Assistant Professor, Experimental Quantum, Department of Physics

Engineering a world of possibilities

Assistant Professor, Experimental Quantum, Department of Physics

The Opportunity

The Department of Physics at Colorado School of Mines invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in experimental quantum sensing at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start in Fall 2027. 

We seek an experimental physicist whose research advances the development, performance, and capabilities of quantum sensors, addressing aspects of sensitivity, accuracy, bandwidth, stability, and ease of deployment. We value research that establishes new sensing capabilities, benchmarks their performance against state-of-the-art classical instruments, and demonstrates their potential in applications ranging from precision tests of fundamental physics to real-world challenges in science, engineering, and industry. 

The successful candidate will establish an independent, externally funded research program and contribute to teaching in the department's growing quantum programs. Collaborations within the Physics Department, across Mines, and with the Colorado's rapidly expanding quantum ecosystem, including national laboratories, industry partners, startups, and the Elevate Quantum consortium, are strongly encouraged.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with priority given to submissions received by Monday, January 4, 2027. Please contact search co-chairs, Prof. Fred Sarazin (fsarazin@mines.edu) or Prof. W. Van De Pontseele (wouter.vandepontseele@mines.edu) with questions.

Areas of interest

The search is open to all quantum sensing platforms operating at 4 K and above. Representative (but non-exhaustive) areas, grouped by the quantity sensed, include:

• Magnetic and electric fields: atomic vapor magnetometers and comagnetometers, solid-state spin defects such as NV centers in diamond, Rydberg-atom electrometers, superconducting sensors.

• Forces, displacement and strain: levitated and trapped particles, cavity optomechanics and cavity electromechanics, squeezed-light and quantum-limited interferometry.

• Acceleration, rotation, and gravity: atom interferometers, quantum accelerometers and gyroscopes, and gravimeters. 

• Time and frequency: optical and nuclear clocks, including thorium-229, and trapped-ion frequency standards. 

• Photons, particles, and individual quanta: single-atom and single-ion detection, trace-isotope analysis, precision spectroscopy of radioactive atoms, ions, and molecules, quantum-enhanced particle and single-photon detection. 
  

Across these areas, we are particularly interested in the preparation and coherent control of two-level and other discrete-level systems, and in the optical, magnetic or electric trapping of atoms, ions, and mesoscopic objects. Research programs advancing quantum sensing technologies for either fundamental physics or practical applications are welcome. Tabletop-scale experiments with opportunities to grow through academic and industry partnerships are a natural fit. A low-vibration, low-noise underground site is available for the most sensitive measurements. 

Quantum at Mines 

The Department of Physics leads both Mines' quantum degree programs. Launched in Fall 2026, the nation's first B.S. in Quantum Systems Engineering already enrolls more than 70 students across its first two years, while our M.S. in Quantum Engineering, one of the oldest programs of its kind, has over 40 students. These programs are supported by a growing quantum research community. As of today, more than 30 faculty across ten departments are involved in our synergistic quantum effort, spanning subatomic quantum physics, quantum computing hardware, quantum materials and devices, quantum algorithms, etc. 

Mines is also at the heart of Colorado's rapidly expanding quantum ecosystem. The university owns and operates Quantum Commons, a 70-acre campus in Arvada offering shared fabrication and measurement facilities and space for startups, and is a key partner in Elevate Quantum, the federally designated Quantum Tech Hub spanning Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Mines also hosts the Colorado Underground Research Institute (CURIE) at its Edgar Experimental Mine, providing underground laboratory space for sensitive measurements. The broader regional ecosystem includes NIST, JILA, the National Laboratory of the Rockies, and the nation's largest concentrations of quantum companies. 

Responsibilities 

• Build and sustain an independent, externally funded research program 

• Teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate physics courses across our degree offerings, including laboratory and quantum sensing courses for the Engineering Physics, Quantum Systems Engineering and Quantum Engineering programs 

• Mentor students at the B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. levels 

• Contribute to departmental, university and professional service 

• Cultivate and promote a collaborative and welcoming Mines community
   

Minimum qualifications 

• Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field by the start date 

• Research record in experimental quantum sensing, precision measurement, or a closely related area 

• Demonstrated potential to establish and sustain an independent, externally funded research program. 

• Commitment and ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and quantum science, and to implement best practices in STEM pedagogy. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage, collaborate, and communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners. 

• For appointment at Associate or Full Professor: a currently funded program and a record of success in research, teaching and service are required 
  

Preferred qualifications 

• Postdoctoral research experience 

• Hands-on experience designing, building and characterizing sensor hardware 

• Existing collaboration within industry, universities, national laboratories or multi-institution teams 

• Experience applying machine learning or AI to sensor data 

• Demonstrated effective teaching ability at the university level / Ability to teach courses in the Mines core curriculum.  
  

About Mines and The Department of Physics 

Colorado School of Mines, Colorado's oldest public university, produces talent, knowledge and solutions that serve industry and benefit society — all to create a more prosperous future. Mines enrollment includes 6400 undergraduate students and 1900 graduate students in a broad range of applied science and engineering disciplines. Mines, an R1 institution, maintains high-quality, well-funded research programs (~$136M in awards for fiscal year 2025) with strong participation from both graduate and undergraduate students. The 2026 edition of U.S. News and World Report ranks Mines as a top 100 university. Mines has the highest admissions standards of any public university in Colorado and among the highest of any public university in the U.S. Located in Golden, Colorado, Mines proximity to Denver and Boulder, providing opportunities for significant collaboration with government labs, industry, and other universities.   

The Department of Physics at Colorado School of Mines combines a strong commitment to student success with a culture of innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty are active scholars and dedicated educators who engage undergraduate and graduate students in experiential learning, research, and mentorship. The department's strengths span condensed matter physics, optics, quantum science, and nuclear and subatomic physics, supported by more than $6 million in annual research funding and connections to nationally recognized research centers. The department offers an outstanding environment for faculty seeking to make meaningful contributions in teaching, research, and service Physics is housed in the state-of-the-art CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering, opened in 2019, at the center of campus. 

More information at: https://www.mines.edu/ and https://physics.mines.edu and https://quantum.mines.edu 

Total Rewards  

Academic Year Rate $96,000 to $110,000  

Mines takes into consideration a combination of the candidate’s education, training, and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining the salary rates for potential new employees. 

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits. For this role, that includes:   

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options, along with tax-advantaged Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)  

• Generous leave time including 11 paid holidays per year 

• Mandatory MDCP retirement plan fully vested on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution, plus optional voluntary retirement savings plans 

• Tuition benefits including up to 6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for eligible dependents 

• RTD Ecopass for free light rail and bus transportation throughout the Denver Metro area.   
   

Colorado School of Mines offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees both professionally and personally. In addition to competitive health, retirement, and wellness benefits, employees enjoy access to a variety of campus and community resources, including discounted programs through the State of Colorado, complimentary admission to Mines Athletics home events, and membership access to the state-of-the-art Mines Recreation Center, featuring fitness classes, personal training, aquatic facilities, and more. Employees also have access to outdoor equipment rentals through the Outdoor Recreation Center and the convenience of an on-campus childcare center. Learn more about the exceptional benefits available at Mines at mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.   

How to Apply  

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with priority given to submissions received by Monday, January 4, 2027.  Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (indicating personal information, demographic information, and veteran status). Applicants will notice on the application form, there is only one location to upload all required materials. Further, once submitted, the applicant will not be able to edit their application. Applicants may submit their application as one combined document or as separate documents. 

The application must include:  

• a cover letter expressing interest in the position at Mines,  

• a curriculum vitae,  

• a statement of research (at most 4 pages),  

• a statement of teaching (at most 2 pages), and 

• contact information for three references.  
  

Research Statement: Candidates should describe how their research relates to and complements research activities and expertise at Mines, its expected scholarly and societal impact, its relevance to Mines’ goals, and current or future connections to industry and/or opportunities for entrepreneurship. The statement should cover both the candidate's history of successful research as well as their plans for future research at Mines, and their plans for obtaining external funding for that future research. Candidates should also be sure to describe any transdisciplinary aspects of their research. (For more information visit https://research.mines.edu.)  

Teaching Statement: Mines is committed to high quality, hands-on and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education. (Learn more about teaching resources at https://trefnycenter.mines.edu.) 

Formatting guidelines for Research and Teaching Statements:   

• Margins: 1 inch on all sides  

• Fonts: 11 or 12 pt depending on chosen font to ensure readability  

• Spacing: Single  

• Figures/tables: Captions/labels ≥ 9 pt  

• File format: PDF   
  

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. This posting may be used to fill multiple openings. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR with any application questions at kfeighny@mines.edu. We appreciate your interest in Mines! 

Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation may be required for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

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