Building a Quantum Computing Talent Pipeline

67% of quantum computing jobs went unfilled in 2021. In 2025, it's worse. I've been tracking quantum hiring patterns for 3 years. Here's why the fill rate is still broken: ❌ What doesn't work: ▪️ Posting jobs requiring "5+ years quantum experience" (this talent pool has ~100 people globally) ▪️ Filtering out candidates without "quantum" job titles ▪️ Expecting quantum expertise on day one ▪️ Using traditional technical interviews for cutting-edge roles ✅ What does work: 👉 Assess learning velocity, not current knowledge 👉 Partner with universities for early talent pipeline 👉 Create mentorship-heavy onboarding (6+ months) 👉 Focus on adjacent skills: linear algebra, Python, systems thinking 👉 Design roles as 70% classical, 30% quantum (realistic hybrid work) Real example: client switched from seeking "Senior Quantum Engineer" to "Software Engineer, Quantum Applications." Same role, different framing. 👉 Result: 5x more qualified applications, successful hire in 8 weeks. Hiring managers: your quantum talent strategy needs to be a talent development strategy. The alternative is waiting years for candidates who don't exist. Want help designing realistic quantum roles? Comment "QUANTUM" and I'll share my quantum job description framework. #TechRecruiting #ITHiring #QuantumTalent #EmergingTech #QuantumComputing

Building the Quantum Workforce of Tomorrow As quantum technologies surge ahead, the greatest barrier to progress may not be hardware, but human capital. A new report by RAND Europe and the Novo Nordisk Foundation offers an 8-point action plan to build a resilient, diverse, and future-ready quantum workforce. Here’s what the report highlights Key Trends • Quantum is increasingly interdisciplinary • Specialized talent is in short supply • Education efforts are expanding • Long-term investment is crucial • Collaboration & standards are key 8 Key Policy Moves to Build the Quantum Workforce 1. Partner for Progress • Align education with industry needs • Co-design hands-on training • Connect theory to practice • Foster cross-disciplinary teams 2. Think Local, Act Quantum • Invest in local quantum hubs • Support startups, SMEs, universities • Tailor education to local industries • Engage communities through outreach • Create innovation clusters 3. Make Quantum Inclusive • Identify barriers to access • Offer free, flexible learning options • Include underrepresented groups • Use formats like hackathons, games, • Promote apprenticeships • Support equity in LMICs • Learn from Quantum Ambassadors 4. Broaden the Skills Base • Develop business, legal and leadership • Recognize transversal skills in frameworks • Involve domain experts • Upskill policymakers • Encourage cross-sector roles • Ex: UK QTAP, EU Framework 5. Embed Public Good Thinking • Integrate ethics & social sciences into education • Strengthen legal & governance expertise • Learn from adjacent fields • Engage the public on risks & impact • Foster trust, equity & transparency • Ex: IYQ 2025, WEF Principles 6. Enable Lifelong Learning • Promote modular, on-demand learning • Support vertical + lateral career moves • Reskill adjacent experts like engineers, physicists • Personalize learning to goals • Ex: DigiQ, EU Union of Skills 7. Adopt Skills Frameworks • Use structured frameworks to track skills • Integrate into training, hiring, planning • Keep frameworks updated with tech changes • Balance standardization with flexibility • Recognize transferable knowledge • Ex: EU Competence Framework 8. Plan for What’s Next • Build skills observatories and dashboards • Use foresight+scenario planning • Tailor insights for different users • Keep intelligence updated and actionable • Ex: Cedefop, OECD - OCDE AI Observatory Insightful Read by Salil Gunashekar and Teodora Diana Chis A holistic approach-flexible learning, strong frameworks, and foresight can build a resilient, inclusive, future-ready quantum workforce. Carthic Kameshwaran David Borish Nandan Joshi Dr. Jai Ganesh Marcos Allende López Sam Greenblatt Dilip Krishnaswamy Jamel Dennis Michael Glavich Dr. Satyam Priyadarshy Vivek Saxena Chintan Oza Dr. Sunil Kr. Pandey John Riley III Stan Stolberg Edgar Perez A K Pandey Stephen Ibaraki Chandrachood Raveendran Prasanna Lohar

Something Bigger Than GPT-5 Is Coming.... A few months ago, one of our largest existing customers approached us with a new request: could we build a Quantum R&D Center for them? (Currently, we run an AI R&D Center for this customer.) They clearly understand that, at the current stage of quantum computing, there are limited real-world use cases for their industry (Financial Services). However, they believe this technology might experience a breakthrough in the coming years, and they want to stay ahead of the curve. It turns out they are not alone. Some of their main competitors are already investing in their own Quantum R&D efforts. We explored this direction further and discovered that most of these R&D centers are running small-scale experiments using cloud-based quantum computing services. I spoke with several R&D directors at those companies to better understand their approach and the purpose behind their experiments. To my surprise, their answers were remarkably consistent: the goal at this stage isn't to build disruptive innovations, but rather to nurture a generation of internal experts who will be ready to build meaningful solutions once the technology matures. So, it’s less about immediate R&D and more about creating an internal school of future quantum practitioners those who will be prepared when quantum computers become more powerful and accessible. Microsoft’s recent introduction of Majorana 1 looks like a serious step forward toward practical quantum computing. Here’s what we’ve done so far: - Together with Haiqu and SoftServe, we’ve invested in the Quantum Machine Learning School 2025, providing scholarships for talented students. https://lnkd.in/dAyCVjxM - We formed a consortium with the Kharkiv Quantum Cluster, a group uniting top professionals in quantum computing and quantum physics in Ukraine. Together, we’re working on a joint program to strengthen quantum expertise nationwide. - We’ve also launched several internal training programs to teach our engineers the basics of Qiskit. Curious to hear your thoughts (or perhaps your experiences) with Quantum Computing. Check the first comment for my Forbes article on this topic.

⚛️ You don't need a #quantum #PhD to work in quantum computing. Most people who transition into this field come from somewhere else — physics, software, chemistry, finance, cryptography, even logistics. The gap isn't talent. It's awareness. Here are the 8 steps that actually work: 01 ... Audit what you already have. Quantum hiring managers need domain experts just as much as quantum physicists. Your existing skills are worth more than you think. 02 ... Learn foundations, not everything. Linear algebra + basic quantum mechanics is enough to start. MIT OpenCourseWare, Coursera, and edX cover exactly what employers screen for. 03 ... Pick one framework and go deep. Qiskit, PennyLane, or Cirq. Build something real. Your GitHub matters more than your CV in this field. 04 ... Get certified by the right names. IBM Quantum Developer Certification and MIT xPRO's Quantum Computing Fundamentals carry genuine weight. 05 ... Contribute to open source. The quantum community is tiny. One meaningful pull request gets you noticed faster than 50 applications. 06 ... Bridge quantum to your domain. Finance + quantum = optimisation roles. Pharma + quantum = simulation roles. Cybersecurity + quantum = post-quantum cryptography. Hybrid expertise pays a premium. 07 ... Build your public presence. Post your journey. Write about what you're learning. In a small field, being known is half the battle. 08 ... Search where quantum jobs actually live. They're not on LinkedIn first. Specialist boards reach you before anyone else. The quantum workforce needs 10,000+ new professionals by 2030. The window is wide open. -------------------- 👉 Quantum Jobs List (global): quantumjobslist.com WhatsApp channel for job alerts: https://lnkd.in/dxZ_umhR 👉 Quantum Jobs USA: quantumjobs.us WhatsApp channel for US quantum Jobs: https://lnkd.in/dej6ZzQv #QuantumComputing #CareerChange #QuantumJobs #DeepTech #QuantumJobsList #QuantumJobsUSA #STEM #CareerTransition #FutureOfWork #QuantumPhysics #TechCareers University of Oxford University of Cambridge University of Maryland University of California, Berkeley Yale University National University of Singapore University of Pennsylvania ETH Zürich

Building a Quantum-Ready Workforce Strategy Talent Management Institute The workplace is about to experience its most dramatic transformation since the digital revolution. As quantum computing moves from research labs to real-world applications, Human Resource Management faces an unprecedented challenge: preparing the workforce for a technology that most people find mysterious and intimidating. But what exactly is quantum computing? Unlike traditional computers that process information as either 0s or 1s, quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows them to solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers. Problems that would take today's supercomputers years to solve could be completed by quantum computers in minutes. The quantum technology market is projected to experience dramatic growth, with forecasts suggesting it could reach a valuation of $173 billion by 2040. For HR professionals, understanding this technology isn't about becoming quantum physicists. It's about recognizing how this paradigm shift will transform every aspect of workforce management and preparing accordingly. For HR professionals, this means rethinking everything from talent acquisition to training programs, from organizational structure to performance management. As quantum computing reshapes industries, building a quantum-ready workforce strategy is essential for staying competitive. While early quantum companies relied heavily on PhD physicists, the industry now needs a broader range of professionals: - Software engineers who can develop quantum algorithms. - Systems engineers who can integrate quantum and classical systems. - Business analysts who can identify quantum use cases. - Sales professionals who can communicate quantum value. - HR professionals who can build quantum-ready teams. HR professionals must lead the charge in building quantum-ready organizations by: 1. Demystifying quantum computing and making it accessible to all employees. 2. Developing comprehensive workforce strategies that address the unique challenges of quantum technology. 3. Creating innovative training programs that build quantum skills at all levels. 4. Fostering a culture that embraces quantum opportunities. 5. Building partnerships that accelerate quantum readiness. 6. Preparing for a future where quantum literacy is as essential as digital literacy is today. read more below: #talent #quantumtechnology #futureofwork #upskilling #skillsdevelopment #workforceplanning #strategy #workforcestrategy #quantumready #quantumrevolution #quantumphysics #learninganddevelopment #culture #peopleandculture #organizationaldesign https://lnkd.in/eui67uNH

When I started at Leidos in late 2020, I persuaded leadership to invest in quantum — from a whiteboard idea to a weapons-grade team doing real science. A $25M DARPA quantum-networking program. Single-photon detectors measured to ~1%. Fault-tolerant algorithms for problems classical machines can't touch. Photonic devices taken from design to fabricated silicon. Recently, Leidos wound that team down. I don't say this lightly: this is one of the most talented groups I've ever had the privilege to build alongside. "Smart" doesn't cover it. These are the people you want in the room when the problem looks impossible — and they're now available. So I'm doing the most useful thing I can: putting my name behind every one of them. If you lead a team in quantum, photonics, sensing, or advanced computing — or you just hire brilliant scientists and engineers — read this list and reach out. I'll make the intro personally. In no particular order: Dr. Nam N. — quantum algorithms. PI on DARPA Quantum Benchmarking; makes quantum computing useful for hard chemistry and linear systems. 15+ papers, multiple patents. Shreya K. Patel, PhD — nanophotonics, magnetics, and device fabrication. All-optical computing and neural networks; turns light into computation — and wins the grants to fund it. Dr. Matthew Wampler — theoretical quantum physicist. Designs the control and error-correction protocols that make qubits behave. Physical Review X / PRB author. Ashlee Henig, PhD, PMP — the rare scientist-program-manager: ran a $25M DARPA program and brought it from Red to Green, on schedule and on budget. Dr. Benjamin McDowell — quantum materials and integrated-photonic device design; lead contributor on a winning ARPA-I quantum-sensing submission. Chamithri Adikarige — experimental physicist. Single-photon detectors and integrated photonics; built wafer-level test platforms (formerly PsiQuantum). Zach Hainsel — optical and quantum sensing across DARPA programs; 20+ DoD field tests, co-PI experience. Pranav Kalinadhabhotla — quantum sensing: NV-diamond magnetometry, QKD, and a DoD SBIR award. Ranjani Sundaram — quantum networking and distributed quantum computing; algorithms that cut comms cost and latency 50–80%. (NVIDIA CUDA-Q intern; Stony Brook PhD.) Eli Briskin — photonics and optical engineering; experimental automation and photonic-IC test at MIT Lincoln Lab. Exceptional early-career talent. Grace Neil — rising quantum-optics researcher; laser and atomic (rubidium) spectroscopy. An undergraduate researcher with real momentum. Several of them hold active security clearances. The best thing you can do in ten seconds: share this, or tag someone hiring. And to this team — it was an honor. You built something real, and the work doesn't disappear because an org chart changed. The best is ahead of you. #Quantum #QuantumComputing #QuantumSensing #Photonics #Hiring

New Quantum Experiments Aim to Inspire Students in 2025 Key Takeaways • University of Barcelona Initiative: Researchers have developed hands-on quantum experiments to help undergraduate students engage with quantum mechanics. • Bridging Theory and Practice: The experiments are designed to make complex quantum concepts more accessible, preparing students for careers in quantum technology. • UNESCO’s Quantum Science Year: 2025 has been declared the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, highlighting the field’s growing importance. Why It Matters • Boosting Quantum Literacy: As quantum computing and quantum networks advance, early exposure will be essential for the next generation of scientists. • Understanding Entanglement: One of the core topics covered is quantum entanglement, where two particles remain linked across vast distances, defying classical physics. • Bell’s Theorem in Action: Students will explore John Bell’s 1964 theory, which disproved Einstein’s “hidden variable” hypothesis, showing that quantum mechanics is inherently probabilistic. How the Experiment Works • Hands-on Learning: The setup includes real quantum optical systems, allowing students to observe entanglement and test Bell’s inequalities. • Connecting to Modern Tech: The curriculum is aligned with cutting-edge quantum research, including applications in quantum computing, cryptography, and communication. What’s Next? • Expanding the Program: If successful, this model could be replicated worldwide to enhance quantum education. • Industry Collaboration: Companies in the quantum sector may partner with universities to provide internships and research opportunities. • Global Quantum Workforce: These initiatives will help train the workforce needed for the booming quantum industry, ensuring more talent enters the field. Bottom Line By introducing interactive quantum experiments, the University of Barcelona is demystifying quantum mechanics and equipping students with the skills to lead the future of quantum science and technology.