Quantum Computing Specialist – 12 Month FTC

Financial Conduct Authority; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

A major financial regulator in Edinburgh seeks a Quantum Computing Specialist for a 12-month FTC. This role involves exploring the use of quantum computing in financial regulation, leading research projects, and collaborating across teams. Ideal candidates should have a proven track record in quantum computing and experience in financial services or a strong desire to learn. The position offers a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and generous benefits including a non-contributory pension.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work

Non-contributory pension

Private healthcare

Paid volunteering opportunities

Flexible benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with quantum computers and translating business use cases into quantum applications.
• Experience in financial services or related fields is highly valued.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and business teams.

Responsibilities

• Explore quantum computing opportunities for financial regulation.
• Collaborate across teams to address complex regulatory challenges.
• Lead research projects and foster stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Quantum computing experience

Knowledge of financial regulation

Research and communication skills

Stakeholder relationship management

Job description

Quantum Computing Specialist – 12 Month FTC

Division: Data, Technology & Innovation Department: Emerging Tech & Research

• Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £72,100 to £102,100 and London from £79,300 to £113,200 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
• This role is graded as: Technical Specialist - Regulatory
• Your recruitment contact is Sonika Suryadevara via [e-mail] . Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via social media or email will not be accepted.

About the FCA and team

We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth and shaping the future of UK finance services.

The Data, Technology and Innovation (DTI) division enables the FCA to be a digital-first, data-led smart regulator by delivering a secure, agile and cost-effective technology and data ecosystem that drives better decisions, transparency and operational efficiency.

Sitting within DTI, the Strategy & Architecture team supports enabling the FCA Strategy through strategic advice, partnership with stakeholders and targeted research into emerging technologies, aligned with overall Enterprise Architecture.

Role responsibilities

• Join the team driving the FCA’s exploration of quantum computing, identifying high-impact opportunities and testing proofs of concept that could reshape how financial regulation is delivered
• Work across the FCA to uncover problems where novel computational methods could offer powerful new solutions
• Advance the FCA’s technical capability by developing expertise within the Emerging Tech & Research team, combining quantum insight with deep understanding of the and regulatory or financial regulatory landscape
• Opportunity for candidates from an academic background to transition into financial services as the sector continues to explore the early adoption of quantum computing
• Work on cutting-edge challenges by turning complex regulatory and financial problems into quantum-based models, testing proofs of concept that could redefine how regulation is delivered
• Collaborate across disciplines, shape the regulatory use of technology while joining a diverse, curious team committed to collaboration and continuous learning

Skills required

Minimum

• Proven Experience working with quantum computers, including translating business use cases into quantum algorithms, code and applications
• Experience in financial services or familiarity with regulatory priorities, tools and powers, research, or industry collaborations (e.g., postdoctoral or master’s projects) is highly valued. However, we also welcome candidates who demonstrate a strong interest and willingness to learn in these areas.
• Proven Experience in research, communication and relationship-building within fast-paced environments, with strong skills to collaborate across technical and business teams

Essential

• Maintain deep knowledge of quantum algorithms and their potential application in different contexts including financial services, staying ahead of emerging trends and familiarity with quantum hardware is a bonus
• Lead complex, non-linear research projects to high standards, plan and facilitate workshops and convert intricate findings into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiencesBuild strong stakeholder relationships across all levels, flex communication style to influence and gain consensus, foster collaboration and demonstrate leadership qualities to create an inclusive, outcome-focused team culture

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work
• Non-contributory pension (8–12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary
• Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance
• 35 hours of paid volunteering annually
• A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle

For a full list of our benefits and our recruitment process as a whole visit our benefits page.

Our values and culture

Our colleagues are the key to our success as a regulator. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture: one that’s free from discrimination and bias, celebrates difference and supports colleagues to deliver at their best. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better regulation.

If you require any adjustments due to a disability or condition, your recruiter is here to help - reach out for tailored support.

We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions that suit both the role and individual needs, including options like part-time and job sharing where applicable.

Disability Confident: our hiring approach

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and therefore, people or individuals with disabilities and long-term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. In cases of high application volumes, we may progress applicants whose experience most closely matches the role’s key requirements.

Useful information and timeline

• Advert closing: Midnight 26th January (please apply by 11.59pm 25th January)
• Shortlisting calls: w/c 02 February
• First Interview: w/c 09 February
• Second Interview: w/c 16 February
• Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time.