Really exciting career opportunity to join our team and help shape the future of quantum in beautiful British Columbia! Deadline to apply Nov. 16th .

The Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI) is seeking its inaugural Executive Director. The QAI is a newly established not-for-profit corporation involving multiple industry and academic partners.

The QAI strengthens the position of British Columbia (BC) as a global leader in the application of quantum computing technology to solve real world problems. By leveraging BC’s burgeoning quantum computing cluster of existing commercial and academic efforts, the QAI will be the catalyst for building a long-term advantage in this new, high potential industry.

The Institute has been created as a collaboration between industry, the academy, and government to grow a talent pipeline to meet industry needs and to further increase efforts in applied quantum computing research and algorithms development. The Institute will work across academia and industry to solve real-world problems that traditional computers alone are not capable of solving.

The goal of the QAI is to become a leading global institute, an important part of the Canadian national quantum technology fabric, and a builder of the BC quantum ecosystem.

The local mandate of the QAI is to advance and improve economic development in BC by:

• producing and educating highly-qualified professionals in the fields of quantum computing and quantum algorithmic research;
• assisting current and future industry participants in the field of applied quantum computing in commercializing the products of their research and development with the goal of building a vibrant industry; and,
• leveraging BC’s strengths to establish an applied quantum computing ecosystem that features broad participation, an inclusive approach to core technology, and building a critical mass of talent that drives skilled job creation and economic development in the Province and Canada.

The QAI will have the opportunity to work with its founding members - Simon Fraser University, The University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, Government of British Columbia, DWave, 1QBit, Photonic, IBM, and Microsoft - to engage with the burgeoning technology industry in BC and play a key, active role in economic development in the wider region. Hosted at SFU, the QAI is anticipated to have an anchor point at SFU’s Surrey campus with connections from there to industry and academic sites across BC and Canada. Surrey is one of Canada’s fastest growing municipalities and situated directly between downtown Vancouver and the US border.

The QAI is seeking a leader who will set a compelling vision for the Institute and build a national and international reputation as a world-class research facility in quantum algorithms. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the successful candidate will also have a critical role in the leadership and executive management of the QAI by fostering partnerships and raising awareness of the QAI; setting the strategic direction and budget of the facility; setting comprehensive goals for performance and growth; and, attracting renowned research talent and large-scale funding.

Candidates must have outstanding academic credentials and a distinguished record of scholarship, as well as considerable experience working within, or engaging with, industry. They will have a track record of administrative experience; success in building inclusive working environments and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives; and, an ability to lead the QAI to the forefront of excellence in quantum algorithm development. The QAI is looking for an individual who can develop and execute a bold vision, is a clear and effective communicator, and will actively foster a culture of collaboration across academia and industry.

The term of the appointment is five years (renewable). The successful candidate will hold a professorial appointment in an appropriate discipline at one of the QAI member Universities and will retain that position at the conclusion of their directorship. The Executive Director is also anticipated to hold an academic appointment (adjunct or full) at Simon Fraser University given a physical presence of the institute at SFU Surrey.

QAI is committed to fair hiring practices. Hiring activities are based on the principles of merit, and guided by public service values that include respect, integrity, diversity, accountability and the public good. At QAI a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

QAI is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, QAI will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the workforce, specifically Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

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