‘Absurd’: Government seeks quantum tech chief – no experience necessary
The government is recruiting a senior official to oversee billions of pounds of quantum investment despite saying candidates do not need any background in the technology. A job advert for a deputy head of the Office for Quantum published on Tuesday says the successful candidate could oversee the rollout of the UK’s national quantum programme, [...]
The UK government is seeking a deputy head for the new Office for Quantum, a role that does not require any background in quantum technology despite overseeing billions of pounds in investment. The £69,675-a-year position, published on Tuesday, would oversee the rollout of the national quantum programme, help shape large-scale quantum computer purchases, and work with companies and investors to bring more funding into the sector.
However, the role states that a background in quantum is not necessary to apply, and experience in science, technology, or industrial policy is only considered desirable. Critics argue that appointing a non-subject matter expert to manage such a critical role is "absurd" and could hinder the UK's ability to compete with countries like the US and China in the rapidly advancing field of quantum technology.
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