Jobs

Position Title: Assistant Professor, The Department of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Science,
Western University
Appointment Type and Rank: Probationary (Tenure-Track) – Assistant Professor
Number of Positions: One
Posting Date: October 29, 2026
Closing Date to Apply: December 18, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2027 or as negotiated

Position Profile: The Department of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Science, at the University of
Western Ontario invites applications for a Probationary/Tenure-Track faculty appointment with
responsibilities in teaching, research and service. The area of research is broadly defined as quantum
computing algorithms, with teaching responsibilities to include an existing 100+ student course in
‘Quantum Computing and Information’ for physics and software engineering students. The successful
applicant will receive a probationary (tenure-track) appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Academic Expectations: The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching within the Physics
& Astronomy program at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including mentorship of trainees. They
will also develop an independent, globally competitive, externally funded research program in
algorithms for quantum computing to run on existing and proposed hardware. Algorithm, rather than
hardware, development is the focus of this position, which is expected to exploit funding opportunities
and collaborations with governmental agencies and industrial partnerships. The successful candidate
will be expected to supervise graduate students and participate in other educational and professional
activities including administrative duties both internal (within the Department, Faculty, University) and
external (community and learned societies).

Qualifications or Experience and Skills Required: The ideal candidate must hold a doctoral degree
in Physics or a closely related field with postdoctoral or equivalent experience. The successful
candidate will have expertise in quantum algorithm development as demonstrated by a record of
publication in high-quality journals or conference proceedings. The successful candidate will provide a
high-quality quantum algorithms research plan that discusses specific external funding targets and
potential collaborators and will be expected to develop this plan into a thriving independent research
program. Experience with, or demonstrated potential for, teaching courses at the university level, and
mentoring junior trainees in a research environment, as demonstrated in a teaching statement, is
essential. Candidates must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills and show
evidence of contributing to equity, diversity, and inclusion within academic or professional settings. The
University welcomes applications from individuals committed to fostering inclusive learning
environments and contributing positively to the broader academic community.

Compensation Details: Salary for this position will be commensurate with qualifications and
experience. Salary range will be $115,000 to $140,000. This position includes a comprehensive
benefits package. Further details can be accessed at:
https://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/your_benefits/faculty.html 

Affirmation Policy Statement: Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving
beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard
against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a
candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited
for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or
membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position,
will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a
relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with
Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the
affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 –
Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy (https://www.physics.uwo.ca): is a research-intensive
department in Western’s Faculty of Science (https://www.uwo.ca/sci), with undergraduate programs in
physics, astronomy, and medical physics, and graduate programs in physics and in astronomy. The
Department is home to approximately 30 faculty, including 7 current or former Canada Research Chairs
and Industrial Research Chairs. Physics & Astronomy at Western has core research strengths in
multiple areas including scientific computation, condensed matter physics, and molecular astrophysics.
Members participate in Western’s research institutes (e.g. Western Institute for Neuroscience, Institute
for Earth and Space Exploration) and make use of Western’s Advanced Materials Foundry and the
SHARCNET computing facility.

The Faculty of Science: Western Science ranks among Canada’s top ten Faculties of Science. With
1,215 faculty and staff, over seven departments and six centres, the Faculty of Science is dedicated to
advancing the scientific frontier in order to address societal challenges. We work in collaboration with
members of the local, national, and international community to inform decisions which impact on issues
of environment and sustainability, to build industrial capacity through, for example, the development of
multiple applications for big data, and to challenge existing boundaries by conceiving new materials and
biomaterials.

The University: Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western
challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff, and students to commit to the highest global standards.
Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western
attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence, and lead in the international
community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long
opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.

The City: London is a major city in southwestern Ontario, known as “The Forest City,” for its abundant
parks, tree-lined streets, and extensive natural spaces. Situated at the confluence of the Thames and
North Thames Rivers, it lies roughly halfway between Toronto and Detroit. With a population just over
500,000, London serves as a regional hub for healthcare, education, culture, and economic activity. It is
home to Western University, Fanshawe College, and several major hospitals, making it a centre for
medical research and higher education. The city features a vibrant arts scene, numerous museums,
festivals, and heritage sites, offering many amenities of a larger urban centre while maintaining a strong
community feel.

To Apply: Applicants are invited to submit a complete application package, as a SINGLE PDF file,
containing the following:
• Application for Full-Time Faculty Position form https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/careers/full-timeapplication-form-new.pdf
• Curriculum vitae, including publication list
• Names and contact information of three academic referees, who will only be contacted at the
shortlisting stage
• Cover letter outlining interest and qualifications for the role
• Teaching and mentorship statement, describing experience and approach, including specifics as
related to teaching quantum computing
• Research statement, describing past achievements and future plans, including potential funding
avenues and potential partnerships.
• Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in relation to academic activities
The last four items should comprise a maximum of 10 pages total.

The application package can be submitted via email to p-a.search@uwo.ca and addressed to
Quantum algorithms search committee
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Faculty of Science
Western University
London, Ontario, Canada

Existing Vacancy Disclosure Statement: This position is an existing vacancy.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral
communications skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals.
Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications
from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of
any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and
permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you
require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Administrative Officer Emily
Adams, eadams29@uwo.ca 

Posting Number: SCI-Phys&Astr-2026-087

To view our openings, go to Working at Western and using the Search Jobs box, enter the Job Opening ID if known, or type "Physics and Astronomy".

None at this time

Accelerated by increased grant acquisition, the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western University is growing. We are currently recruiting students for positions in various Masters and Doctoral project offerings.

With core faculty who do front-line research in a range of areas, the Department of Physics & Astronomy provides students with an array of exciting professional development and high-impact learning opportunities.

The Position: We are seeking motivated, passionate students looking to jump-start their careers in research and teaching. We encourage applications from students with undergraduate and/or Master's degrees in physics, applied physics, applied mathematics, astronomy, or other disciplines where students have taken upper-level undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in the fundamental areas of physics.

The Program: The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers graduate programs leading to MSc and PhD degrees in both disciplines. All programs are housed in our newly renovated, state-of-the-art building.

None at this time.

To view our openings, go to Working at Western and using the Search Jobs box, enter the Job Opening ID if known, or type "Physics and Astronomy".