job Summary
The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Quantum Engineering with an anticipated start in Fall 2026. This position is anticipated to be hired at the Assistant Professor rank; however, qualified candidates may be considered at the Associate Professor or Professor rank. Candidates with demonstrated research experience in the broad area of Quantum Engineering are encouraged to apply. Areas of particular interest are Photonic/Phononic/Microwave Quantum systems (optomechanical systems, resonators, microwaves, cryogenics, nanophotonics), Quantum Sensing (frequency combs, molecular sensors, Rydberg/NV-based sensors, inertial sensors, magnetometry), Quantum Materials (novel materials, materials characterization, quantum fluids). The successful candidate will have a research and teaching fit with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, join the Quantum Engineering Initiative of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and will be encouraged to take advantage of CU Boulder’s rich quantum environment that includes JILA, the joint partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Who We Are
The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is one of Colorado’s flagship public institutions and among the most research-active public universities in the country. The College of Engineering and Applied Science is the second largest school or college on the CU Boulder campus and boasts top-tier rankings for both its graduate and undergraduate engineering programs. Earning the 11th spot among public graduate programs and 17th nationwide for undergraduate engineering. Multiple specialty areas are also ranked within the top 20. Equally importantly, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and academically excellent community. Our approximately 250 tenure-track, 120 instructional-track, and 30 research-track faculty serve more than 6,000 undergraduate students, 1,300 master’s students, and 850 PhD students. Our college has three core foci: (i) Research & Innovation, (ii) Education, and (iii) Inclusion. We believe that our college’s success requires faculty who actively work to create an inclusive culture within the college and are committed to the campus plan of creating and sustaining supportive campus environments.
To learn more about the College of Engineering and Applied Science please visit our website.
The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering is an innovative and supportive community in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Students work together to learn the fundamentals of the field and engage in rigorous, team-based experiences addressing real-world problems. The department’s award-winning faculty tackle societal challenges through technological innovation impacting the environment, security and human health. The department is well connected to the quantum ecosystem at CU Boulder and along the Colorado Front Range including NIST, JILA, the new CU quantum incubator and $20M National Science Foundation (NSF) Quantum Nanofab, and Elevate quantum (a new $40M EDA quantum technology hub centered in the Denver-Boulder region).
For more information about the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering please visit our website.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Successful candidates will be expected to engage in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring; develop an externally funded research program in their technical area; contribute professional leadership and service to their unit, the college, and their professional community; and cultivate and contribute to the inclusive excellence of our academic community.
- The typical distribution of work for this role is 40% teaching, 40% scholarly and creative work (research), and 20% leadership and service.
What You Should Know
- The anticipated start date for this position is Fall 2026, however a later start date may be negotiated.
- The University of Colorado Boulder has implemented a reference check program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments. The reference check program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination – before making hiring decisions. All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.
What We Can Offer
- The anticipated salary range for this position at the Assistant Professor rank is $115,000-$128,000 academic year salary.
- Qualified candidates will be considered for the Associate Professor or Professor rank:
- The salary range for this position at the Associate Professor rank is $128,000-$160,000 academic year salary.
- The salary range for this position at the Professor rank is $160,000-$220,000 academic year salary.
- A relocation stipend may be available within CEAS guidelines.
- Tenure-track faculty benefits include eligibility for gender-neutral paid parental leave; housing down-payment assistance programs; a relocation and dual career assistance program; and teaching, and professional development.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- Applicants must have earned a research doctorate in engineering, physical sciences or a closely related field, or have their degree conferred before starting a tenure-track faculty appointment.
- Candidates being considered for appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor rank must meet University standards and unit criteria for tenure and promotion to the designated rank. These criteria generally include having an established and ongoing program of original research, a strong publication record, a demonstrated ability to obtain external funding, and a record of high-quality teaching and mentoring.
What You Will Need
- Candidates should have the ability to develop an externally funded research program that complements and strengthens the existing research in the department or enables the growth of new research directions.
- Candidates should have the ability to teach existing and new undergraduate and graduate courses in Mechanical Engineering.
- Candidate should have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and plans to support and advance the student and faculty community at CU Boulder through scholarly work, teaching and/or service.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Given the University’s strong connection with the Colorado Front Range quantum ecosystem, preferred qualifications include industry and/or entrepreneurial connections and experience.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials as individual PDF files:
- Cover Letter: A cover letter describing your interest in the position and summarizing your personal academic goals (1 page).
- Resume/CV: A current curriculum vitae.
- A Statement of Research Philosophy: A statement of your experience and plans for research and/or creative work that contributes to the body of knowledge in your field and provides broader benefits to education and society (2-3 pages).
- A Statement of Teaching Philosophy: A statement of your experience and plans for teaching and mentoring a diverse student body (2-3 pages).
- Leadership, Service and Community Contributions Statement: In this statement, describe your leadership and service experience, and demonstrated ability to contribute to a supportive campus community. Please provide details on your track record, calibrated to your career stage, that describe the specific role you played in these efforts. In addition, describe your plans to contribute to our campus plan to our campus plan to Create Supportive Environments, and the College of Engineering and Applied Science Strategic Vision (1-2 pages).
During the application process, you will be asked to provide the names and contact information for at least three references, from whom we may request letters of recommendation at a later time.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, for full consideration please apply by November 24, 2025.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs. Background checks will be conducted for all final applicants.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu