Executive Director, QCORE

For questions regarding this position, please contact: William G. Thomas III, Dean, College of Letters & Science, 406-994-4288, william.thomas22@montana.edu.

About the Role

The Executive Director of QCORE serves as the head of a university-wide research institute and works closely with affiliated faculty and staff to build and lead a successful program advancing research and scientific discovery in quantum science, engineering, and business. QCORE’s primary objective is to empower Montana’s quantum ecosystem by uniting cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and community engagement – enabling breakthrough technologies that shape the future of quantum innovation.

The vision of QCORE is to lead Montana’s transformation into a global powerhouse for quantum-enabled technologies by 2035, fostering economic growth, academic excellence, and a resilient, future-focused workforce. QCORE exists to steward the development of transformative quantum technologies in service to the common good. QCORE will help students plan for careers in quantum and quantum-enabling systems and will support transitioning into those careers through strategic partnerships with Montana’s growing quantum industry. Strategic partnerships serve as the mechanism for QCORE to strengthen relationships between industry, research, and innovators – growing collaboration and creating shared opportunities for beneficial technology innovations.

Pending approval of research center status, QCORE is housed in The College of Letters & Science (CLS), the largest center for learning, teaching, and research at Montana State University. CLS offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors, and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematical, and social sciences. Building on the great strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry. CLS is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued. When research center status is finalized for QCORE, the center will be in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.

Responsibilities

• Strategically position QCORE to be a nationally recognized, best-in-class research and development center for advancement of quantum technology, a leader in quantum workforce development, and a deeply integrated innovation ecosystem that supports the translation of quantum and related technologies to industry.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies to improve QCORE’s overall sustainability, effectiveness, and responsiveness to the needs of sponsoring organizations and companies in the state, region, nation, and internationally.
• Develop and maintain a best-in-class governance structure for QCORE.
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including federal agencies, individual donors, institutional funders, congressional representatives, and corporate partners.
• Build strategic alliances and partnerships with other testbeds, academic institutions, corporations, and governments to expand QCORE’s reach, visibility, and impact.
• Lead efforts to secure sustainable funding through partnerships, campaigns, and new initiatives to diversify the organization’s revenue (e.g., federal and private grants, federal cooperative awards, donations, industrial partnerships, social enterprises). This includes engagement with the legislature.
• Participate in sector-specific organizations relevant to quantum technologies and quantum supply chain, including standards development and testbed communities of practice. Present at national and international gatherings of experts in these respective fields.
• Lead efforts to ensure that QCORE remains a vital part of MSU’s land-grant mission, promoting quantum science and economic development in Montana, the region, and nation, and providing practical learning opportunities for students.
• Support QCORE faculty and scientists seeking and obtaining external funding to promote innovation, discovery, and dissemination of quantum science and technology.
• Ensure operational excellence, overseeing all aspects of budgeting, accounting, personnel, facilities, security, and safety.
• Ensure that QCORE complies with all legal, regulatory, safety, and ethical standards at local, national, and international levels.
• Ensure that QCORE meets all required grant reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with QCORE’s leadership team to lead and mentor staff, fostering a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of program outcomes to measure success and inform future strategies at a national and international level.
• Prioritize sustainability in all programs and initiatives, ensuring long-term environmental, social, and financial viability.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related field, or a terminal degree with equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic leadership of a research center or related entity, or business.
• Demonstrated experience in federal research grant-seeking, fundraising, or business development.

Preferred Qualifications

• A demonstrated record of scientific or business innovation.
• Demonstrated experience with technology transfer.
• Experience navigating or contributing to the mission of a land-grant university, including economic development, outreach, and workforce training.

Skills

• Knowledge of the disciplines and programs represented in QCORE and a commitment to its vision.
• A record of positive staff and personnel relations and interactions.
• A creative and approachable manner that kindles the innovative spirit of others.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively as exemplified by writing, speaking, and listening skills.
• Demonstrated accomplishments in research, scholarship, and innovative partnerships.

Special Requirements

• This position is contingent upon continued grant funding.
• This is a full-time position with extensive travel required for regional, national, and international events and partnership meetings.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support onsite event management.
• Successful candidate must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws, which may require proof that the candidate is a U.S. citizen.
• All QCORE employees may be required to meet NIST 800-53 requirements for access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• This position may require the ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance.
• This position has supervisory duties.