Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Foundations. The position is at the Assistant Professor level. In exceptional cases, an appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor may be considered.

The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment as a Faculty Member at the University of Waterloo and as an Associate Faculty Member at the Perimeter Institute. The new faculty member will also be part of the Physics of Information and AI lab that was established in the Department of Applied Mathematics through generous support from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation.

We are seeking an outstanding and creative researcher with wide-ranging scientific interests whose work lies at the intersection of mathematics, physics, and artificial intelligence, broadly construed. Candidates may approach this intersection from any point along the spectrum.

Specific areas of interest include: (1) AI and quantum information science; (2) AI and theoretical physics; (3) AI and its mathematical and physical foundations.

We are particularly interested in candidates who combine depth in their own research area with breadth of curiosity and a collaborative spirit, and who wish to engage with colleagues across diverse research communities—from theoretical physics to applied mathematics, and from quantum information to experimental AI.

The new faculty member will benefit from and contribute to a uniquely rich scientific eco-system in Waterloo as well as to the Bildungscampus and Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn, Germany.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program, supervise graduate students, and teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Review of applications will start on January 31, 2026, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Perimeter Institute is a leading global centre for fundamental research in theoretical physics. The Institute offers an exceptional research environment and is currently staffed with 28 Research Faculty, 19 Research Associate Faculty, and more than 150 Postdoctoral Researchers and Graduate Students. The Institute’s very active visitor, seminar, conference, and workshop programs attract over 1,800 visitors each year. Perimeter’s research efforts include quantum matter, cosmology, mathematical physics, quantum fields and strings, quantum foundations, quantum gravity, quantum information, strong gravity, and particle physics. Visit https://perimeterinstitute.ca/ for more information and to view the list of Perimeter Institute researchers.

The Department of Applied Mathematics is one of four departments that, together with the School of Computer Science, comprise the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. With more than 300 faculty members, 8,000 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 graduate students in mathematics and computer science, Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics is a global powerhouse in research, education and innovation. The Applied Mathematics department has 30 regular faculty members, over 100 graduate students, and strong undergraduate programs in applied mathematics, scientific computing and mathematical physics. Research in the department is enhanced by close links to interdisciplinary institutes including the Perimeter Institute, the Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute, the Centre for Computational Mathematics, and the Institute for Quantum Computing. More information about the department can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/applied-mathematics/.

Interested candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in Applied Mathematics, Theoretical Physics or a related field. The salary range for this position is $130,000-$160,000CAD. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and research record. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates. The effective date of appointment is July 1, 2026. Complete applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, teaching evaluation summaries (if available) and up to three reprints/preprints. Applicants are welcome to include a diversity statement. In addition, applicants should arrange to have at least three reference letters submitted on their behalf by January 31, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact: Prof. Freddy Cachazo, Deputy Director, Perimeter Institute (fcachazo@perimeterinstitute.ca) or Prof. Hans De Sterck, Chair, Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Canada (hdesterck@uwaterloo.ca)

Perimeter Institute is committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Perimeter Institute provides support throughout the application process for applicants with disabilities. We work with you to understand the impact of your disability to appropriately accommodate you during the application/interview process. Please contact accessibility@perimeterinstitute.ca for assistance.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo and Perimeter Institute acknowledge that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The main University of Waterloo campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office (https://uwaterloo.ca/human-rights-equity-inclusion/indigenousinitiatives)