Quantum career fair celebrates 100 years of quantum mechanics

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers hosted the fourth annual QIS Career Fair on Jan. 22, 2025.

The virtual event, led by the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C²QA), a National QIS Research Center led by DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, kicked off the centers’ celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). IYQ, as declared by the United Nations, recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics — the laws that govern the smallest bits of matter, energy, and light.

“The UN resolution celebrates the miraculous acceleration of modern physics and quantum discoveries,” said Emily Edwards, referring to the UN’s IYQ proclamation during her remarks. “But it also stresses the importance of this field to the world and especially has a clear focus on the need for more education and pathways into quantum information science and engineering.” Edwards is a steering committee member for the IYQ and an associate research professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University.

Linda Horton, associate deputy director for science programs for DOE’s Office of Science, welcomed more than 500 attendees to the virtual fair.

“To realize the full impact of QIS, there has never been a more important time to ensure that the United States is leading the way in quantum information science,” she said to the audience, which included nearly 300 students, 141 practicing scientists and engineers, 29 business professionals and quantum recruiters, and 23 leaders of quantum companies or research organizations.

Tina Brower-Thomas, executive director for the Center Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM) at Howard University and C²QA researcher, emceed the presentations and panels, which featured quantum enthusiasts, including graduate students, professors, and quantum leaders in government and industry.

Thomas Settersten, for example, discussed QIS in DOE’s Office of Science. Settersten leads the Fundamental Interactions team within the Office of Science’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Alex Challans, chief executive officer and founder of Resonance, offered insights into the quantum economy from a business perspective, rather than a scientific or technical one.

During a career fair staple, leaders from the five National QIS Research Centers recounted their quantum career journeys and explored potential trajectories for future quantum practitioners.

The field of QIS, they discussed, used to be made up predominantly of physicists. But as quantum technologies are developed and commercialized, the field will increasingly rely on professionals with broad technical skillsets, like engineers and technicians who can expertly tune lasers or maintain dilution refrigerators, to name two examples. Consequently, the panelists expect a growing number of opportunities for individuals with broad skill sets — and most importantly, a passion for quantum technologies.

In the spirit of international collaboration and developing talent for the next 100 years of QIS, the planning committee welcomed two new panels to the career fair program: “Entangling Strategic Global Partnerships” and “Building a Quantum ElectroDYNAMIC Workforce.”

The career fair culminated with opportunities to build professional networks and meet with QIS employers. Among the 30 exhibitors — wittily called “superconductors” — were 17 government organizations, 11 private companies, and two academic institutions.

Attendees explored the virtual expo floor and visited superconductor booths a combined 1,622 times over three and a half hours. They also engaged with superconductor representatives in more than 600 meetings, including video calls and chat sessions.

“It was a big success for us,” said Robert Jan Visser, a vice president at Applied Materials and career fair exhibitor. “We talked with lots of talented students.” Exhibitors also noted that they enjoyed the opportunity for candid discussions with jobseekers.

“We organize this career fair to help quantum jobseekers ready themselves for a super position,” said C²QA Chief Operations Officer Kimberly McGuire, leaning into the quantum puns that embellished the event’s agenda. “But the true impact of this event is immeasurable. By connecting future quantum practitioners with current quantum leaders and hiring managers from world-renowned organizations, we are doing our part to develop the robust and talented quantum workforce of tomorrow.”

C²QA is one of five National QIS Research Centers funded by the DOE Office of Science. The other centers are Quantum Science Center, Quantum Systems Accelerator, Q-NEXT, and Superconducting Quantum Materials & Systems Center.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit science.energy.gov.

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