Search for MU, Director, Quantum Innovation Center, Associate or Full Professor

The University of Missouri (MU) seeks an innovative, collaborative and visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Director of the Quantum Innovation Center (QIC), an interdisciplinary initiative advancing research, education, workforce development and strategic partnerships in quantum computing and quantum information science. The executive recruitment search was formally launched September 29, 2026.  

Nominations and confidential questions about the search and role can be sent to: umhrexecutivesearch@umsystem.edu.

About the Role

The Director will lead a dynamic collaboration spanning the University of Missouri System, academic institutions and industry partners nationwide, while building on MU's existing strengths in quantum computing and related fields. The Center also provides opportunities to connect quantum research with complementary areas of innovation across the university creating pathways for interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging applications of quantum technologies in health and biomedical research. 

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Engineering and working collaboratively across the university, the Quantum Innovation Center Director will provide strategic leadership for the continued development, growth and national visibility of the Center. The successful candidate will build and strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations, cultivate external partnerships, support faculty recruitment and development and identify opportunities to advance MU's role within the rapidly evolving quantum ecosystem. 

This is an exceptional opportunity for a nationally recognized scholar and collaborative leader to shape the future direction of a growing interdisciplinary center while contributing to the University of Missouri's broader strengths in research, education and innovation. The position includes a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor in an appropriate academic department. 

View the Position Profile (PDF)

Quantum Innovation Center 

Housed in the planned Payne Energy Innovation Center (EIC), a 116,000-square-foot multidisciplinary research facility bringing together expertise in engineering, science, computing, agriculture, policy, law and business to address the complex energy challenges of tomorrow. The Quantum Innovation Center (QIC) serves as the University of Missouri's focal point for advancing quantum computing and quantum information science through interdisciplinary research, education, workforce development and strategic partnerships. 

Bringing together expertise across engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and related fields, the Center connects faculty and students with industry, national laboratories, government agencies, and other external partners to accelerate discovery and translate innovation into real-world applications. Through these collaborations, the QIC is positioned to expand MU's research and educational capabilities, prepare the next generation of quantum professionals and strengthen Missouri's role within the nation's growing quantum technology ecosystem.