www.computer.

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Quantum
Computing:
Demand for Talent
in an Emerging Field
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3

A Field in Search of a Workforce......................................................5

Qubits, Models, and Algorithms......................................................8

Career Paths and Prerequisites.....................................................14

Final Thoughts............................................................................................18

2 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

 LOOKING AHEAD

INTRODUCTION The Professional

Home for All of
Computing
The IEEE Computer
When it comes to quantum
Society is the world’s
computing, there are home for computer
science, engineering,
plenty of unknowns—not and technology. A global
least of which is how soon leader in providing access
to computer science
researchers will find a research, analysis, and
information, the IEEE
solution to the errors, or Computer Society offers
decoherence, that currently a comprehensive array
of unmatched products,
cripples system stability services, and opportunities
for individuals at all stages
and scalability.
of their professional
careers. Known as the
What is assumed (witness billions of
premier organization that
dollars in global investments) is that
empowers the people who
functional and pervasive quantum drive technology, the IEEE
computing will be realized. When it is, it Computer Society offers
will offer world-changing advances over international conferences,
classical computing in terms of the speed peer-reviewed publications,
a unique digital library, and
and power with which it will help solve
training programs.
both routine and currently intractable
problems. Visit computer.org to
launch your career.
 For people pondering a career fueled by technological advances
in or career shift to quantum as well as demand from sectors
computing, the possibilities across the spectrum, from health
are equally transformative and care to finance and national
enticing. International Data security. To get there, however,
Corporation expects a 51% organizations will require vast
annual growth rate in the global numbers of programmers and
quantum computing market, researchers, and other quantum
which it estimates will reach professionals that are currently
US$8.6 billion within the next in short supply.
four years. This growth will be

Credit: Connie Zhou for IBM

4 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

A Field in Search
of a Workforce

Although many issues

remain to be solved in
quantum computing,
there is already a massive
demand for skilled
professionals.

According to a McKinsey & Company quantum computing careers—and the

report, a significant talent gap is CV required to start one—are often
emerging in the field; as of June 2022, misguided.
only one qualified candidate was
“One misconception is that quantum
available for every three quantum
computing is a highly specialized field
computing jobs. Despite this demand,
that requires an advanced degree in
however, the assumed knowledge and
physics or similar discipline,” says Paik.
experience required to start or shift
“The reality is that those with general
to a career in quantum computing
computer science and engineering
is often intimidating for potential
degrees can apply their skills in the
candidates to ponder.
field of quantum—and anyone who is
Hanhee Paik, a researcher in interested can learn the basics and run
experimental quantum computing at programs on real quantum computers,
IBM, notes that assumptions about online, today.”

5 / Bioinformatics:
Quantum Computing:
At the Intersection
Demand forofTalent
Computer
in an Emerging
Science, Mathematics,
Field and Biology
A Field in Search
of a Workforce

Meet the Experts

Senior Research Scientist,

Dr. Hanhee Paik / IBM Quantum

Her research career has been focused on understanding

the coherence mechanisms of superconducting qubits and
developing superconducting multi-qubit architectures. Dr. Paik
pioneered the novel design of a superconducting qubit that
helped the industry push the quality of quantum computing
performance, greatly impacting the quantum computing community.

Today’s IBM Quantum systems’ coherence times benefit from Dr. Paik’s work. She
played a pivotal role in developing IBM Quantum’s 16-qubit processors. Over the last
few years, she has turned her focus to IBM Quantum’s efforts to develop the global
quantum ecosystem.

Dr. Paik was elected an American Physical Society Fellow in 2021 for pioneering a
novel superconducting qubit architecture that catalyzed the commercialization of
superconducting quantum computing and contributing to the advancement
of quantum computing research in the industry.

Dr. Chuck Easttom / Scientist, Author, and Professor

Dr. Chuck Easttom is the author of 41 books, including several

on computer security, forensics, and cryptography. He is also
an inventor with 25 patents and the author of over 70 research
papers. He holds a Doctor of Science in cyber security, a Ph.D. in
Nanotechnology, a Ph.D. in computer science, and three master’s
degrees (one in applied computer science, one in education, and one in systems
engineering). He is a senior member of both the IEEE and the ACM. He is also a
Distinguished Speaker of the ACM and a Distinguished Visitor of the IEEE. Dr. Easttom
is currently an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and Vanderbilt University.

6 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

A Field in Search
of a Workforce

Peter Noell agrees. In a the very real challenges that

recent interview on The Post- quantum computing faces
Quantum World podcast, mean that there’s little practical
Noell, a quantum solutions work to do at this point.
architect at Infleqtion, noted
“In fact, there is a lot of work
that the demand—particularly
to be done to develop and
for coders—far exceeds
advance computer science to
supply at this point. Noell
not only get to useful quantum
said that someone with years
computing, but to be ready
of classic coding experience
to take advantage of more
and even rudimentary, self-
powerful and more capable
taught familiarity with basic
quantum computers in the
quantum concepts is fully
future,” says Paik. “Those
hirable, particularly since many
early adopters of quantum
quantum computing companies
computing are creating a new
view ongoing learning as not
field of computer science—
only expected, but also as an
expanding the boundaries of
essential and exciting part of
computer science.”
the job.

Another misconception that

might dissuade people is that

7 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Qubits, Models,
and Algorithms

Credit: Connie Zhou for IBM

Quantum computing uses

properties of quantum mechanics
to perform computations that
would be time- and cost-prohibitive
for classic computers to tackle.
Following is a quick overview of some basic quantum
computing properties; the Learning Resources section
below offers extensive opportunities to dive deeper,
learn more, and even get hands-on practice.

8 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Qubits, Models,
and Algorithms

Credit: Connie Zhou for IBM

their paper, “Quantum Algorithm

Qubits, Implementation for Beginners,”
Superposition, superposition allows each qubit
and Entanglement to act as a “a two-dimensional
quantum system.”
Like the binary bits in classical
computing, quantum bits, or A common metaphor here is
qubits, are the fundamental the coin. Classic computing bits
unit for carrying information in represent either side of the
quantum computing systems. coin—that is, a bit is either heads
Qubits differ from classic or tails (0 or 1)—while a qubit is
computing bits in that the more like the coin in a spinning
quantum mechanical effect of state, with a certain probability
superposition allows a single of landing on heads or tails (0 or
qubit to exist in both the 0 and 1); in the meantime, qubits exist
1 states at the same time. As J. in a probability distribution over
Abhijith and colleagues note in the two values.

9 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Qubits, Models,
and Algorithms

This expansion of possible University, notes that with all

states allows for an exponential the discussion of the quantum
increase in computing power computing future, few people
and speed over what’s possible entering or new to the field
with classic computing. Qubits seem to realize the fundamental
can also entangle—that is, they challenges such problems entail.
can become part of a single “Most seem to just read the
quantum system with a shared headlines and are unaware the
state, so that any changes made current quantum computers
to one qubit instantly affect cannot maintain coherence for
the other, regardless of the long,” says Easttom. “They seem
distance between them. As the a bit surprised by the problem of
number of entangled qubits decoherence.”
grows, the system’s ability to
Billions of dollars of investments
make calculations also grows—
from governments and the
exponentially instead of linearly.
private sector alike are flowing
This property is expected to
into research on creating stable,
revolutionize machine learning,
scalable qubits with sufficient
cryptography, and other fields.
coherence times and lower
However, creating physical error rates. Given that, creating
qubits is deeply challenging, and manipulating entangled
and they must be isolated to qubits—which requires precise
maintain coherence—that control over multiple qubits’
is, to maintain a stable and quantum states—will be much
predictable quantum state. more feasible. The solutions,
Chuck Easttom, scientist, author, however, might be months or
and professor at Vanderbilt decades away.
University and Georgetown

10 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Qubits, Models,
and Algorithms

Quantum Computing Models

Common quantum computing models include the following:

• A quantum circuit model uses quantum gates that act as basic

circuits operating on a qubit set. In contrast to classic computing
models, however, in the quantum model, the gates are reversible
and do not include AND gates.

• A measurement-based model, also known as one-way quantum

computing, starts with an initial entangled state (a cluster) and
applies to it a sequence of single-qubit measurements that
correspond to the desired quantum circuit.

• An adiabatic model slowly transforms an initial Hamiltonian system

into a final Hamiltonian whose ground states contain the solution.

• The quantum annealing model is a specialized adiabatic model

used for solving optimization problems.

Grover’s algorithm is used

Quantum to search unsorted databases
Algorithms of N items; whereas classical
Researchers have designed algorithms require O(N) for such
various quantum algorithms a search, Grover’s algorithm
to take advantage of quantum provides a quadratic speedup.
properties such as entanglement Application areas include
and superposition and thereby database searches as well as
solve problems more efficiently. efforts to increase the speed of
Following are a few examples. existing search algorithms.

11 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Qubits, Models,
and Algorithms

Shor’s algorithm offers a Quantum simulation

quantum solution for prime algorithms simulate complex
factorization that offers an quantum systems that are
exponential speedup over beyond the capabilities of
existing factorization options, classical computers; application
thus posing a threat to classic areas include materials science,
RSA encryption. condensed-matter physics,
and chemistry.
The quantum Fourier
transform is used to efficiently The quantum approximate
compute the discrete Fourier optimization algorithm
transform of a data sequence. (QAOA) is a general-purpose
Application areas include signal quantum algorithm for solving
processing and cryptography. combinatorial optimization
problems. Application
The variational quantum
areas include finance,
eigensolver (VQE) is used for
mapping applications, and
solving optimization problems
telecommunication.
and is currently being developed
for applications in areas
such as drug discovery and
materials science.

Billions of dollars of investments from

governments and the private sector alike
are flowing into research on creating stable,
scalable qubits with sufficient coherence
times and lower error rates.

12 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Career Paths
and Prerequisites

The baseline knowledge for a

job in the quantum computing
field includes a strong grasp
of linear algebra and basic
familiarity with general
quantum principles.
Beyond that, the qualifications and
prerequisites range from top-notch coding
skills to extensive expertise from real-world
job experience coupled with a PhD in quantum
physics or computer science.

13 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Career Paths and
Prerequisites

Although specializations quantum principles;

abound across these roles, the • Knowledge of one or more
following overview offers general programming languages (such
descriptions and expected as Python, C++, Matlab, or
experience in each area. Java);
• Programming experience;
Software • Experience in virtual
Programmers environments;
• Git and GitHub are also
Programming is a relatively easy
desirable.
entry point for classic software
coders, as the two fields share Educational requirements for
the same general skill sets, and programmers might include a
often the same programming bachelor’s degree (or higher) in
languages and software computer science or other STEM
infrastructure. Quantum fields, though given current
software programmers build, demand in this area, certification
test, and troubleshoot code that and/or extensive on-the-job
supports quantum principles coding experience may be
and algorithms; they might enough to enter at this level.
also contribute to developing
quantum-specific languages Software
using existing syntax.
Engineers
Although software is emerging to
In addition to having strong
abstract away some of the more
software programming skills,
complex aspects of quantum
quantum software engineers
coding, the basic qualifications
are responsible for the overall
for quantum computing
development process for
programmers include:
quantum software, from
• Solid grasp of linear algebra; architecture design through
• Basic understanding of testing and maintenance. They

14 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Career Paths and
Prerequisites

also work with stakeholders— a proven ability to work in teams

including managers, designers, across business and engineering
and clients—to ensure that the disciplines.
quantum software meets specific
stakeholder requirements.
Machine Learning
The responsibilities of quantum Specialists
software engineers include
Quantum machine learning
writing code, designing quantum
professionals harness the
circuits, and collaborating
power of quantum properties
with quantum physicists and
to improve the performance
other researchers to develop
of existing machine learning
new applications for quantum
tasks such as optimization and
algorithms.
image/speech recognition on
Areas of specialization include both hybrid quantum-classical
optimization, control, or systems in the near term and
compilers. Basic requirements the stable quantum systems of
include knowledge of software the future.
design, testing, and development
Linear algebra is foundational
processes, as well as experience
in both machine learning and
with classic and quantum
quantum mechanics, so a strong
programming languages and
grasp of matrices, eigenvectors,
coding. Quantum software
and eigenvalues is essential,
engineers are also expected
as is knowledge of probability
to have solid work history and
theory and statistical methods.
a graduate degree in physics
Key programming languages in
and/or computing science or
machine learning include Python,
a related STEM field. Soft skill
C++, or Java; understanding of
qualifications include experience
and experience with machine
working on collaborative
learning algorithms and concepts
software projects and excellent
is also expected, including deep
communication skills, as well as

15 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Career Paths and
Prerequisites

learning techniques. Education In addition to their research,

requirements typically include research scientists are typically
a graduate degree in computer involved in developing, testing,
science or quantum physics, and implementing solutions to
including relevant research and real-world problems. The work
publications. is often highly collaborative, so
teamwork and communication
Research skills are crucial, including the
ability to communicate research
Scientists results to non-experts.
As an emerging field, quantum
Education requirements typically
computing presents numerous
include a PhD in quantum
opportunities for researchers,
physics, computer science, or
including in practical challenge
a related STEM field, as well
areas like error correction
as a history of research and
or quantum control, as well
publication in the target area.
as areas such as quantum
cybersecurity and
networking. There
are also many
opportunities
for quantum
researchers in
numerous sectors,
including defense,
finance, chemistry,
and healthcare.

16 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

 Credit: Connie Zhou for IBM

Final
Thoughts

Whether you’re a student or an early- or mid-

career professional, there are numerous paths
forward to explore and prepare for a career in
quantum computing.
And many of these options “we need more CSE students to
get you out of the office or join quantum. Instead of getting
classroom and into experiences too stuck at ‘understanding
that can broaden your network quantum mechanics’ or ‘how
and your vision of what’s quantum computers work,’
possible for your career. I think it will be useful to
understand how quantum
“If I were a software engineering
programming works, how
student just starting out
quantum architecture is built,
today, I would focus on the
how the workflow is different
fundamentals, and not just of
from quantum and classical, and
quantum,” says Paik, adding that

17 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Final
Thoughts

how we can integrate quantum Qiskit, QASM, etc.), you need to

and classical computing understand the algorithms you
architecture together.” are coding,” he says. “The thing
most lacking in people who wish
Paik also recommends learning
to enter quantum computing is
Qiskit, studying quantum
the appropriate mathematics.
algorithms, and getting involved
The typical calculus sequence
in the quantum computing
that most take is good, but you
community, including the Qiskit
should also consider linear
Slack community. Finally, she
algebra, beyond the introductory
recommends focusing on what
course, abstract algebra, and
actually interests you, especially
information theory.”
if you’re a graduate student, and
not to “worry too much about Asked what advice he would
how, exactly, it might overlap have given himself in his own
with quantum. There’s already early days, Easttom says he
crossover across a number of would tell himself the same
industries. Opportunities will thing he tells his students today:
come up.” “There is no such thing as too
much math. You may not see the
Also, as Easttom suggests:
need for it now, but the history
Remember the math. “There
of science is filled with examples
are a few things you must
of mathematics that had been
know: basic linear algebra.
abstract for many years… until a
Even if you are focusing just
practical application was found
on programming (i.e., with
for it.”

“We need more CSE students to join

quantum.” —Dr. Paik

18 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

Learning
Resources

GitHub Repos • edX Quantum Computing

• Microsoft - Courses and Programs
QuantumKatas • Quantum AI Education by
• Microsoft Quantum Google
Development Kits • Quantum Computing -
A Gentle Introduction
Hackathons
(book)
• Unitary Fund
• Introduction to Classical
• Stanford University and Quantum Computing
Quantum Coalition (book)
Hackathon
Mentorship
Internships and Jobs
• Qiskit Advocate Program
• IBM Quantum Computing
Internships Newsletters

• Chicago Quantum • Oak Ridge National

Exchange Laboratory Newsletters

• Zapata Quantum AI IEEE Quantum Education

Internships IEEE Transactions on
Challenges, Courses, Quantum Engineering
and Books IEEE Quantum Week
• IBM Quantum Challenge
• Career Fair
• Qiskit Textbook
• Student Mentorship
• Qiskit - Introduction to Session
Quantum Computing
(videos)

19 / Quantum Computing: Demand for Talent in an Emerging Field

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