The University of British Columbia has been awarded a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Quantum Materials and Devices. This major program is designed to attract a researcher of the highest calibre, with $10 million in CERC research support over seven years, plus over $30 million in new investments by the University. Applications are now being invited.

The Chair in Quantum Materials and Devices will guide this large investment and advance science and technology arising from the astonishing electronic properties associated with the interface between emerging Quantum Materials, known as quantum heterostructures. The Chair’s research will leverage and complement past University of British Columbia investments geared towards propelling Canada to the forefront of research in Quantum Materials, and will enhance Canada’s long-term global economic competitiveness. The research area has the potential to lead a technological revolution and spawn new industries in electronics, communications, energy, medicine and next-generation computing.

UBC has a strong contingent of Condensed Matter researchers in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, an interdisciplinary research environment in the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (AMPEL), and is supporting this field through the development of a Quantum Matter Institute, now partnered with the Max Planck Society in Germany through major bilateral investments in collaborative research. Coupled to this CERC initiative, UBC is committed to an additional three faculty positions in complementary fields, additional research funding, and major expansion of research space.

Applicants must have a PhD Degree or equivalent, in Physics or in related areas of Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering. An outstanding research record is essential, but could be rooted in industry or national labs as well as academic institutions. The successful candidate will play a visionary role in developing a strong research team complementing existing expertise at UBC.  The network to be set up through the CERC and additional hires will establish expertise in a variety of related fields including, but not limited to, epitaxial thin film and heterostructure growth of quantum materials, and novel device development, as well as characterization techniques such as electron microscopy, synchrotron-based x-ray scattering methods, advanced spectroscopies and transport methods. The successful CERC candidate will play a scientific leadership role that will maximize synergistic opportunities amidst this broad range of enabling expertise and facilities.

The candidate will be appointed at the level of Professor, but researchers at earlier career stages are welcome to apply, and applicants from research backgrounds outside of academic institutions will be considered. The candidate will contribute to the University's commitment to excellence in teaching and research supervision. 

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

The University is also responsive to the needs of dual career couples and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Canada Excellence Research Chairs are open to individuals of any nationality; offers will be made in accordance with Canada Immigration requirements associated with the Canada Excellence Research Chairs Program.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Simon Peacock, Dean of Science, or our search consultants, Barbara Morrison and Brent Cameron of Odgers Berndtson, at 1-604-685-0261, or barbara.morrison@odgersberndtson.ca for more information.  To apply directly, please email to the above address a copy of your CV, publications list, and a statement of research interests.

Review of applications will begin in March/April 2013 and continue until the position has been filled.