Physics of Information and AI Lab: multiple positions in Waterloo, Canada

The Physics of Information and AI Lab led by Achim Kempf at the University of Waterloo, with generous funding from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, is seeking exceptional junior scientists for multiple research positions.

Available Positions and Career Path

We are inviting applications for:

• Junior Postdocs (2 years)

• Senior Postdocs (3 years)

• Research Assistant Professors (5 years)

Each position can lead to the next. The intention is to provide a long-term runway for ambitious research and for applying for tenure-track positions. The start date for these positions can be any time in 2026.

Research Focus and Collaborations

The lab’s research spans a wide spectrum, from foundational questions to applied technologies. Current topics include, for example:

• Quantum information in quantum gravity

• Relativistic Quantum Information

• Computational complexity in adiabatic quantum computation

• AI to boost quantum technologies (e.g., machine learning for quantum error prevention/mitigation/correction)

• Quantum machine learning

• Quantum cloud technologies

We are actively involved in practical applications through partnerships with the National Research Council of Canada, IVADO in Montreal, with the Fraunhofer Institute IAO on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn and with the forthcoming Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence in Heilbronn, Germany.

Benefits and Environment

The lab is based in the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo, with strong connections to the Department of Physics, the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI).

Successful applicants will benefit from a highly inspiring and supportive environment and be part of the rich research activity at IQC and PI. The positions offer academic freedom, the opportunity to teach if desired, funding for travel and equipment, and top local pay.

Application Details

Applications must be submitted via AcademicJobsOnline and should include:

1. Curriculum Vitae, including also a link to the applicant’s Google Scholar page.

2. A maximally two-page research statement that explains the content, rationale and significance of the applicant’s past and proposed research, and longer-term goals. This text should demonstrate inspiration, clarity of thought, and communication skills.

3. Three letters of recommendation, also to be submitted via AcademicJobsOnline.

The application deadline is November 21, 2025.

Applicants of all communities and backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.