Director Public Affairs & Quantum Policy F/H

Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems.

The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit. In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously!

We're a diverse team of 200+ brilliant minds from over 30 countries united by a single goal: to revolutionise computing with a practical fault-tolerant quantum machine. Are you ready to take on unprecedented challenges and contribute to revolutionising technology? Join us, and let's shape the future of quantum computing together!

In a context of rapid scaling of a sovereign deep-tech company operating in a highly strategic technological domain, the Director of Public Affairs & Quantum Policy is responsible for securing, structuring, and governing public funding and institutional support aligned with Alice & Bob’s long-term technical roadmap and business strategy.

Reporting to the VP Business & Revenue, you will work closely with Executive Management, R&D, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure effective engagement with public authorities, funding bodies, and institutional partners, while providing structured insight on public policy and state-driven initiatives impacting the company.

Main Responsibilities

Scope

• Primary focus: Europe
• Secondary focus: APAC and MEA (exploratory and expansion phase)
• Engagement with key quantum ecosystem organizations, including the Quantum Industry Consortium, Quantum Business Network, and other regional and global initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Public Funding Strategy & Execution
• Identify, assess, and prioritize relevant public funding programs and state support mechanisms across Europe, APAC, and MEA.
• Structure and position funding opportunities in alignment with Alice & Bob’s technology, industrial, and go-to-market roadmap.
• Influence funding frameworks and calls for proposals upstream to better reflect the company’s strategic technology priorities.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders in the preparation, negotiation, and submission of funding applications.
• Serve as the Company’s Institutional Interface
• Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with public institutions, government agencies, policymakers, and key institutional stakeholders.
• Represent Alice & Bob in institutional forums related to quantum technologies, HPC, and strategic technologies, including structured ecosystems such as the Quantum Industry Consortium and the Quantum Business Network.
• Actively contribute to shaping public narratives and policy agendas that support Alice & Bob’s positioning and strategic interests.
• Enhance the company’s visibility, credibility, and influence within sovereign and public ecosystems.
• Oversee Publicly Funded Programs & Governance
• Manage contractualization, compliance, and reporting obligations for publicly funded projects.
• Lead negotiations with public authorities and funding bodies, in close collaboration with the legal team and external counsels, to secure optimal terms and conditions.
• Ensure effective governance with institutional and academic partners.
• Monitor project milestones, contractual obligations, and associated risks.
• Provide Public Affairs & Institutional Intelligence
• Monitor, analyze, and anticipate public policy developments, regulatory trends, and funding priorities across Europe, while providing forward-looking insights on APAC and MEA.
• Assess and help shape policy directions in alignment with Alice & Bob’s strategic priorities, including FTQC and integrated quantum systems.
• Advise Executive Management and the ComEx on institutional opportunities, risks, and positioning strategies.
• Develop actionable recommendations to support strategic decision-making and long-term public affairs engagement.
• Contribute to strategic ecosystem-building initiatives, including partnerships with public-sector stakeholders.

Hard Skills

• Public funding mechanisms, grant structuring, and strategic positioning of funding opportunities
• Institutional relations, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement across European ecosystems
• Negotiation of public funding agreements, partnerships, and institutional frameworks
• Policy influence and advocacy, with demonstrated ability to shape regulatory and funding priorities in line with company strategy
• Contractual, legal, and governance frameworks for publicly funded programs
• Cross-functional project coordination in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Executive-level briefing, synthesis, and strategic communication

Soft Skills

• Strong stakeholder management and diplomacy
• Ability to develop, leverage and maintain a robust professional network
• Structured, rigorous, and reliable execution
• Ability to operate in complex institutional environments
• Clear communication with executive audiences
• High sense of responsibility and discretion

Education

• Master’s degree or higher (Public Policy, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Political Science, or related fields)

Languages

• English: Fluent (mandatory)
• French: Fluent (mandatory)

Experience

Minimum 10 years of experience in:

• Public affairs, institutional relations, or public funding
• Deep-tech (ideally in Quantum), industrial (quantum, semiconductors), or regulated environments
• Interaction with public authorities or funding agencies

Benefits

• Our success is your success: own it with our BSPCE plan
• Direct IP Compensation: Earn substantial bonuses for driving the core patents that define our quantum architecture.
• Flexible remote policy, up to 40 % a month
• A Parental plan including additional benefits such as crèche support or additional days-off to take care of under 12 years old children
• Subsidized membership with Urban Sports Club
• Mental health support with moka.care
• 25-day vacation policy (as per French law) + RTT
• Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law), or yearly allowance for the die-hard bicycle users
• Competitive health coverage, with Alan.
• Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen
• French language courses covered by the company for those interested

Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec.