Associate Professor A - Quantum Computing

Associate Professor A - Quantum Computing

University of Limerick

Limerick, Ireland

From € 91,094 up to € 120,069 per year

JOB SYNOPSIS

If you are seeking an academic career in a dynamic and collegial Computer Science department that delivers excellent research, teaching, and societal impact, then the new permanent Associate Professor position in Computer Science (Quantum Computing) in our department should be of interest to you. The Department’s research profile is characterised by its expertise in the domains of computer science, software engineering, programming languages, artificial intelligence, and data science. Our research leadership is strongly reflected in our sustained successes in securing international and national competitive grant funding and in our active engagement with large-scale research centres such as Lero – the SFI Research Centre for Software and the Immersive Software Engineering (ISE) initiative. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in Quantum Computing, with interests that may include quantum algorithms, quantum information science, quantum programming, or the intersection of quantum and classical computation. They will be expected to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervise research students, undertake administrative tasks associated with an academic position, and conduct internationally excellent research in the field.

Research, Scholarship and Innovation

The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems seeks candidates who can show evidence of quality research outputs with impact, both within and beyond academia. This may include but is not limited to publication in discipline-relevant international journals and conferences. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in their discipline with evidence of existing and further growth as a research leader. Impact with one’s research, aligned with international standards in Quantum Computing, is essential.

Evidence of excellence in research and scholarship is expected. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Actively publishes research findings in reputable national and international peer-reviewed journals and/or in other prestigious publications (as appropriate to the discipline), emphasising the quality, significance, and impact of the research within and beyond academia.
• Presents research at national and international conferences, demonstrating the impact, relevance, and contribution to the field.
• Serves as an editorial board member or reviewer for reputable academic journals, contributing to the advancement of scholarly publishing practices.
• Applies for competitive research funding and/or prestigious fellowships as appropriate to the discipline, focusing on quality of applications and aligning with the strategic research plans of the person, faculty and institution.
• Develops collaborations with industry partners, governmental organisations, or international collaborators to support research activities, enhancing the relevance, applicability, and impact of the research.
• Consistently supervises Research Masters/PhD level students to timely completion, demonstrating expertise in guiding their research activities and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Manages complex research projects and teams with proficiency, overseeing multiple aspects of research design, implementation, and dissemination. Where appropriate, acts as Principal Investigator and/or project leader and, as such, acts as a line manager of research staff.

Mentorship and Career Planning

The appointee may be assigned a mentor within the Department/School and one outside of the School under the UL Mentorship Programme to guide their further career development. A range of supports in career advancement are available. Working with their mentor and Department Head during their first year of service, the Associate Professor will develop a career plan as part of professional development. The plan will foster a long-term career orientation that will further enhance an international profile in their discipline and carve out a rewarding and satisfying academic career.

The plan will also identify resources required to facilitate its achievement, including, for example, an appropriately funded (subject to resources) research account which may be used to avail of developmental opportunities, teaching releases (as appropriate and available), along with attendance at networking and preparatory meetings necessary for completing grant applications in order to become, or continue to become, a funded independent Principal Investigator (PI) with the University of Limerick.

The University of Limerick has a range of supports available for the creation of a research agenda enabled through competitive research funding.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment

The University of Limerick encourages scholarship and research in teaching and learning, to help ensure that effective teaching is valued, supported, and developed and to encourage innovation in teaching and learning activities. Enhancing the learning and development experience for both teachers and students is a vital consideration for the University and supported by the Centre for Transformative Learning.

Experience in teaching is a requirement for an Associate Professor. The University of Limerick also offers pedagogical training to prepare faculty for an all-round career in academia including the University of Limerick’s Post-Graduate qualifications in Learning, Teaching & Assessment in Higher Education. This is not necessary if the applicant has already fully completed a similar qualification at another university. The appointee will be assigned relevant teaching modules by the Head of Department.

Teaching experience related to the delivery of effective teaching, learning, and assessment should include:

• Designs and develops new courses or modules that reflect current trends, emerging knowledge, and interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Engages in appropriate quality assurance and quality enhancement initiatives as well as the wider context for academic and professional practice of teaching at institutional and sectoral level.
• Coordinates, supports, supervises, manages and/or mentors others (whether individuals and/or teams) in relation to teaching and learning at institutional and sectoral level.
• Aligns course objectives, assessments, and instructional methods to promote active learning, critical thinking, and student engagement.
• Pursues further training or certifications in pedagogy, curriculum design, or educational technology to enhance teaching skills. Implements evidence-based teaching strategies and innovations informed by current research in teaching and learning.
• Receives prestigious awards or honours for leadership in teaching, recognising significant contributions to advancing teaching and learning at institutional or national levels.

Academic Service and Contribution to Society

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proactive, collegial approach and will actively contribute to advancing the strategic goals of the University and Faculty. Prior experience of service contribution, including under the following headings, is a requirement:

• Contribution to the effective administration and functioning of the university, for example, active membership of school/college/institute/university committees and boards.
• Mentor junior colleagues or students in service-related activities, providing guidance and support for their professional development.
• Assumes leadership roles in departmental or programme administration, overseeing strategic planning, resource allocation, and programme development.
• Engages in professional development opportunities to enhance leadership capabilities and effectiveness in academic administration.
• Assumes leadership roles in Faculty or Departmental committees or working groups focused on strategic planning, programme development, or academic innovation.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of Faculty or Departmental strategic plans, ensuring alignment with broader institutional goals and priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Criteria:

• Doctoral degree (Level 10NFQ) in Computer Science, Physics, Electrical/Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline with a strong focus on quantum information/quantum computing.
• Established international research record in quantum computing or quantum information science (high-quality publications and demonstrable impact)
• Proven track record of securing, or strong demonstrable potential to secure, competitive external research funding.
• Significant experience supervising or co-supervising postgraduate research students.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and curriculum development at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Evidence of excellent journal publications record.
• Evidence of significant grant awards.
• Strong communication, leadership and collaborative skills, and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Supply statements on your research plans for the next five years and your teaching philosophy and reflection (each 500 words max)

Desirable Criteria:

• Research expertise bridging theory and experiment (e.g. close collaboration with quantum hardware groups or applied quantum engineering)
• Experience of leading interdisciplinary research projects and multi-partner consortia.
• Existing industry partnerships or experience translating research into commercial/industrial impact.
• Track record in securing large collaborative grants (national or international)
• Record of contribution to institutional strategic goals (e.g., EDI, teaching innovation)