
How to Get a Better Quantum Computing Job After a Lay-Off or Redundancy
Redundancy in the emerging field of quantum computing can feel particularly discouraging, especially after years of specialised training and research. But as the UK continues to invest in quantum technologies across academia, defence, computing and cryptography, new roles are opening in both startups and national programmes.
Whether you're a physicist, quantum software engineer, hardware specialist, or quantum algorithm researcher, this guide will help you turn redundancy into an opportunity for career growth.
Contents
Understanding Redundancy in Quantum Tech
Step 1: Reflect and Reset Your Career Direction
Step 2: Define Your Quantum Specialism and Domain Focus
Step 3: Rebuild Your CV and Quantum Portfolio
Step 4: Optimise LinkedIn, GitHub, and arXiv Visibility
Step 5: Engage with Recruiters and Quantum Employers
Step 6: Apply Strategically and Follow Up
Step 7: Upskill in Quantum SDKs and Hybrid Classical Methods
Step 8: Explore Academia, Government, and Start-Up Roles
Step 9: Manage Finances and Maintain Confidence
Bonus: Top UK Employers Hiring in Quantum Computing (2025)
Final Thoughts: Redundancy as a Quantum Reset
Understanding Redundancy in Quantum Tech
Quantum teams are often tied to R&D cycles, grant funding, or long-horizon startup timelines. Redundancy isn’t a personal failure—it’s a byproduct of an evolving frontier.
You’re still valuable. Demand is growing in:
Quantum error correction
Quantum software engineering
Quantum-safe cryptography
Quantum machine learning
Hardware and control system development
Quantum consulting and simulation services
Step 1: Reflect and Reset Your Career Direction
Ask yourself:
What part of your previous role did you enjoy most? (e.g. algorithm design, superconducting qubit control, SDK development)
Would you prefer to stay in applied research, move into industry, or contribute via policy, outreach, or education?
Are you open to cross-disciplinary roles in HPC, AI, or cybersecurity?
Step 2: Define Your Quantum Specialism and Domain Focus
Clarify:
Are you focused on hardware (ion traps, superconducting, photonics), software (Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane), or theory?
Which use-cases or domains excite you most? (e.g. chemistry simulation, logistics optimisation, quantum sensing)
What languages and platforms do you work with? (e.g. Python, Q#, Qiskit, AWS Braket, QuTiP)
Step 3: Rebuild Your CV and Quantum Portfolio
Include:
A clear summary (e.g. “Quantum Software Engineer | Qiskit | Quantum ML | Open to Work”)
Bullet points with outcomes (e.g. “Developed variational algorithm for energy estimation of molecular systems”)
Publications, patents, open-source contributions
Links to GitHub, portfolio site, arXiv papers or recorded presentations
Step 4: Optimise LinkedIn, GitHub, and arXiv Visibility
LinkedIn Tips:
Headline: “Quantum Physicist | Quantum Algorithms | Open to Work”
About: Mention focus areas, strengths, tools and current career goals
Highlight talks, publications, demos, or arXiv links
GitHub/arXiv:
Share annotated notebooks and algorithm implementations
Create READMEs with visual outputs, research context, and architecture overviews
Sample LinkedIn About Section:
Quantum Algorithm Researcher | QML & Simulation | Open to Work
I’m a quantum computing researcher with 5+ years of experience in quantum chemistry simulation and QML algorithm design. After a team restructure, I’m seeking a new opportunity to build impactful, scalable quantum tools.
Tools: Qiskit, Pennylane, Python, GitHub, GCP, AWS Braket
Step 5: Engage with Recruiters and Quantum Employers
Recruiter Message Example:
Subject: Quantum Engineer | Qiskit & VQE | Available Immediately
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I’m looking for new quantum opportunities after a recent redundancy. I bring experience in quantum simulation, hybrid algorithms, and contributing to Qiskit. Please find my CV and GitHub attached.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn]
[GitHub]
[CV attachment]
Hiring Manager Follow-Up Example:
Subject: Application – Quantum Algorithm Developer Role at [Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I recently applied for the Quantum Algorithm Developer role and wanted to reiterate my enthusiasm. I bring expertise in quantum variational algorithms, QML pipelines, and collaborative open-source research. I’m available immediately and keen to contribute.
CV attached. Looking forward to connecting.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Step 6: Apply Strategically and Follow Up
Target jobs in your specialism (theory, software, hardware, hybrid ML)
Tailor your CV and cover letter to the organisation’s mission
Use www.quantumcomputingjobs.co.uk, Quantum London, or Qiskit Slack
Track your applications and follow up in 7–10 days
Step 7: Upskill in Quantum SDKs and Hybrid Classical Methods
Take this opportunity to deepen:
Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane, QuTiP
TensorFlow Quantum or hybrid cloud pipelines (AWS Braket, Azure Quantum)
Quantum-safe cryptography or quantum benchmarking
Contribute to open-source tools or write technical blogs to share insight
Step 8: Explore Academia, Government, and Start-Up Roles
Your skills are transferable to:
UKRI or EPSRC-funded research projects
Defence/space (DSTL, Airbus Defence, UKSA)
University spinouts or national labs
Quantum accelerators and sandbox innovation environments
Step 9: Manage Finances and Maintain Confidence
Apply for redundancy pay, Universal Credit or research fellowships (e.g. UKRI FLF)
Budget wisely with tools like MoneyHelper or Turn2Us
Create a weekly structure for learning, applying, and networking
Stay engaged with the quantum community through Slack, forums or meetups
Bonus: Top UK Employers Hiring in Quantum Computing (2025)
Quantinuum (Honeywell)
Oxford Quantum Circuits
PsiQuantum UK
Riverlane
Rigetti UK
IBM Quantum (London)
Cambridge Quantum
UK Quantum Technologies Hub
BT Quantum Research Labs
Quantum Base (Lancaster)
Imperial College London
University of Oxford/Quantum Group
QuEra (UK roles)
DSTL / Ministry of Defence
National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)
Final Thoughts: Redundancy as a Quantum Reset
Redundancy doesn’t erase your potential—it realigns it. As quantum computing matures in the UK, your timing may be better than ever to find a role that fits your purpose, pace and potential.
Stay focused, stay visible, and keep building.
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