Quantum Workforce

Training the next generation

Q-NEXT takes advantage of the breadth of its partnerships to give students the opportunity to learn in an environment that lies at the intersection of the national labs, academia and industry.

 
The quantum technologies of the future will need scientists and engineers — in training now — to build, program and maintain them.

The close collaboration between Q-NEXT partners provides new opportunities to train future U.S. scientists and engineers.
Q-NEXT has trained 150 undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral associates – and counting.

Research experiences and internships


The Argonne Quantum Foundry and SLAC Superconducting Quantum Foundry are not only research facilities but also training grounds for students and researchers. In addition to supporting student researchers directly, Q-NEXT also recruits students through the U.S. DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship, DOE Office of Technology Transitions programs, and others. The students’ work to build materials for quantum devices and systems contributes to the foundation of Q-NEXT research.

Quantum Information Science Career Fair


Q-NEXT is one of the co-organizers of the Quantum Information Science Career Fair, led by the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage, a sibling center. Dozens of companies and universities exhibit at the fair, which draws hundreds of students, postdocs and early-career researchers, engineers and technicians to hear from experts in quantum information science, network, and apply directly for jobs.

Training teachers


Q-NEXT participates in QCaMP, an in-person primer on computing fundamentals aimed at the high school level, with programs for high school students and teachers held in California, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico and Pennsylvania. Through Q-NEXT, high school teachers in the Chicago area participating in QCaMP gain experience creating circuits on a real-world quantum computer and gain access to learning resources. No advanced science or math is required.

Industry internships


Q-NEXT coordinates with the Chicago Quantum Exchange to train students at tech companies, providing them with practical experience and opportunities to work with industrial scientists on quantum information problems. Through this effort, Q-NEXT interns have visited IBM Quantum and HRL Laboratories, and future visits to other leading companies are planned.