Quantum Applications Jobs
Find quantum application careers in software, research, and industry solutions, from entry level to senior roles
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FAQs
What's the difference between a quantum applications scientist and a quantum algorithm developer?
Scientists working with quantum computing to solve industry problems in drug discovery, finance, or logistics are called application scientists. They have knowledge in both quantum technologies and problems in specific industries. Developers of quantum algorithms create quantum algorithms and code without concentrating on any industry in particular. You could say application scientists are builders of bridges between quantum tech and business problems, and algorithm developers are pure coders.
In most cases, these roles are in fields like chemistry, finance, or materials science. You usually need experience in one of these areas. Along with that, you also need some basic knowledge of quantum.
Suggested Read: Why choose quantum over classical computing
Do I need a PhD for quantum applications jobs?
Not always. Some research-based application roles in industry, such as those at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, have a higher requirement for a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field. However, many industry application roles are open to candidates with a Master's degree plus 5 or more years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience. Companies like PsiQuantum hire quantum solutions managers in pharma without needing a quantum PhD, as long as candidates have a good understanding of drug discovery.
Your experience in finance, pharma, or materials science is important. That industry knowledge matters a lot. You also need to be willing to learn the basics of quantum. That is usually enough to get started.
Can I transition from chemistry or finance to quantum applications?
Quantum applications jobs value experience in chemistry, finance, biology, or materials science. You need to understand industry problems. Knowing the basics of quantum is also enough to start. For instance, quantum drug discovery positions can take transitioned chemists, and quantum optimization roles can take transitioned financial analysts. You will be trained in company-specific quantum concepts and will take online courses with IBM or Microsoft. A number of applications scientists have educational backgrounds in chemistry or finance, as opposed to pure physics. Your industry expertise is actually more important than having extensive knowledge of quantum physics.
What programming skills do quantum applications professionals need?
Python is important for most quantum applications. You will use it with quantum frameworks like Qiskit, PennyLane, or Cirq to implement algorithms. Knowledge of domain-specific tools also helps, such as computational chemistry software for pharma applications and financial modeling for finance roles. Languages like Julia, MATLAB, Fortran, or C++ are useful for performance-intensive simulations. Understanding the industry problem comes first. Many applications scientists pick up programming while working. Strong knowledge in chemistry, finance, or another field is usually enough to start.
How much do quantum applications professionals earn?
Entry-level quantum applications scientists earn $107,000 to $140,000 a year. Mid-career professionals with five to eight years earn $130,000 to $185,000 . Senior quantum applications experts at companies like Amazon or MIT Lincoln Laboratory make $143,000 to $248,000. Quantum solutions managers in pharma earn $130,000 to $175,000. Industry-specific roles in finance or pharmaceuticals often pay premiums. You can learn more about quantum salaries here.
Which companies hire quantum applications professionals?
IBM, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and NVIDIA are tech companies that employ applications scientists. Quantum startups such as PsiQuantum, IonQ, and Quantinuum are highly industry role-focused. Quantum is applied in drug discovery for pharmacies such as Pfizer. In the financial sector, quantum applications experts are employed for portfolio optimization at banks like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. Scientific applications recruiting is done by national laboratories such as MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Los Alamos, and Argonne. Contractors for defense do the same. The majority of roles are centered on drug discovery, finance optimization, or materials science.
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