Faculty Position in Quantum Computing

Department: MCC Computer Science

Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Quantum Computing, Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University

Northwestern University invites outstanding candidates who are excited by the opportunity to help build the future of quantum computing and quantum information science and engineering in a world-class university to apply for a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment at the McCormick School of Engineering in the departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. The new appointment will be joint between the two departments at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, quantum algorithms, quantum computing, quantum information, quantum error correction and mitigation, quantum systems architecture, quantum software systems, quantum simulation, many-body dynamics, and other design areas related to quantum computing and quantum information science and engineering. The new hire will have opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration via broad research initiatives and centers at Northwestern, including the Institute for Quantum Information Research and Engineering (INQUIRE), the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS), the Center for Molecular Quantum Transduction (CMQT), and other centers and initiatives at Northwestern, as well as in collaboration with National Laboratories, including Fermilab, Argonne, Oak Ridge, Brookhaven, and NIST.

Northwestern University is a leading R1 university comprising a number of highly ranking schools that provide extraordinary opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of disciplines. Northwestern is located in beautiful Evanston, on the shores of Lake Michigan, just outside the city of Chicago. Our faculty have ample opportunities to connect with the city's growing technology sector. In recent years, the Chicago region has enjoyed a multi-billion-dollar growth in Quantum Science and Engineering, including the groundbreaking DARPA-Illinois Quantum Proving Ground, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), and other large-scale initiatives leveraging federal, state, public, and private investments, such as the Bloch EDA Tech Hub, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). The Chicago region was designated a US Regional Innovation and Technology Hub for quantum technologies, and is already receiving pioneering quantum companies as tenants at the IQMP campus. Northwestern University is a vital part of this vibrant ecosystem, and is committed to interdisciplinary research (see for example the CS+X initiative) leveraging Northwestern's unique strengths and world-class schools.

We encourage candidates to send their applications as soon as possible. Applications received by December 1, 2026, will be given full consideration. Applications received after December 1, 2026 are welcome, and will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled. Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter indicating the rank applied for, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) the contact information of three to five references, (4) a statement of research interests, (5) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (6) two or at most three of the applicant's most impactful or strongest publications. Application instructions can be found at https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/computer-science/resources/careers-computer-science.html. For general questions about the search or application assistance post submission, please contact cs-ece-faculty-search@northwestern.edu.

The expected base pay range for this position at the Assistant Professor level is $133,000 - $143,000 and at the Associate Professor level is $145,000 - $158,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation. Sponsorship for an H-1B visa may be available for qualified candidates, subject to institutional policies and applicable immigration regulations.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Northwestern Benefits to learn more.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

• Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).
• Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.
• Please also prepare a list of names and email addresses for your external academic references; your references will be contacted directly by the online system and invited to upload their letters on your behalf.
• All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the "Submit" button.
• Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.