Chief Quantum Officer, Quantum DTU - Dep. for Research, Advice and Innovation

DTU; Kongens Lyngby; Remote; DKK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Strategic role

International collaboration

Ambitious, collaborative environment

Job summary

DTU invites a strategic leader to serve as Chief Quantum Officer, uniting DTU's quantum research communities around shared priorities and driving joint initiatives with external funding.

You will strengthen DTU's role in the global quantum ecosystem, coordinate across departments, and act as a visible representative with researchers, policymakers and industry partners. The role anchors in the Lyngby campus and DSU’s national and international agendas.

Qualifications

• Experience in quantum science or technology and ability to discuss developments with researchers.
• Strong leadership in research or programme management.
• Ability to build trust with academia, industry and public-sector partners.
• Demonstrated history of bringing multi-disciplinary teams together to pursue shared objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of DTU's quantum strategy and translate ambitions into concrete initiatives and measurable outcomes.
• Develop Quantum DTU as the coordinating platform for strategic quantum initiatives across research, innovation, education, and partnerships.
• Advise DTU leadership on strategic opportunities and investments in quantum.
• Strengthen DTU’s collaboration with national and international quantum communities and policy-makers.
• Coordinate across departments to foster internal collaboration and external engagement.
• Represent DTU in international quantum initiatives and funding opportunities.

Skills

Quantum science

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Research leadership

Funding & partnerships

Education

Advanced degree in science/engineering/technology/public policy

Job description

As Chief Quantum Officer at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), you will bring the university’s quantum research communities together around shared priorities. You will build the relationships and partnerships needed to turn those priorities into joint initiatives and secure external funding for them.

DTU hosts internationally recognised research, innovation, and education activities across quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, quantum materials, and advanced quantum device fabrication. As discoveries in quantum science find new applications in industry and society, you will help shape DTU’s contribution in Denmark and internationally.

You will build on the foundations already in place, developing DTU’s quantum strategy further and leading its implementation. Working across technology, strategy and organisational development, you will turn strategic priorities into concrete initiatives and strengthen DTU’s ability to coordinate work across departments. You will build trust with researchers, industry partners, policymakers and funding organisations and bring them together around shared goals.

As a visible representative of DTU, you will strengthen collaboration with universities and other partners in Denmark and across the Nordic countries. You will also represent DTU’s interests in international policy discussions and help shape strategies that strengthen its position in the global quantum ecosystem.

Quantum DTU is DTU's central platform for quantum activities and serves as a catalyst for collaboration across disciplines, departments, and external partners. It is anchored in the Office of Scientific Advice, Defence and Resilience, which is a part of the Department for Research, Advice and Innovation. You will work closely with DTU’s departments and central administration, drawing on their expertise in research, strategy, partnerships and organisational support.

Primary areas of responsibility

Strategic leadership and organisational development

• Lead the implementation and continued development of DTU's quantum strategy, translating strategic ambitions into concrete initiatives, partnerships, and measurable outcomes.
• Further develop Quantum DTU as DTU's coordinating platform for strategic quantum initiatives across research, innovation, education, and external partnerships.
• Advise DTU leadership on strategic opportunities, investments, and developments within the quantum field.
• Develop Quantum DTU's organisational capabilities, structures, and networks in close collaboration with DTU's departments and relevant central administrative functions.
• Support the Chair and Steering Committee of Quantum DTU in strategic planning, preparation of decisions, and follow-up on agreed priorities and initiatives.

Partnerships and stakeholder engagement

• Represent DTU in national and international quantum initiatives, networks, and partnerships.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with public authorities, funding agencies, industry partners, investors, and international organisations.
• Strengthen DTU's position within the Danish, European, and international quantum research, innovation, and policy agendas through partnerships and engagement.

Research, innovation, and ecosystem development

• Drive collaboration across DTU's quantum-related research, education, and innovation activities.
• Facilitate internal coordination, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across DTU's quantum research environments and departments.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives, major funding opportunities, and resource planning in collaboration with relevant administrative functions.
• Promote the translation of quantum research into societal, industrial, and commercial impact.
• Facilitate engagement with key stakeholders through workshops, strategic initiatives, and high-level visits and delegations.

Your background

You bring substantial knowledge of and experience in quantum science or technology. You can discuss scientific and technological developments with researchers, earn their trust and use your expertise to help set a direction for DTU’s quantum activities.

Ideal profile and qualifications:

• You have experience in quantum science or technology or a solid understanding of the scientific and technological developments shaping the field.
• You have significant insight into the quantum field and can engage effectively with leading researchers and build trust across DTU’s quantum research community.
• You combine technical insight with strategic and political awareness, and you understand how academia, industry and public-sector stakeholders work together to drive technological development.
• You have demonstrated experience in research leadership, project or programme management, and in bringing people from different disciplines together to work towards shared objectives.
• You have experience building organisations, programmes, partnerships or ecosystems in collaboration with academic and administrative stakeholders.
• You excel at building relationships and have strong communication, facilitation and stakeholder management skills.
• You can communicate complex technological topics to diverse audiences.
• You hold a relevant advanced degree in science, engineering, technology, innovation, public policy or a related field.

What we offer

• A unique opportunity to shape DTU's future role within quantum technologies.
• A highly visible strategic role with broad internal and external engagement.
• The opportunity to build and develop Quantum DTU as a strategic platform.
• An ambitious, international, and collaborative working environment.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). You are employed as an Senior Officer or Senior Executive Officer.In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for academic staff employed in technical-administrative positions at DTU (AC TAP): https://www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The position is permanent and full-time (37 hours per week). Starting date as soon as possible (according to mutual agreement).

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.