UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Technology Officer -Quantum Computing

Role Title: Technology Officer – Quantum Computing
Role Type: Unpaid Volunteer
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Home-based / Remote
Reporting To: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER ROLE.

About DTID

The Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID) is an international non-profit institute advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence, blockchain and emerging digital technologies to support sustainable development and policy implementation.

DTID brings together professionals, researchers, technology specialists and other stakeholders to generate research, develop practical solutions, strengthen partnerships and support informed decision-making at the intersection of technology, climate change and sustainable development.

The Role

DTID is seeking a technically capable and motivated Technology Officer – Quantum Computing to contribute specialist expertise to the development and application of quantum computing across DTID's technology and research activities.

The successful candidate will support research, technical development, Proof-of-Concept initiatives and the exploration of practical quantum-computing applications relevant to DTID's work.

The role will involve evaluating emerging quantum technologies, developing prototypes and technical solutions, contributing to research outputs and collaborating with colleagues across DTID to identify potential applications of quantum computing in areas such as climate modelling, optimisation, data analysis, sustainability and international development.

This role requires strong technical and analytical capability, independent research skills and the ability to translate complex quantum-computing concepts into practical applications.

Key Responsibilities

The Technology Officer – Quantum Computing will:

• Research and evaluate developments, technologies and potential applications in quantum computing.
• Support the development and implementation of DTID's quantum-computing initiatives.
• Design, develop and test Proof-of-Concept applications and technical solutions using quantum-computing technologies.
• Identify practical use cases for quantum computing relevant to DTID's research and programme priorities.
• Contribute technical expertise to DTID research projects, technical papers and publications.
• Evaluate relevant quantum platforms, frameworks, algorithms and development tools.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, research outputs and knowledge resources.
• Collaborate with technology specialists, researchers and other teams across DTID.
• Monitor emerging developments in quantum computing and related digital technologies.
• Support knowledge-sharing and provide technical guidance to DTID colleagues where appropriate.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of DTID's technology capabilities and technical practices.
• Undertake other reasonable responsibilities relevant to the role as assigned by the reporting manager or senior leadership.

Skills and Abilities

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical, mathematical and problem-solving skills.
• Good technical capability relevant to quantum computing.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to undertake independent technical research and analysis.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear information for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks and meet agreed deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within technical and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong professional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a remote and internationally distributed organisation.
• A methodological, proactive and solutions-focused approach to work.
• Willingness to continuously learn and remain current with developments in quantum computing and emerging technologies.

General and Specialist Knowledge

Candidates should have knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Quantum computing principles and architectures.
• Quantum algorithms and computational methods.
• Quantum programming and software-development frameworks.
• Quantum simulation and optimisation.
• Quantum information science.
• Linear algebra, probability, statistics and related mathematics.
• Programming languages such as Python, C++, Q# or comparable languages.
• Quantum-computing frameworks and platforms such as Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, Amazon Braket or Azure Quantum.
• Classical and quantum hybrid-computing approaches.
• Cloud-based computing platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform.
• GitHub and other version-control or open-source development environments.
• Technical documentation and research practices.

Knowledge or experience in quantum machine learning, optimisation, cryptography, climate modelling, data science or artificial intelligence would be advantageous.

A portfolio of technical work, open-source contributions or GitHub projects would also be advantageous.

Knowledge or interest in climate change, sustainability, international development, artificial intelligence, blockchain and other emerging digital technologies would be desirable.

Education and Training

Candidates should preferably possess:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree, diploma or equivalent qualification in Quantum Computing, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Information Technology or another relevant discipline.

Relevant professional qualifications, certifications or specialist training in quantum computing, quantum information science, physics, mathematics or a related technical field would be advantageous.

Equivalent technical training, professional experience or demonstrated capability may also be considered where appropriate.

• Professional proficiency in English.

Knowledge of an additional international language would be advantageous.

Experience

Candidates should ideally demonstrate:

• Professional, academic or practical experience in quantum computing, quantum information science or a closely related field.
• Experience using quantum-computing frameworks, platforms or development tools.
• Experience developing, testing or researching quantum algorithms or applications.
• Experience contributing to technical research, Proof-of-Concepts or technology projects.
• Experience working with relevant programming languages and technical development environments.
• Experience preparing technical reports, documentation or research outputs.
• Experience working independently and taking responsibility for assigned technical deliverables.
• Experience collaborating within technical or multidisciplinary teams.

Experience contributing to open-source quantum-computing projects, research publications or a technical GitHub portfolio would be advantageous.

Experience within an international organisation, think tank, research institution, technology organisation, nonprofit organisation, climate or sustainability-focused organisation would also be advantageous.

What Difference Will You Make?

Quantum computing is an emerging technology with the potential to transform complex optimisation, modelling, simulation and data-analysis challenges across multiple sectors.

As a Technology Officer – Quantum Computing, you will contribute technical expertise to DTID's research, innovation and emerging-technology initiatives.

Your contribution will help strengthen DTID's ability to research, evaluate and develop practical applications of quantum technologies in support of sustainable development, climate action and policy implementation.

Benefits

What Will You Gain from Volunteering with DTID?

Although this position is unpaid, volunteering with DTID provides opportunities to:

• Gain practical experience within an international, volunteer-led organisation.
• Apply and strengthen quantum-computing expertise.
• Contribute to Proof-of-Concepts, technical research and emerging-technology initiatives.
• Gain exposure to artificial intelligence, blockchain and other emerging digital technologies.
• Develop experience applying advanced technology to climate, sustainability and international-development challenges.
• Work within a fully remote and globally distributed team.
• Collaborate with researchers, technology specialists and professionals from different countries and disciplines.
• Strengthen technical research, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Build international professional networks and long-term professional relationships.
• Contribute directly to DTID's mission and institutional development.

Selection Process

DTID is committed to identifying talented individuals with both demonstrated expertise and strong potential.

As a volunteer-led organisation, DTID recognises that candidates may have acquired their skills through different professional, academic or practical pathways. Applications may therefore be considered on the basis of demonstrated capability, relevant experience, transferable skills and potential.

The selection process will normally include:

1. Application screening
2. Written or technical assessment
3. Interview and/or technical discussion for shortlisted candidates
4. Final selection and onboarding

Candidates who successfully complete the written or technical assessment will be invited to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Important Notice

This is an unpaid volunteer position.