Empire Innovation Professor (Associate/ Full Professor) - Advanced Characterization of Quantum Materials - Department of Material Science & Chemical Engineering (MSCE) - College of Engineering & Applied Sciences

Role details

Position Description The Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Stony Brook University invites applications for an Empire Innovation Program faculty position at the Associate or Full Professor level in advanced characterization of quantum materials. The successful candidate will be an established researcher who can identify and control the materials-level origins of decoherence and help translate quantum phenomena into reliable, scalable technologies. The position will focus on structural metrology and defect engineering in solid-state quantum materials.

The faculty member will develop and apply advanced characterization methods that quantitatively connect defects, interfaces, and disorder with quantum coherence, transport, spin, and optical properties. The research program should bridge fundamental materials discovery with device-level integration and convert atomic-scale measurements into practical design rules for quantum technologies.

Research Areas - Atomic-scale structural characterization of quantum materials and quantum-active solid-state platforms. - Defect, interface, and disorder engineering to understand and reduce decoherence. - Quantitative relationships among structure, processing, quantum coherence, electronic transport, spin behavior, and optical properties. - Advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, diffraction, magnetometry, and electron paramagnetic resonance methods for quantum materials. - Synthesis and processing strategies that control the defects and interfaces governing quantum performance. - Integration of quantum materials into functional devices and architectures, in collaboration with theorists, synthesis researchers, and device engineers. - Use of data analysis, modeling, and machine learning where these methods strengthen the interpretation and design of quantum materials.

The appointment is part of the proposal Quantum Information Science in the Real World from Molecules to Materials, which links molecular design, materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and quantum-state measurement. The new faculty member will collaborate with a campus network of 29 researchers spanning materials science, chemistry, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering. Since 2018, this group has secured more than $100 million in external funding.

The research program will benefit from Stony Brook's role in the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage and the New York State Quantum Research and Innovation Hub, as well as the University's partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory. Relevant resources include the National Synchrotron Light Source II, the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, campus microscopy and diffraction facilities, high-performance computing, and planned access to SQUID magnetometry, electron paramagnetic resonance, and advanced microscopy. The current position is expected to strengthen and complement teaching and research activities in Materials Science.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in materials science and engineering, develop interdisciplinary curriculum in quantum information science and quantum materials, and mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and postdoctoral scholars. The faculty member will contribute to an inclusive academic community and to collaborative education across the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences. Candidates must meet the criteria for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor at Stony Brook University and may be eligible for designation as a SUNY Empire Innovation Professor, subject to SUNY approval.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) degree in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, or a closely related field. Internationally recognized research accomplishments in quantum materials, advanced materials characterization, or a closely related area. A proven record of securing competitive external research funding A strong record of high-impact, peer-reviewed scholarly publications demonstrating significant research contributions and impact. Demonstrated ability to lead and participate in multidisciplinary team-science initiatives involving materials synthesis, theory, characterization, and device integration.

A strong record of excellence and commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching, mentoring, and the development of an inclusive academic environment. Experience and scholarly accomplishments commensurate with appointment and tenure at Associate or Full Professor rank.

Preferred Qualifications

Research that quantitatively links atomic-scale defects, interfaces, and disorder to quantum coherence, transport, spin, or optical behavior. Demonstrated leadership in advanced structural characterization and defect engineering of extended solid-state platforms. A sustained record of experience translating characterization results into materials design, synthesis, processing, or device-integration strategies. Demonstrated expertise with one or more of the following: advanced microscopy, synchrotron methods, diffraction, SQUID magnetometry, electron paramagnetic resonance, or multimodal characterization.

Demonstrated experience leading major multi-investigator proposals, centers, or collaborations supported by agencies such as the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, or Department of Defense. A sustained record of productive collaboration with national laboratories or industrial partners in quantum information science and technology.

Application deadline: 2027-01-14