Current email address:
bakerte [at] uvic [dot] ca
Open positions
I often have positions in the group funded through the Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems (Mitacs) Globalink projects (also see the searchable project database for any open projects in the group).
I am also likely to take a graduate student in the next application cycle (to start Fall 2026) on the topics of poly-logarithmically scaling methods in physics.
What do you look for?
Quantum information requires a broad background and has wide consequences. As such, we need a lot of knowledge inbetween areas and the willingness to handle complicated topics. To be a team of strong individuals, I have noticed that having a background in at least one of these areas is an indicator of success:
A course on quantum mechanics (a basic course is good; advanced topics such as quantum field theory, differential geometry, and conformal field theories are useful)
Knowledge of methods in quantum chemistry
Topics in mathematics (graph theory, abstract algebra, asymptotic analysis, etc.)
Theory of computer science (basics of algorithms, computational complexity, etc.)
Some exposure to a quantum or classical computer and programming for it (no matter how light the experience is)
Statistical field theory or advanced statistical physics/thermodynamics courses and experience
And everyone should have the ability to work with people and the drive to do new things
We do not really do as much with hardware for quantum computers, although that does come up a fair bit. We focus on the application of algorithms in a variety of cases, not the outcomes of those algorithms in a specific area.
For undergraduates, I look for at least one. For graduate students it is generally good to have two. Postdocs are more project focused and previous experience. Even if you can't identify these things in your record, that does not mean you should not apply. Keep in mind that research activities are generally not meant solely for educational purposes. Please list what you can on applications (be concise but complete).
Code of conduct:
We have a code of conduct expressing our commitments to EDI and good group function for the best scientific output that you can read here.
Related funding programs:
We are always looking for serious researchers from a wide variety of backgrounds. We have funding in the group to support researchers on projects we have ongoing. We have some funds in the group to support students, and all offers come with a time window of guaranteed funding.
There is also a variety of individual-based funding. Please consider applying. Here is a very non-exhaustive list of sources where you can obtain funding to come to the group. These sources would greatly ease your ability to come and work with us, although they all require some support from me (so please, contact me well in advance; it is a shared responsibility in this group and holding up your end is crucial to that).
Please note that there are a variety of periodic calls for individuals. Let's work together to identify them and make strong applications for them
If you identify anything else you qualify for, please feel free to apply and ask for help in doing so!
Undergraduate students:
University of Victoria funding opportunities:
The Faculty of Science also provides some summer research funding for undergraduates
Both the Department of Chemistry and Department of Physics & Astronomy (bottom of page) hold regular calls for internal funding announcements for undergraduates, so please keep an active CV and watch for the announcement typically before the summer term each year
Graduate students:
NSERC fellowships (M.Sc., Ph.D.) [Contact me as early as possible if you want to try for these as there are internal deadlines]
NSERC CREATE program in Quantum Computing (run by Quantum BC)
The Faculty of Graduate Studies manages many awards that I will be happy to help you with
International students:
As an international student, EduCanada also has scholarship opportunities for research in Canada
Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems (Mitacs) Globalink projects (also see the searchable project database for any open projects in the group)
Postdoctoral students:
NSERC fellowships (postdoctoral positions)
Companies in Canada:
We can are always looking to join international collaborators with funded projects through the NSERC Alliance International program
People in my group may also participate in internships funded through the Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems (Mitacs)
Graduate student applications: (feel free to apply!)
How do I apply?
In order to be considered for a graduate position, you must officially apply through the university website. This will require you to upload some supporting documents (e.g., BSc and/or MSc transcripts, CV, statement of interests, and reference letters uploaded by your chosen letter writers). Your application will be considered by the relevant selection committee and administrative offices at the university to ensure that all posted requirements are met. This will involve a ranking against other applicants, so please represent yourself accurately and to the best of your ability in your application.
Which department?
I encourage you to study the research areas of the Departments of Physics & Astronomy and of Chemistry carefully while applying for the next academic year. Make sure to select the best categories for your application since, if an application is accepted, you will be assigned a supervisor based on the area of interest that was indicated. The “prospective supervisor” that you list on the application is simply one that you would like to work with, not necessarily one that you have an agreement with before applying, so you may list whomever you wish. The general university instructions are not fully representative of the departmental procedures in the FAQ (namely, you do not need a formal supervisor to apply).
If you want to come and work with us, your choice of chemistry or physics is largely semantic. Physicists earn a little less by default due to departmental policy but have fewer teaching responsibilities. Chemists jump right into research with me by having fewer class requirements. We all largely take the same classes and the scope of what is learned is largely similar. Since we are a methods group, we intersect with a lot of theoretical topics, so I have some chemists working on things that deal more with physics and I have some physicists who use concepts in quantum chemistry. The broader field of quantum information is highly reliant on interdisciplinary work and a variety of techniques. If you are unsure, just know that I support all students equally. I will note that the physics curriculum is demonstrably harder than the chemistry courses and that does carry some risk with regards to completing the degree requirements, but all students in my group work on interesting topics and grow advanced skills in this interdisciplinary area.
Please be sure to read the helpful FAQs on the department page as these can answer a lot of questions. Note the requirements for entry. Any application fees are set by the administration and we do not have control over that process. I understand that this might be a hardship to pay for you, and I respect that you will have to manage where you apply with the information that you have. I apologise that I cannot offer more clarity on the application beforehand.
If you are able to secure funding for your degree, please indicate that in your personal statement or indicate that in a message to me. Obviously we have funding in the group for students, but external funding can give you more autonomy, choice, and helps me plan for future expenditures. I always encourage applications to funding if you qualify.
When will I hear back?
I will be able to make decisions on applicants towards the end of this process (not over email, by rule), and there are other members of the Physics & Astronomy and/or Chemistry departments who may be interested in your application. One good way to get my attention is to tie tangible research experience that you have with my group’s work. We also work on some keywords that have applications in other areas, so make sure you understand the difference in how we are approaching certain topics and how other groups are working on the same keyword but in a different--often more theoretical--way (i.e., density functional theory, machine learning, tensor networks, quantum information, etc.). We are a group studying a theory of computation with a broad reach in terms of topics. Often, pre-existing knowledge of software packages will not be totally useful for performing well in my group, and I note that grades are not a sole indicator of success. Research experience in the area, ability to work with others, ability to communicate, and willingness to keep notes are the most useful indicators on applications to me.
Having said all of that, I take future group members at all levels from all backgrounds, so show me what you have done and what you want to do. I look forward to hearing your story in your application.
What happens after you review applications?
I contact you for an interview if I think this has a chance to be mutually beneficial. I typically ask you to read the introductory paper that we have in the group on entanglement renormalization methods (find a copy here) and I see where we can discuss, among other questions.
If your application is not successful and we can not find an advisor who would be suitable for your background, then you will receive a message from the department.
How does funding work?
Please also note that the cost of living in Victoria is one of the most expensive in Canada (just behind Vancouver and Toronto as of 2024). Please make sure that you understand this before coming here. I do what I can to provide funds beyond the minimums in each department, but I have limited resources. Publishing with me generally allows me to get more funding to pay you more and send you to more conferences. I will not discuss this before applications come to me, but you should be mindful of the deadlines for fellowship consideration listed above. If you are not competitive for a fellowship, you may find yourself in a situation where you have less money, and having a second job will likely reduce your ability to publish as much science as you could otherwise. We need to work together to obtain funding from all possible sources, which ultimately benefits you. I have included a list of potential funding sources above, although this list is not exhaustive.
How do I come to Canada?
Note that the successful applicant will need to obtain all necessary documents to study in Canada. The visa decision process is handled by the Canadian government; however, our administrative office can provide some advice and documentation needed for this. The time needed to obtain a visa can be reliably estimated here by selecting the appropriate permission that you need. Recently, the Canadian government has placed restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to fund students at any Canadian institution. More information is located here but note that the list of institutions is not exhaustive and can be changed at any time. This unfortunately precludes funding from some international fellowships. While you may receive an offer in principle from the university, you may be denied on these grounds during the visa process. I have no control over this policy, but the policy directly applies to my research area. I apologise if it affects you.
Postdoctoral positions:
We occasionally have funding for postdocs and there is some funding around for postdoctoral positions. Feel free to reach out with your application.
We want to hear from you if you have a research background that could contribute to existing research here. We don't expect anyone to know everything that we do, but we do want those who can contribute in our direction based on their existing skillset. Make sure when you apply that you illustrate how this can be done based on your prior work.
Note that we do not run density functional theory on real quantum chemistry systems. We are interested in making the methods that can be run on those systems later on, but the skillset is very different and may hinder your career progress to take the time to switch. Take that into account before contacting me as your next step should be aligned with where you want to be since postdoctoral positions are temporary.
Domain expertise is something I look for. Please demonstrate that you have contributed and will contribute again to your future research direction.