Project description

The Leiden Institute of Physics is searching a new faculty member for the Applied Quantum Algorithms group, a joint initiative with the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science. We seek candidates who can contribute to the national Quantum Delta NL program in quantum technology, by the development and application of quantum algorithms to problems in physics, chemistry, and computer science.

We offer a tenure track appointment as assistant professor that upon successful performance will lead to promotion to a tenured position as associate professor and upon continued growth to promotion to full professor. (In exceptional cases, initial appointment at a higher level is possible.) We offer a clear and inviting career path, support in the development of your personal and professional skills, and an attractive start-up package. We actively support learning Dutch through departmentally funded courses.

Locally the position will be embedded in the Lorentz Institute for theoretical physics, with a diverse research agenda in condensed matter physics, complex systems, and cosmology. Nationally we are a partner of the Quantum Software Consortium, a multidisciplinary group of researchers from the universities of Amsterdam, Leiden and Delft, with backgrounds in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and physics. We are one of the five research hubs of the Quantum Delta NL program for the development of quantum technology. We share students and postdocs with QuTech in Delft, where we can try out ideas on quantum hardware. The Lorentz Institute is affiliated with the Lorentz Center, which hosts workshops on topics of current interest and helps create a stimulating research environment.

Key responsibilities

• Establish an independent, internationally recognized research line in quantum information science and technology;
• Acquire external funds through research grants and/or industrial collaborations;
• Teach at the undergraduate and graduate level in physics;
• Supervise MSc students and PhD candidates in their thesis work;
• Contribute to the inclusive atmosphere, management and organization of the institute.

Selection criteria

• PhD degree in physics and research experience at the postgraduate level;
• Demonstrated strong interest in an academic career through activities and publication record;
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal;
• Strong commitment to teaching and willingness to further develop teaching skills.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time, 6 year term position, with the possibility of a tenure position based on performance. Salary range from € 3.807,-  to € 5.211,-  gross per month (pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).  In exceptional cases, candidates at the associate or full professor level will be taken into consideration.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Our organisation

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. We are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,200 staff and almost 4,200 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see the website of the Faculty of Science.