Assistant Professor in Industrial and Systems Engineering - Quantum Optimization

Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at the University of Missouri (Mizzou)

The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in Quantum Optimization. Applicants should have a demonstrated potential in quantum optimization in one of the following four topics:

1) quantum algorithms for combinatorial, discrete, continuous, stochastic, robust, or multi-objective optimization;

2) hybrid quantum-classical methods, including variational algorithms, the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA), quantum annealing, and decomposition-based approaches;

3) quantum formulations and reformulations, including QUBO/Ising models, constrained quantum optimization, embedding, error mitigation, and rigorous performance benchmarking; or

4) quantum-inspired methods paired with a substantive quantum computing research agenda.

Applicants should also have demonstrated the application of quantum optimization to one of the following areas: autonomous systems, energy and critical infrastructure, health systems, supply chain/logistics, manufacturing, or transportation; all focused on improving the design and operation of complex engineered systems.

Successful candidates will be expected to be leaders in their field, either have a sustainable externally funded research program or demonstrated ability, be capable of successfully mentoring graduate students, and developing undergraduate and/or graduate courses in these areas. The successful candidate will have access to the Mizzou Quantum Innovation Center (QIC), one of four IBM Quantum Innovation Centers in the USA and a member of the IBM Quantum Network.

Applicants should have an earned doctorate in industrial engineering, operations research, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related field; strong written and oral communication skills; and a publication record in nationally recognized journals and/or highly selective conferences, as appropriate to the field.

MU application, cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research and teaching accomplishments and goals, a representative research paper, and contact information for at least three references. Any questions regarding the application procedure may be directed to Professor James Noble at NobleJ@missouri.edu, Search Committee Chair, College of Engineering, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211.

Applications will be reviewed starting November 16, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.

The University of Missouri is a Tier I research institution and one of only 71 public and private universities in the United States and Canada invited to membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Mizzou was founded in 1839 in Columbia as the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Today, with an enrollment of more than 31,000 students, 13,000 full-time employees and 300,000 alumni, Mizzou is a $2.2 billion enterprise and an important investment for the state and nation.

Mizzou is one of the few universities in the country with engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, law, and a research reactor on a single campus. The successful candidate will find partners in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, the Trulaske College of Business, and MU Health Care, as well as through the Center for Excellence in Logistics and Distribution (CELDi).

Mizzou ISE conducts research across eight focus areas: applied operations research; data analytics for decision making; advanced manufacturing; supply chain, logistics, and material flow; emerging transportation logistics; healthcare systems; quality and reliability engineering; and human-computer interaction. A quantum optimization program has a natural home among these strengths and a ready supply of hard, high-stakes decision problems to work on.

Columbia, Missouri, consistently ranks among the country's best small cities to live and work - a college town of roughly 130,000 with a low cost of living, short commutes, strong public schools, and easy access to St. Louis and Kansas City.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.