InstituteQ operates as an established national quantum collaboration in Finland. It brings together front-line research teams, national education, and the industrial forum, BusinessQ, that contribute to investigation, development, and mobilization of emerging quantum technologies. The establishing parties of InstituteQ are Aalto University, University of Helsinki, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Currently, over 50 research groups and several companies participate in the operations of the institute.

Aalto University is now opening the first

InstituteQ Visiting Chair of Excellence in Quantum Technology

InstituteQ invites leading experts and eminent scholars to apply for a Chair of Excellence in Quantum Technology. Suitable candidates are anticipated to strengthen the key scientific areas of InstituteQ while bringing out skills and excellence in emerging areas of interest. The purpose of the chair is to spark and ignite cutting-edge research themes that complement or strengthen the already existing directions. The chair is targeted to senior-level established scientists as well as to young, talented researchers with a proven record of accomplishments.

The Chair of Excellent scheme is implemented via annual calls. Individual chair comes with EUR 60 000 award* that is distributed over three years, 2023-2025 for this chair. The chair holder is expected to have 2-3 longer term research and teaching visits to Aalto University over the set period of time, implemented with part-time agreement for the duration of the stay(s). The cumulative duration of the visits is expected to be 9-12 months, that can be distributed flexibly and is based on mutual agreement between Aalto University and the candidate. All applicants are required to submit a proposal for a three-year project. Also, potential candidates may be invited to submit a proposal.

Eligibility and Special requirements

Both full time faculty members and junior level researchers may apply

Collaboration with InstituteQ groups is expected (for details, see https://instituteq.fi/about/#participating-groups)

If awarded, the grantee is expected to give a talk either in the InstituteQ colloquium series, or in one of the ongoing seminar series. When applicable, the grantee is encouraged to lecture a short course on topic of interest during her/his stay.

What we offer

We offer an opportunity to focus on research and build new ideas and collaborations in the multidisciplinary research community of InstituteQ. The top Finnish universities, technology research organizations and companies focusing on quantum science and technology are only a stone’s throw away at the heart of the largest innovation hub in the Nordic region. With the state-of-the-art facilities to study, develop and commercialize these technologies, the environment provides ideal basis to build on topics from fundamental science to research directions leading to immediate applications in collaboration with industrial partners.

For elected candidate, we offer an office space during the visits, as well as the normal office facilities at Aalto (e.g., computer facilities, university e-mail, access to Aalto information services). The travel costs to and from Finland, as directly related to the Chair of Excellence, are reimbursed according to the real costs (economy class). Accommodation at Unihome properties during stays in Finland is provided. The reserved award can also be used to support visiting group members when contributing to the project.

The selection committee

The selection committee is comprised of representative experts from InstituteQ. Pre-screening or the proposals as well as final selection procedure is implemented by the members of the Research and infrastructures (ResQ) working group of InstituteQ. This group is complemented with research sub-field leaders as appropriate. The transparency of the process in monitored by the InstituteQ steering group.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through our online recruitment system by using the link on Aalto University’s web page ("Apply Now”).

1. Letter of motivation/ application cover sheet

2. A two-page proposal for the three-year project describing also:

Desired schedule of the intended visits
Plan of collaborations with local PIs
Considerations of the continuity of the work beyond the period of the chair
3. CV including list of publications

The deadline for applications is October 31, 2022. The position will be filled according to the mutually agreed timeline for the years 2023-2025. For additional information, kindly contact InstituteQ acting director Prof. Jukka Pekola (chair related questions), Minna Günes (InstituteQ general information), or Lotta Maltolahti (application process). All contacts with firstname.lastname (at) aalto.fi. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable, and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-sp.... For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland

*The applicants are requested to note that the chair is treated under the Finnish taxation regulation. The applicants are instructed to clarify the applicable taxation regulations with the authorities of the country of origin before applying for the position.

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