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.

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Skillset

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

Desired Profile

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
• Parental plan including additional benefits such as crèche support or additional days‑off to take care of under 12‑year‑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.

You will join one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer!

We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas and have the space to grow.