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. 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.