Research Chair: Quantum Horizons Alberta – University of Lethbridge Node

The University of Lethbridge, in collaboration with the newly established Quantum Horizons Alberta Lethbridge node (QHA-Lethbridge), is seeking to fill a tenure track faculty appointment at the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor, subject to budgetary approval.

QHA was established in 2023 as an Alberta-wide initiative to expand our foundational knowledge of quantum science, to pursue transformational research into the potential of quantum physics, and to enhance Alberta’s stature in quantum research and innovation. QHA was initiated by a generous gift from a group of visionary donors, with the goal of making it a $25-million centre of excellence that will build on and increase Alberta’s considerable capacity in quantum research through a partnership with and spread among the three nodes at the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. The successful candidate will have an earned Ph.D. and demonstrated expertise in theoretical physics with a focus on quantum foundations, quantum cosmology, and allied areas of research.

The QHA Research Chair will be situated in the newly established QHA-Lethbridge node, in the Department of Physics and Astronomy or another suitable academic unit. The successful candidate must be an established leader in their field, with a proven track record in outstanding research, scholarship, and mentorship. The candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program, collaborate with scientists both within and outside the institution, and contribute to the education of undergraduate and graduate students. The QHA-Lethbridge Research Chair may be offered a visiting appointment with the Perimeter Institute, a premier research institute in theoretical physics in Waterloo, Ontario.

Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2024. The anticipated starting date for the position is September 1, 2024. All applications must be submitted online, and should include a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a research proposal, a statement of teaching interests and teaching philosophy, and a statement demonstrating commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, and contact information for three referees who are academics in the field. Referees of short-listed candidates will be contacted directly, with information on how to submit their reference letters. The research proposal should describe how the applicant will develop a research program that includes engagement with all stakeholders to help develop the newly established QHA-Lethbridge node.

For inquiries about this position, please contact Dr. Saurya Das, Professor of Physics and Director of QHA-Lethbridge at saurya.das@uleth.ca. For details on how to submit your application, please visit our Human Resources website at https://uleth.peopleadmin.ca and choose this position under the Academic postings option.

The University of Lethbridge (uLethbridge) is a comprehensive and research-intensive university founded on the principles of liberal education where inspired scholars integrate research and creative activity with teaching. Our University’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot land, it is a place where student engagement in learning, creative activities, and research takes place every day. With campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary, uLethbridge offers more than 150 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs in the faculties of Arts & Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, the Schools of Liberal Education and Graduate Studies, and the Dhillon School of Business, to more than 8,900 students.

The university recognizes that diversity enriches our campus and our community and is fundamental to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. The university embraces equity as a core value to be truly inclusive of the communities of which we are a part, and this requires ongoing intentional and systemic action. Through recruitment and support of individuals who further enhance our diversity, the University strives to create a diverse and inclusive community where students, faculty and staff feel welcome, are treated equitably, and can thrive.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their applications the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply for this position; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.

The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at human.resources@uleth.ca so that accommodations can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential, only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.

Lethbridge is a city of about 100,000 residents, nestled in Southern Alberta. It boasts of an outstanding natural beauty, great outdoors, and cultural vibrancy. It has a strong sense of community, offers a high quality of life, a diverse population and a thriving economy. The Canadian Rockies are about an hour and a half away and offer superb skiing and other outdoor activities.

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