Reader in Quantum Computing

Job id: 078185. Salary: £63,621 – £71,057 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 03 November 2023. Closing date: 14 January 2024.

Business unit: Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sci. Department: Informatics.

Contact details:Professor Luc Moreau. [email protected]

Location: Strand Campus. Category: Academic & Teaching.

Job description

The Department of Informatics is looking to recruit a Reader in Quantum Computing. 

This is an exciting time to join us as we continue to grow our department and realise our vision of a diverse, inclusive and innovative department of Informatics at one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. We seek applicants who will support us in our ambitions in inclusivity and diversity.

As we continue to grow and strengthen our department and given the increased research activity in quantum computing across the department and faculty, we are seeking to appoint a Reader in quantum computing. The aim of this position is to expand the departmental research in quantum computing, provide leadership in this area, and coordinate efforts in a strategic manner. A wide range of research topics are of interest, including but not limited to, quantum information science, quantum algorithms, quantum software engineering, quantum machine learning, quantum communication. (Candidates with a focus on cryptography are invited to apply for a dedicated position that we advertise in parallel). Outstanding candidates engaged in research and teaching which complements that of the existing members of the Department will be considered favourably.  

To realise our mission, we look at computer science and quantum computing challenges with a broad perspective and regularly sit in the program committees of and publish in top-tier and well-known venues of computer science. Top-quality research establishes members of the Department as leaders in their fields, but it is its transformative aspect that provides the opportunity to serve the society while supporting King’s as an outstanding institution in science and technology. As such, the Department has strong links with industry, which engages with us in collaborative research projects. 

We offer undergraduate and postgraduate education (in both computer science and artificial intelligence), catering for the needs of our students and the industries in which they will work.  It is essential that applicants have the enthusiasm and commitment needed to ensure the success of these programmes. The successful applicant for this post will be involved in delivering teaching in core areas of computer science. 

The successful candidate will be invited to join a research group aligned with their research activity and will have the opportunity to contribute to departmental hubs. Research collaboration across research groups, with departmental hubs and with other Departments in the Faculty and across the College is strongly encouraged.  

Applicants must have a PhD, an excellent publication record, and an established record of research funding.  It is essential that applicants have the enthusiasm and commitment required to contribute to the further development of the research standing of the Department of Informatics, and to make a full contribution to teaching and administrative activities. 

Diversity is positively encouraged with a number of family-friendly policies, including the operation of a core hours policy, the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example maternity leave. The Department of Informatics is committed to ensuring an inclusive interview process and will reimburse up to £250 towards any additional care costs (for a dependent child or adult) incurred as a result of attending an interview for this position. 

For further information about the Department of Informatics at King’s, please see https://nms.kcl.ac.uk/luc.moreau/informatics/overview.pdf . 

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract  

This is a full-time post – 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Undertake a self-directed programme of research and scholarship at a level commensurate with current international standard.
• Enhance the research profile of the Department through academic outputs, including publications and scientific meetings, scholarship, academic and industrial collaboration, research funding applications, impact and other externally facing activities.
• ​Supervise and train postgraduate students and postdoctoral research staff to ensure their effective development.
• ​Enthusiastically undertake academic leadership and actively be responsible for the administration and development of the department to further its education, research activities, and ambitions. 
• ​Deliver an excellent student experience through innovative teaching and assessment methods for both undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, in core computer science and a specialism in computer science or artificial intelligence.
• ​Be responsible for the wellbeing and pastoral care of students, including acting as Personal Tutor.
• ​Engage with and contribute to department, faculty, and institutional level initiatives in accordance with strategy at all levels of the organisation.
• ​Actively promote and participate in equality, diversity, and collegiality.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria

1.       PhD in computer science, quantum computing or related field. 

2.       Excellent research record in computer science and quantum computing as evidenced by publications in high quality journals and conferences; research experience and good reputation in computer science, quantum computing or relevant research field; principal investigator of research project(s), and established record of attracting research project funding; experience with research student’s supervision. 

3.       Teaching and assessment experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level. 

4.       Experience of university governance and of academic administration. 

Desirable criteria

1.       Academic planning and strategic development. 

2.       Academic leadership experience. 

The selection process will include a presentation and a panel interview. The candidates will also have the opportunity to meet members of the department. Interviews are scheduled to be held on 29 February 2024. Presentations are expected to take place the day before interviews on 28 February 2024. Meetings, presentations and interviews are will be held in person.