Careers – I’m a Quantum Person

Algorithm engineer

Interests:

ScienceTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

CreativeLogicalTenacious

A quantum algorithm engineer develops algorithms specifically for quantum computers, trying to demonstrate quantum advantage for important use cases. These include optimisation, machine learning, mathematical calculations, physical simulations and more.

Computer scientist

Interests:

ScienceTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

CommittedLogicalMeticulous

Quantum computer scientists are focused on researching the applications of quantum theory to the development of quantum computers. They tend to have a strong background in scientific research but are more interested in turning theory and experiments into technology.

Software engineer

Interests:

Technology and engineering

Qualities:

CollaborativeLogicalOrganised

Develops and maintains software required for accessing, controlling and optimising quantum devices, including simulators, compilers, and application frameworks. Software engineers are essential for interfacing quantum technologies such as computers, sensors and networks with end-users.

Scientist

Interests:

EducationScience

Qualities:

CuriousMeticulousSelf-motivated

Quantum scientists focus on advancing quantum theory and experiments through dedicated research. They are motivated more by understanding the world than building technology, but often make breakthroughs which are important for building technology.

Cyber security

Interests:

Law and policySecurityTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

CommittedLogicalObservant

Cyber security engineers work to keep important information safe online. This includes personal data like documents, messages and account details, as well as important corporate or even national confidential information.

Hardware engineer

Interests:

ScienceTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

MeticulousPatientResilient

Hardware engineers design, build, and test the physical components of quantum devices. This requires working with cutting-edge qubit technologies, cryogenics, and nanofabrication techniques. They work mostly in industrial labs, fabrication facilities or universities.

School science teacher

Interests:

EducationScienceSustainability

Qualities:

CommunicativeEnergeticPatient

Teach sciences including physics at GCSE or A-level standard. Teachers at this level are essential for sparking passion in science and technology. A-level physics in the UK introduces the basics of quantum mechanics, which are indispensable for advancing studies in quantum technologies.

Logistics

Interests:

Business and financeManagementSustainability

Qualities:

MeticulousProactiveResilient

Manages packaging, shipping, and compliance for sensitive quantum hardware and materials, adhering to specialised safety and regulatory standards.

Science communicator

Interests:

EducationEntertainmentScience

Qualities:

CommunicativeExtrovertedPassionate

Science communicators aim to increase access and public awareness of quantum science and technology. This includes speaking at public events such as exhibitions or festivals or presenting via TV and/or social media.

Conservation

Interests:

ScienceSustainabilityTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

CollaborativePassionateStrategic

Work with quantum scientists to develop applications in the energy sector using chemical and material simulations to improve fuel cells for renewable energies.

Project manager

Interests:

Business and financeManagementTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

LeaderOrganisedReliable

A project manager plans, coordinates, and oversees quantum-related projects, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and technical milestones are met. They must be good at working with other people and taking on responsibility.

Educational director

Interests:

EducationManagementScience

Qualities:

LeaderPassionateStrategic

Develops and manages educational programmes or initiatives related to quantum technology—ranging from schools’ outreach to professional up-skilling.

Renewable energy

Interests:

ScienceSustainabilityTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

CollaborativePassionateStrategic

Work with quantum scientists to develop applications in the energy sector using chemical and material simulations to improve fuel cells for renewable energies.

Healthcare

Interests:

HealthcareScienceTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

MeticulousOpen-mindedResilient

Work with quantum scientists to understand how to apply quantum across the healthcare industry. This could be using quantum computers to discover new medicines, using advanced sensing techniques, or precise imaging methods for early detection.

Marketing

Interests:

Business and financeMarketing and salesTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

CommunicativeImaginativeStrategic

Creates and executes marketing strategies tailored to quantum technologies, often focusing on raising awareness and building brand recognition in an emerging field. For quantum technologies companies.

Finance

Interests:

Business and financeManagement

Qualities:

ObservantReliableStrategic

Financial teams oversee budgeting for projects and analyse costs of equipment and resources. They work to ensure companies are not losing money at an unsustainable rate. Quantum technology companies often require big investment to build technology.

Policy

Interests:

Law and policyManagementScience

Qualities:

CommunicativeResilientStrategic

Work in or with government to ensure that policy supports the growth of the quantum industry. This includes ensuring sufficient budget is allocated to research and development in quantum, while also making important decisions about key technologies and applications to focus on.

Legal advisor

Interests:

Business and financeLaw and policyTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

AttentiveMeticulousStrategic

Legal advisors in quantum specialise in intellectual-property, licensing and regulatory compliance for advanced technologies, helping firms protect inventions and navigate global markets.

Content developer

Interests:

EducationEntertainmentScience

Qualities:

AttentiveCommunicativeCreative

Content developers are responsible for developing materials used for workforce education and training. Content might be lecture courses and educational videos about quantum theory and quantum technology.

Business development

Interests:

Business and financeMarketing and salesTechnology and engineering

Qualities:

ExtrovertedProactiveTenacious

Business developers help to create a brand for their company and push for commercialisation of products and services.

Human resources

Interests:

Business and financeEducationManagement

Qualities:

AttentiveOrganisedReliable

Manages recruitment, employee relations, and talent development, with a particular focus on the specialised needs of quantum technology roles. Human resources are essential for maintaining good morale and ensuring company output is as strong as it can be.

Workforce development

Interests:

EducationManagementScience

Qualities:

CommunicativeOrganisedPassionate

Specialists in workforce development help to build and support future professionals in the quantum industry. This includes planning and delivering specialised training targeted at school-level students who have not specialised yet in their studies.

Business/client engagement

Interests:

Business and financeManagementMarketing and sales

Qualities:

CommunicativeEnergeticExtroverted

Engagement roles involve working directly with clients and end-users to develop appropriate solutions and applications of a quantum technology.

More information

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