Quantum Innovation Officer at the Quantum Application Lab

Quantum computing has the potential to solve various complex computational problems where classical computers are insufficient. This is not for today or tomorrow, but for the next decade. Therefore, there are now companies investing in whether and how quantum applications can create value for their products, services, and operations.

The Quantum Application Lab (QAL) has the mission to help end users develop these applications faster and with less risk, and to provide them access to quantum hardware and software. Initially, we focus on five sectors: Materials and Chemistry, Energy, Life Sciences and Health, Finance, and Logistics. In addition, we are attentive to applications that contribute to science in general.

Do you want to work at the intersection of business, science, and technology? Do you want to translate complex questions from end users into quantum algorithms and applications? Do you want to coordinate and help execute projects? Do you want to learn more about quantum computer providers and the various software platforms required? Can you work well in multidisciplinary teams, do you have a good sense for technology and knowledge of programming, and do you have perseverance and patience? Then the position of Quantum Innovation Officer at QAL is for you!

What will you do?

You will play a key role in acquiring and implementing projects at the Quantum Application Lab (QAL). In close collaboration with your colleagues within QAL, you will discuss use cases for or applications of quantum computing with companies and social organizations. You will contribute to the execution of QAL projects and coordinate the involvement of specialists from QAL partners. In this role, you will contribute to the implementation of quantum algorithms and protocols on hardware platforms for quantum computing or on (super)computers that simulate such hardware. Additionally, you will make the results of your projects visible through publications and presentations, thereby playing a connecting role in the Amsterdam and Dutch quantum ecosystem.

What are we looking for?

• A MSc or PhD, preferably in a field related to quantum technology, or quantum information sciences.
• Current knowledge and skills in the field of quantum information and technology;
• Programming skills, or knowledge of software development;
• Passion for research and innovation with a significant impact on society in mind;
• Affinity with working with companies in a public-private setting;
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken;

What do we find extra interesting?

• Experience with outreach and education activities;
• New ideas about sharing and utilizing project results;
• Knowledge of existing SDKs for quantum platforms (e.g., QisKit);
• Knowledge of complex computational questions in the Materials and Chemistry sector, in the Financial sector, or in Logistics;
• A network among potential end users, or in the quantum computing world.
• Fluency in Dutch.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 32-38 hours per week, preferably starting as soon as possible, for the duration of 1 year, with the possibility of a 2-year extension if we positively assess your performance. You will be employed by the University of Amsterdam, Institute of Physics of the Faculty of Science, in the role of Innovation Officer. Your daily activities will usually take place at the Amsterdam Science Park, but occasionally at TNO in The Hague, or at QuTech in Delft (at Quantum Inspire). The salary depends on relevant work experience and ranges from €3,226 to €5,090 (scale 10) gross per month based on a full-time employment (38 hours per week). For experienced candidates, scaling in scale 11 (€3,821 to €5,929 gross per month) is possible. These amounts are exclusive of 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment conditions? Here you can read more about working at the FNWI.

About us

The Quantum Application Lab (QAL) is an ecosystem for open innovation that bridges the gap between academic and applied research in quantum computing and its industrial applications to solve some of our most urgent societal challenges in areas such as healthcare, energy, and technology.

Within QAL, we combine knowledge, know-how, and facilities from multiple quantum computing platforms, both experimental and simulated, supported by the experience of the founding partners (alphabetically): CWI, eScience Center, Quantum Inspire, SURF, TNO, and the University of Amsterdam, and work closely with Industry/Technology partner IBM. We are united in our mission to find the best solutions for the business cases of our clients. We are committed to realizing the prediction that quantum mechanics can exponentially increase the computing power of computers.

We aim to create economic benefits for our partners and clients by connecting societal and business issues with real-life use cases with our extensive knowledge and experience in developing applications of quantum computing. In this way, QAL contributes to a economically successful quantum computing ecosystem in the Netherlands and beyond.

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the widest range of courses. An intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 staff, and 3,000 PhD candidates. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Employees of the Faculty of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science (FNWI) are driven by a shared passion to discover how the world works. Our eight research institutes cover the entire breadth of the beta sciences: from astronomy and physics, to life and earth sciences, molecular sciences, mathematics, and information sciences. With about 1,600 employees, we dedicate ourselves daily to transferring our knowledge and curiosity to the more than 7,000 students in the bachelor's and master's programs we offer at our Amsterdam Science Park campus. In this way, we train the next generation of scientists and inspire them at the start of their own journey of discovery.

The Institute of Physics (IoP) is one of the larger research institutes of the faculty and unites the van der Waals-Zeeman Institute for Experimental Physics (WZI), the Institute for Theoretical Physics Amsterdam (ITFA), and the Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEF). Scientists from all over the world work at the IoP, creating an international climate. The relatively large number of temporary scientific staff gives the IoP a lively, informal atmosphere.

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organization? Please contact:

• Koen Leijnse, Quantum Innovation Officer QAL, [email protected]
• Richard van Harderwijk, Coordinator QAL on behalf of UvA, [email protected]
• Mark Buningh, Business Developer TNO for QAL, [email protected]

For questions about the employment conditions at UvA, you can contact:

• Joost van Mameren, institute manager at the Institute of Physics of the UvA, [email protected]

Application

Do you recognize yourself in the profile and are you interested in the position, then we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link below. We would like to receive a motivation letter and CV as a PDF file. The response period closes on February 2, 2024.

Applications received after the response period, not sent via the link, or incomplete, unfortunately cannot be considered.

As an employer, the UvA maintains a policy of equal opportunities. We find diversity important and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We cherish the inquisitive spirit and perseverance and leave room to keep asking questions. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

No agencies please.

Als werkgever handhaaft de UvA een beleid van gelijke kansen. We vinden diversiteit belangrijk en zetten ons volledig in om een plek te zijn waar iedereen zich thuis voelt. We koesteren de onderzoekende geest en het doorzettingsvermogen en laten de ruimte om door te vragen. Bij ons vormen nieuwsgierigheid en creativiteit de heersende cultuur.

Wij stellen acquisitie niet op prijs