Research Associate Professor, Quantum & Artificial Intelligence (QAI)

The FedEx Institute of Technology is seeking a Research Associate Professor to lead its Quantum & Artificial Intelligence (QAI) research efforts. This is a renewable five-year position focused on translational research at the intersection of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and emerging approaches toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), with an emphasis on advancing research into practical, deployable solutions.

 

The successful candidate will provide scientific and programmatic leadership for this exciting new QAI discipline, establish a high-impact research agenda, build multidisciplinary collaborations, and develop externally funded research programs. The position is intended for a researcher who can bridge foundational advances with real-world applications and move promising ideas from research through prototyping, validation, and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific, technical, and strategic leadership for the university’s Quantum & Artificial Intelligence (QAI) research efforts
• Establish and execute a research agenda spanning quantum computing, artificial intelligence, applied AI, and emerging research toward artificial general intelligence (AGI)
• Lead translational research that converts algorithms, models, and scientific advances into prototypes, pilot systems, and deployable solutions
• Develop research in areas such as quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, hybrid quantum-classical methods, advanced machine learning, foundation models, agentic and multi-agent systems, and intelligent decision systems
• Build and mentor multidisciplinary research teams involving faculty, research staff, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduate students, and technical collaborators
• Develop competitive proposals and secure external research funding from federal agencies, industry, foundations, and other sponsors
• Collaborate with academic, government, and industry partners to validate research in real-world settings and support technology transition, transfer, and broader impact
• Document and communicate research outcomes through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, presentations, demonstrations, and other scholarly and professional activities

Qualifications

• Requires a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field. 

• At least five years of relevant research and/or professional experience in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, applied AI, or closely related areas. 

• Evidence of research leadership, scholarly productivity, and the ability to develop collaborative research programs is expected.

Candidates must demonstrate experience in the following areas:

• Research in quantum computing, quantum programming, quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, or hybrid quantum-classical computing
• Advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning, including areas such as foundation models, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, computer vision, knowledge-based AI, agentic AI, or multi-agent systems
• Translational and applied AI, including the development, validation, and deployment of AI systems for real-world scientific, engineering, industrial, public-sector, or societal applications
• Research on generalizable intelligent systems and emerging approaches toward artificial general intelligence, including reasoning, planning, learning, adaptation, evaluation, robustness, and responsible AI
• Leadership of multidisciplinary research projects, laboratories, research centers, or technical teams, including mentoring of students and researchers
• Development of competitive grant proposals and externally funded research programs involving government, industry, foundations, or other sponsors
• Collaboration with external partners and experience translating research outcomes into prototypes, operational systems, technology transfer opportunities, or other forms of measurable impact

 

Evidence of strong ability in research, mentoring, institutional service, and external engagement. Professional comportment consistent with the Faculty Code of Conduct.

 

About UsThe University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master’s degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.