University of Maryland
Director of Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA)
🇺🇸 Hybrid - College Park, MD
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $250K - $300K
💻 Project Management
🗓️ October 16th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) is hiring a Director of Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA). The role leads the MIQA research center within the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), developing strategic vision for quantum technology research and managing a team of interdisciplinary researchers focused on national security applications. The Director will collaborate with stakeholders, oversee research projects, and ensure compliance with governance while maintaining a physical presence at the ARLIS facility.
Highlights
- Lead and develop strategic vision and business development for ARLIS quantum research efforts.
- Manage a team of 20-30 interdisciplinary researchers on quantum technology projects.
- Serve as Principal Investigator or co-PI on nationally significant quantum technology research programs.
- Partner with internal and external stakeholders to align research with Defense and Intelligence Community needs.
- Oversee recruitment, retention, mentorship, and evaluation of professional researchers.
- Require Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Quantum Information Science, or equivalent advanced degree with research leadership experience.
- Require minimum 10 years managing complex quantum or emerging tech research programs with federal government interaction, preferably DoD or Intelligence Community related.
- Must obtain and maintain U.S. security clearance; active TS/SCI clearance preferred.
- Salary range: $250,000 - $300,000 with faculty benefits.
- Department: VPR-Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security; position involves physical presence at ARLIS in College Park at least three days weekly.
Director of Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA) Full Description
Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), located at the University of
Maryland College Park, was established in 2018 under the sponsorship of the Office of the Under
Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (OUSD). As a University-Affiliated Research Center
(UARC), ARLIS conducts foundational and applied research that supports the Department of Defense
and Intelligence Community. Our mission is to serve as a long-term strategic asset for national
security by advancing science and technology in areas critical to intelligence and defense operations.
The Director of the Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA) at ARLIS will be responsible
for will leading this new research center and charting the strategic direction for quantum efforts at
ARLIS. This position requires a physical presence at the ARLIS facility in College Park, Maryland, at
least three days per week. The role reports directly to the ARLIS Executive Director
Core Areas of Responsibility:
· Quantum technology applications for national security - quantum sensing & metrology; quantum
computing and algorithms, and quantum networking
· Integration with national security missions - identifying and maturing quantum technologies to
support mission-driven applications across the defense and intelligence sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
· Develop and implement the strategic vision and roadmap, to include business development strategies, for the ARLIS quantum research efforts within MIQA.
· Lead a growing group of approximately 20-30 interdisciplinary researchers on quantum technology research projects.
· Partner closely with ARLIS Chief Quantum Scientist to Manage the operational, strategic, and professional development needs of the institute.
· Serve as a Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on high-impact, externally sponsored research programs in quantum technologies.
· Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with government sponsor needs and UARC objectives.
· Oversee recruitment, retention, mentorship, and evaluation of professional-track researchers. · Contribute to ARLIS's enterprise-wide research and strategic planning efforts.
· Ensure compliance with ARLIS and University of Maryland research governance and administration processes.
Must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance. If selected, you must meet the requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to a government security clearance investigation that includes criminal and credit history checks, as well as verification of U.S. citizenship, birth, education, employment, and military history.
Physical Demands:
This role requires routine work in an office environment. Incumbents must be able to operate standard office equipment, read and analyze complex documents, and attend meetings across campus. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required.
Preferences:
· At least 5 years of supervisory experience
· Active TS/SCI clearance
· Familiarity with DoD or Intelligence Community research processes, including program lifecycle
management
· Demonstrated success leading interdisciplinary and cross-functional teams
· Experience in resource allocation, budgeting, and strategic planning within a technical research
environment
·Ability to translate complex quantum technologies to mission-level impact in national security
settings
Licenses/ Certifications: N/A
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Quantum Information Science, or a closely related field
OR
An advanced degree with significant research leadership experience in a quantum-related domain in academia, government, or industry
Experience:
Minimum of 10 years managing complex quantum or emerging technology research programs
A record of working closely with the federal government, with preference given to experience leading projects or organizations for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community organizations.
Record of accomplishment in scientific/technical leadership, including contributions to national programs, participation on technical oversight boards, or management of technical organizations
Record of accomplishment in scientific/technical research, including peer-reviewed publications, or patents
Demonstrated experience in workforce development, including hiring and mentoring technical professionals
Experience building and sustaining research partnerships across government, academic, or industry sectors
The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), located at the University of
Maryland College Park, was established in 2018 under the sponsorship of the Office of the Under
Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (OUSD). As a University-Affiliated Research Center
(UARC), ARLIS conducts foundational and applied research that supports the Department of Defense
and Intelligence Community. Our mission is to serve as a long-term strategic asset for national
security by advancing science and technology in areas critical to intelligence and defense operations.
The Director of the Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA) at ARLIS will be responsible
for will leading this new research center and charting the strategic direction for quantum efforts at
ARLIS. This position requires a physical presence at the ARLIS facility in College Park, Maryland, at
least three days per week. The role reports directly to the ARLIS Executive Director
Core Areas of Responsibility:
· Quantum technology applications for national security - quantum sensing & metrology; quantum
computing and algorithms, and quantum networking
· Integration with national security missions - identifying and maturing quantum technologies to
support mission-driven applications across the defense and intelligence sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
· Develop and implement the strategic vision and roadmap, to include business development strategies, for the ARLIS quantum research efforts within MIQA.
· Lead a growing group of approximately 20-30 interdisciplinary researchers on quantum technology research projects.
· Partner closely with ARLIS Chief Quantum Scientist to Manage the operational, strategic, and professional development needs of the institute.
· Serve as a Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on high-impact, externally sponsored research programs in quantum technologies.
· Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with government sponsor needs and UARC objectives.
· Oversee recruitment, retention, mentorship, and evaluation of professional-track researchers. · Contribute to ARLIS's enterprise-wide research and strategic planning efforts.
· Ensure compliance with ARLIS and University of Maryland research governance and administration processes.
Must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance. If selected, you must meet the requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to a government security clearance investigation that includes criminal and credit history checks, as well as verification of U.S. citizenship, birth, education, employment, and military history.
Physical Demands:
This role requires routine work in an office environment. Incumbents must be able to operate standard office equipment, read and analyze complex documents, and attend meetings across campus. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required.
Preferences:
· At least 5 years of supervisory experience
· Active TS/SCI clearance
· Familiarity with DoD or Intelligence Community research processes, including program lifecycle
management
· Demonstrated success leading interdisciplinary and cross-functional teams
· Experience in resource allocation, budgeting, and strategic planning within a technical research
environment
·Ability to translate complex quantum technologies to mission-level impact in national security
settings
Licenses/ Certifications: N/A
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Quantum Information Science, or a closely related field
OR
An advanced degree with significant research leadership experience in a quantum-related domain in academia, government, or industry
Experience:
Minimum of 10 years managing complex quantum or emerging technology research programs
A record of working closely with the federal government, with preference given to experience leading projects or organizations for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community organizations.
Record of accomplishment in scientific/technical leadership, including contributions to national programs, participation on technical oversight boards, or management of technical organizations
Record of accomplishment in scientific/technical research, including peer-reviewed publications, or patents
Demonstrated experience in workforce development, including hiring and mentoring technical professionals
Experience building and sustaining research partnerships across government, academic, or industry sectors
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Cover letter, Resume, and list of references
Best Consideration Date: June 6, 2025
Posting Close Date: N/A
Open Until Filled:Yes
Financial Disclosure Required
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
VPR-Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
$250,000 - $300,000
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
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