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Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Quantum Matter Theory

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations, and within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement.

Position Description

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in quantum matter theory starting July 1, 2023.

Candidates must have completed a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline by the start date of the appointment. The successful candidate must demonstrate a vibrant program of excellent research in quantum matter theory broadly defined, including but not limited to topological phases of quantum matter, quantum many-body information theory and strongly correlated quantum many-body systems. They must show the potential for high quality teaching and mentoring as well as supervising at the undergraduate and graduate level. They must also have the potential to make substantive service contributions to the McMaster community; and to contribute actively to the goals of equity, diversity and inclusivity at McMaster.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy presently consists of 31 faculty and approximately 100 graduate students, with strengths in condensed matter physics, theoretical high-energy physics, astrophysics, soft matter/biophysics and medical physics. The successful candidate will have access to a high-performance computing cluster (SHARCNET), and is expected to become an associate member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and a member of the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research.

McMaster University is a globally renowned institution of higher learning and a research community committed to advancing human and societal health and well-being. Our focus on collaboratively exchanging ideas and approaches makes us uniquely positioned to pioneer ground-breaking solutions to real-world problems leading to a Brighter World. The Faculty of Science works to create global impact by advancing scientific discovery and knowledge, and promoting greater understanding. Our innovative, interdisciplinary approach generates new methods and insights, results, and lasting change.

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from First Nations, Me?tis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities (“visible minorities”), persons with disabilities, women, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

We invite all applicants to complete a brief Diversity Survey, which takes approximately two minutes to complete, through McMaster’s application submission portal. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. All information collected is confidential and will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the applicant pool and to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive talent acquisition process.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Science at baileyd@mcmaster.ca to communicate accommodation needs.

How To Apply

Complete applications must be made online at https://hr.mcmaster.ca/careers/current- opportunities/ (Faculty Positions, Job 48768) by the deadline to the attention of Dr. Alison Sills, Professor & Chair, Department of Physics & Astronomy, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1.

A complete application consists of:

  • a cover letter (including a statement regarding whether the applicant has Canadian citizenship/permanent resident status (see below))
  • a current Curriculum Vitae, including a complete list of students mentored or (co)- supervised by the applicant, and a complete list of publications.
  • a statement of research interests (2-page maximum)
  • a statement of teaching philosophy, interests and experience (2-page maximum)
  • a statement of experience and plans for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in post- secondary education, community-based or other professional settings (2-page maximum)
  • a list of three (3) referees who would be willing to provide a letter of reference for you. Please note that no reference or letters of recommendations are required at the time of application. These will be solicited at later stages of the search process. Unsolicited letters will not be reviewed until later stages of the search process.

Review of complete applications will begin on November 15th and continue until the position is filled. All applicants will receive an on-line, system-generated confirmation of receipt of their application; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that any full-time, permanent faculty member of the Department can request confidential access to the application materials, including the reference letters. Progressive policies are in place to assist faculty members achieve a work-life balance. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship; however, all applications, as stated above, MUST include one of the following statements in their application package: “I am/am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.” Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.

The University is committed to providing and maintaining healthy and safe working and learning environments for all employees, students, volunteers and visitors.  The University’s Vaccination Policy-COVID-19 Requirements for Employees and Students (the “Vaccination Policy”), requires all McMaster community members, including employees, accessing a McMaster campus or facility in person to be fully vaccinated or to have received an exemption from the University for a valid human rights ground. While the Policy will be currently paused, this Policy may resume quickly and on short notice, as informed by public health advice and direction. As a result, failure to achieve and maintain fully vaccinated status or an approved human rights-based exemption may result in termination of employment. This is a term and condition of employment. The University will continue to follow the guidance of public health organizations to define fully vaccinated status.