Assessing the Needs of the Quantum Industry

TLDR

Quantum information science has moved from research labs into industrial applications, creating a demand for a new workforce trained in QIST skills. The study aims to inform university education by identifying the types of jobs, required skills, and relevant degrees for the emerging quantum industry. A survey of 57 quantum‑industry companies was conducted to catalogue job roles, skill sets, and degree levels needed for the new workforce. Companies offer both highly specialized positions such as quantum algorithm developers and error‑correction scientists, and broader roles in business, software, and hardware that require non‑quantum skills and span bachelor’s to Ph.D.

Abstract

Background: Quantum information science and technology (QIST) has progressed significantly in the last decade, such that it is no longer solely in the domain of research labs, but is now beginning to be developed for, and applied in, industrial applications and products. With the emergence of this new quantum industry, a new workforce trained in QIST skills and knowledge is needed. Research Questions: To help support the education and training of this workforce, universities and colleges require knowledge of the type of jobs available for their students and what skills and degrees are most relevant for those new jobs. What are these jobs, skills, and degrees? Methodology: We report on the results from a survey of 57 companies in the quantum industry, with the goal of elucidating the jobs, skills, and degrees that are relevant for this new workforce. Findings: We find a range of job opportunities from highly specific jobs, such as quantum algorithm developer and error correction scientist, to broader jobs categories within the business, software, and hardware sectors. These broader jobs require a range of skills, most of which are not quantum related. Furthermore, except for the highly specific jobs, companies that responded to the survey are looking for a range of degree levels to fill these new positions, from bachelors to masters to Ph.D.s. Contribution: With this knowledge, students, instructors, and university administrators can make informed decisions about how to address the challenge of increasing the future quantum workforce.