Workforce Development
Quantum Leap Career Nexus employers and attendees at a roundtable discussion during QLCN 2025.
Quantum Education and Policy Summit
In October 2025, the Quantum Education and Policy Summit brought together educators, industry leaders, and workforce-development experts from 27 states to the University of Maryland, the Capital of Quantum, to discuss a coordinated national strategy for training the future quantum workforce. Hosted by Q-SEnSE and the Chicago Quantum Exchange, with sponsorship from QED-C and RQS, the multi-day summit created opportunities for participants from community colleges, major research universities, and regional quantum ecosystems to align priorities and share challenges. Participants emphasized the importance of connecting the country’s rapidly growing but regionally distributed quantum initiatives, noting that collaborative planning is essential for building an effective national talent pipeline. Breakout sessions focused on regional priorities, institutional differences, and shared barriers, all contributing to a forthcoming report that will outline current needs and guide future quantum education efforts.
A major theme of the event was the urgency of building strong partnerships between academia and industry as quantum technology moves from research and development into commercial deployment. Representatives from companies such as NVIDIA, Lockheed Martin, and QuEra joined educators to discuss curriculum development, work-based training pathways, and lessons from other emerging tech sectors such as AI and green technology. Community colleges received significant attention, with speakers highlighting the essential role they will play in preparing students for quantum careers that will not require graduate degrees. Participants left the summit with new connections, expanded knowledge, and renewed momentum toward creating coordinated education programs that will prepare students nationwide for quantum careers. Learn more about the summit here.
This conference was supported by NSF grant #2534943.
RQS is working to bring more students into the quantum workforce by supporting intensive, student-led inquiry into quantum science and providing novel avenues for collaboration and learning. In addition to the educational mission of our Institute, we also directly facilitate career development for students entering the quantum workforce through a variety of programs:
Quantum Leap Career Nexus
Held for the first time in September, 2024, the Quantum Leap Career Nexus (QLCN) is an annual networking, recruitment, and mentorship event for careers in the quantum industry. Featuring a career fair, workshops, keynotes, and other networking opportunities, the QLCN brings together more than 250 undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and early career professionals with representatives from over 20 employers in quantum. Find out more here.
Career Connections
RQS offers monthly professional development and networking events for students and postdocs in quantum. This program, which rotates monthly between UMD, Duke, Princeton, NCSU, and Yale, is presented by the RQS Student-Postdoc Council. Information about each event will be posted monthly on our Events page.
Job Postings
North Carolina State University