Director, Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance

• School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Seeking our Inaugural Director for the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance
• Join a university ranked in the world's top 50
• Initial 5 year fixed-term appointment as Director, with underlying Continuing Professional appointment.
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About The SchoolThe School of EECS at St Lucia is entering an exciting phase of growth, investing heavily in teaching, research, and engagement to foster a diverse, innovative, and flexible work environment. Guided by a bold strategic vision, the School is committed to leading advancements in AI/Data Science, Biomedical Technologies, Cyber Security, and Renewable Energy.

With strong student enrolments in accredited programs, a team of world-class researchers, and cutting-edge facilities, EECS is strengthening its global presence in computer science and engineering. By attracting top talent and encouraging collaboration, the School aims to develop transformative solutions to contemporary challenges while mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Building on its strong foundation in Optics and Photonics, EECS is expanding its research into quantum algorithms and their industrial applications. These new initiatives will be integrated into a state-wide network of over 20 research and development teams across universities, industry, and CSIRO, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with real-world impact.
About The Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation AllianceQueensland is launching a major new initiative - the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance (QDA) which is a collaborative effort uniting academia, industry, and government to drive Queensland's decarbonisation through quantum technology innovation. Supported by $10 million in funding from the Queensland Government and over $20 million from partners, the QDA aims to establish Queensland as a global leader in quantum technologies for net-zero transformation. The QDA is the sole recipient of the Queensland Government's Quantum and Advanced Technologies Quantum Decarbonisation Mission Program, part of a broader $83.7 million state investment.

Led by the University of Queensland (UQ), the QDA brings together 27 key partners, including Griffith University, CSIRO, quantum computing company PsiQuantum, and its decarbonisation affiliate Qlimate. PsiQuantum is building its first utility-scale quantum computer in Queensland, advancing the state's position in quantum algorithm development. Additional partners include Siemens, Aurizon, and Queensland Energy, collaborating to pioneer quantum technologies for decarbonisation.

Hosted by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC), the QDA will drive innovation in quantum sensing, algorithms, and technologies for applications such as greenhouse gas detection, hydrogen catalysis, and carbon storage solutions.
About This OpportunityWe are seeking an exceptional leader to shape the vision and success of the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance (QDA). As the Inaugural Director, you will lead strategy, foster partnerships, and drive innovation to position Queensland as a global leader in quantum technologies for decarbonisation.

As Inaugural Director, you will:

• Leadership: Define and implement the Alliance's strategy, build a world-class research team, and manage operations, partnerships, and financial sustainability.
• Research Excellence: Lead high-impact, internationally recognised research, secure funding, and drive the translation of research into commercial and policy outcomes.
• Team Building: Recruit, mentor, and support six Senior Lecturers, a Senior Manager, and a research team, ensuring alignment with industry needs.
• Innovation and Impact: Develop quantum algorithms and sensing technologies for carbon abatement and industry growth while facilitating workforce development initiatives.
• Engagement and Governance: Build and maintain strategic relationships with universities, government, and industry, raising the Alliance's profile nationally and internationally.

For detailed information on the position, including the key requirements and responsibilities, please see the Appointment Booklet.
About YouWe are seeking an exceptional leader who can demonstrate a strong academic foundation with a PhD in a related field and a distinguished record in teaching and academic leadership. The ideal candidate will be an internationally recognised leader in quantum computing research, with an outstanding publication record in top-tier journals and conferences.

The successful candidate will also have proven experience in leading strategic research agendas, securing and managing significant external funding from institutional, commercial, and government sources. They will have a track record of building and leading large, diverse, and high-performing multidisciplinary research teams.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential, with the ability to consult effectively with stakeholders and develop shared goals. Strong negotiation skills will help foster productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Alongside the above, of particular interest are individuals with a research interest in quantum algorithms and their applications in decarbonisation. Relevant areas include:

• Developing and improving fault-tolerant quantum algorithms
• Formulating industrial problems to make them accessible to quantum algorithms
• Mapping quantum algorithms to specific use cases and applications
• Optimising algorithms in the context of such use cases and applications
• Compiling algorithms for use on early-generation hardware.

Want To Apply? If you would like to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]. As part of the internal UQ community, we're genuinely committed to finding an exceptional leader we'll continue to work with longer-term, so we'll ensure we also support you throughout the recruitment process.

When you're ready to submit an application, we ask that you please create a profile via our careers website and upload the following documents:

• Cover letter addressing the "about you" section in the booklet,
• Resume

Other InformationAt UQ we know that our greatest strengths come from our diverse mix of colleagues, this is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equity, diversity and inclusion. We ensure that we are always attracting, retaining and promoting colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our broader community, whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to [email protected]

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We'll support you with the visa sponsorship process and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

Applications close 29th July 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-47522).

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.