Assistant Professor JILA - Experimental Quantum Science & Engineering

Role details

Job Summary

We are searching for junior-level faculty members to join us at JILA: a highly collaborative, diverse, and multi-disciplinary physical science joint research institute of CU Boulder and the National Institute of Standards & Technology located on the University of Colorado campus in beautiful Boulder https://www.colorado.edu/jila . We are particularly interested in the broad area of quantum science and/or engineering, including though not limited to:

• Quantum simulation and computing
• Precision measurement, sensing, and microscopy
• Searches for new fundamental physics
• Quantum networks, interconnects, and communication
• Developing and probing quantum materials
• Emerging technologies

We are looking for experimentalists to establish independent research programs that expand JILA’s borders in exciting new directions that are synergistic with our existing strengths. All experimental approaches will be considered, including though not limited to atomic, molecular, photonic, superconducting, and solid-state platforms. The successful candidate will also have an appointment in an academic department such as Physics, Chemistry, or Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering in the College of Arts & Sciences or the College of Engineering and Applied Science, depending on the candidate’s research interests.

All applications received by December 1, 2026 will be given full consideration, and the position will remain open until filled. Recommendation letters will be requested when your application is submitted. The letters are due by December 8, 2026 to receive full consideration so please provide advance notification to your letter writers of the deadline and to look for the letter request. See below for more details.

The University of Colorado Boulder and JILA are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where all members of our community can thrive. We seek candidates who will contribute to excellence through research, teaching, mentoring, service, and engagement with the broader scientific community. We encourage applications from individuals whose experiences, perspectives, and accomplishments will enrich our academic and research environment.

For further information, please contact Cindy Regal [email protected] and James K. Thompson [email protected] with subject heading “JILA Faculty Search”.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

JILA is a joint academic research institute of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• Establish an independent experimental research program that expands our borders in exciting new directions that are synergistic with our existing strengths.
• Engage in research mentorship and teaching of undergraduate students, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Contribute professional leadership and service to their unit, the college, and their professional community

The typical distribution of work for this role is 40% scholarly and creative work (research), 40% teaching, and 20% leadership and service.

What You Should Know

• The anticipated start date for this position is Fall 2027; however, a later start date may be negotiated.

What We Can Offer

The anticipated academic year salary (9 months) range for this position at the Assistant Professor rank is $115,000 - $135,000.

CU offers a competitive 401(a) retirement plan, with employees contributing 5% of their annual eligible compensation and CU contributing 10% of their eligible compensation. This plan is standard for most faculty hires. For more information on CU's retirement benefits visit our website here .

In addition to a competitive salary, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a wide variety of other benefits and perks. Links to some of these are below. To forecast the value of your total compensation, check out our total compensation calculator . More information on some of our benefits and perks is available here: gender-neutral paid parental leave ; housing down-payment assistance programs ; dual-career & relocation resources ; and teaching , research , and professional development .

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Applicants must have earned a research doctorate in the physical sciences, engineering or other relevant disciplines. Typical applicants will also have postdoctoral research experience.

What We Would Like You To Have

Preferred candidates are those that demonstrate the potential for excellence in research and teaching through a strong research history and clear communication.

Special Instructions

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, however for full consideration please ensure that all of your application materials are received by December 1, 2026.

Recommendation letter requests will be sent to your letter writers when you submit your application. A minimum of 3 letters is required. Letters received by December 8, 2026 will be given full consideration so please consider submitting your application in advance of the December 1, 2026 application deadline. Please also let your letter writers know of the deadline and to look for the letter request.

The following application materials are needed to apply. Each item will be uploaded as individual PDF files.

• Cover Letter: A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and summarizing your personal academic goals. Please also include your letter writers’ names, position titles, universities or institutes, emails, and phone numbers.
• Resume/CV: A current curriculum vitae that includes professional and educational background, publications, presentations, patents, and awards.
• A research statement and proposal: A brief summary of your proposed research program and your past research accomplishments, with primary focus on the former. The importance and broader impacts of your proposed research should be discussed (3 to 5 pages total).
• Teaching & Mentoring statement: A statement of your teaching experience and philosophy. This could include but is not limited to your perspectives on and experiences with teaching and mentoring a broad range of students from the undergraduate to PhD level, broader educational engagement and outreach, and community building (1 to 2 pages total).

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.