Associate Director, Quantum Advantage Toronto (TERM)

Date Posted: 07/31/2026
Req ID: 49691
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Department of Physics
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Quantum Advantage Toronto (QAT) is an interdisciplinary institutional initiative for 5 years of committed funding that brings together leading researchers, industry partners, and domain experts to accelerate the development of real-world applications of quantum technologies. Building on the University of Toronto’s internationally recognized strengths in quantum information science, QAT fosters collaboration across fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, life sciences, medicine, finance, and policy to translate foundational discoveries into solutions with societal and economic impact. Through coordinated research programs, strategic partnerships, and innovative training opportunities, the initiative aims to position Toronto as a global hub for quantum innovation; advancing breakthroughs in areas including sensing, communications, materials, and computing while supporting the growth of Canada’s quantum ecosystem.

Reporting to the Academic Director, the Associate Director manages an interdisciplinary initiative and leads administrative and operational activities, setting strategic operational goals, and bringing strategic, operational leadership, direction and oversight to ensure the initiative's success in achieving its mission and vision of the initiative.

As the senior administrative member of the team, the Associate Director has a pivotal leadership role in strategic development, research administration and development, and initiative management. Responsibilities will include oversight of research contracts and accounts and full management responsibility for the administrative staff of the initiatives working in close partnership with the Office of Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI) to support coordination, oversight, and alignment across priorities. This incumbent plays a key role in partnering with the Office of the Vice President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) and other University units to support strategy, funding initiatives, institutional partnerships and operational alignment. The Associate Director provides leadership in developing a strategic plan for the initiative, financial management, budgeting and forecasting, develops and manages strategic partnerships, oversees knowledge mobilization, and public relations activities, including educational programming and major events for the QAT.

The Associate Director builds strong partnerships with the researchers, departments and organizations involved in this initiative, as well as with governmental partners to foster a productive and cooperative research environment. The incumbent works closely with the Academic Director in identifying and securing additional external funding for the research programs. The Associate Director acts as liaison between the research initiatives at the University of Toronto, internally with partners and stakeholders, and with external partners in accelerating the development of real world applications of quantum technologies.

This is a 5-year term opportunity.

Qualifications

I. EDUCATION:

Master's degree in a relevant field (preferably in quantum science, engineering, or a related discipline), or an acceptable combination of education and experience.

A PhD in a relevant discipline (quantum science, engineering) is considered a strong asset.

II. EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant experience in leading research activities with a focus on strategic, financial, administrative, and operational leadership in post-secondary or research-intensive institutions.
• Experience working within the quantum, advanced technology, engineering, physical sciences, or innovation ecosystem is strongly preferred.
• Experience in securing funding for the science-based initiatives through grants and proposals from government and industry
• Experience building and managing relationships with government agencies, funding organizations, industry partners, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing financial planning, budget management, human resources, communications, and operational functions within a complex organization.
• Proven experience leading and managing staff in a unionized environment
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing research administration, grant development, proposal preparation, and management of funded research programs.

III. SKILLS:

• Thorough knowledge of the Canadian research administration landscape, excellent planning and strategic skills to lead a variety of research and operational activities.
• Knowledge of the quantum technology landscape and its research, commercialization, and partnership opportunities is considered a strong asset.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of organizational governance, policy development, and decision-making processes within complex institutions.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex, high-value research initiatives and driving operational excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to build and foster strong connections with leading research and industry partners in developing real-world applications of quantum technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and strengthen relationships with academic, industry, government, funding, and international stakeholders to advance strategic research and innovation objectives.
• Proficiency with enterprise human resources and financial management systems, along with advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and other relevant business applications.
• Excellent research, analytical, negotiation, partnership development, initiative management, organizational and interpersonal skills, creative problem solving, and decision-making.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with scholars, students, partners, funders, and community organizations.
• Ability to work at strategic levels and to take strategy and move it through to tactics and action.
• Ability to interact with university and external stakeholders in a manner that facilitates cooperation, partnership development, and consensus building.
• Strong leadership capabilities and sound understanding of research methodologies.
• Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

IV. OTHER:

• Initiative management experience supporting scientific, engineering, research, or technical initiatives is a strong asset
• Experience working with interdisciplinary initiatives with a research background is strongly preferred.
• Ability to initiate, build, and nurture academic and research partnerships and engage with international collaborations.

Closing Date: 08/12/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea:PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 3 -- Hiring Zone: $93,592 - $109,190 -- Broadband Salary Range: $93,592 - $155,985
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial