Start: ASAP
Duration: 6 months with option to extend
Rate: max €110,= incl MSP fee, depending on education and work experience
Self-employed: No
Location: Candidate will be at the Arnhem office at least 2 days a week, on Tuesdays/Fridays

Principal Researcher Quantum a.i.
Are you an expert in the field of quantum technology and driven to use it for the energy transition? As interim Principal Researcher, you will lead the quantum program within the Research Center for Digital Technologies (RCDT). You will initiate and coordinate research into quantum sensing, quantum computing, and quantum communication, and translate complex challenges into groundbreaking technological solutions for the energy transition. You have a strong foundation in quantum technology and want to use it to contribute to a sustainable future. This is a hybrid position based in Arnhem for 32 hours per week. You will make the grid more innovative at Alliander.  

The energy transition would be impossible without you as Principal Researcher Quantum
You will work on quantum computing and quantum sensing projects. You will investigate where these technologies can contribute to better solutions within Alliander. You will be responsible for developing a vision and strategy in the field of quantum technology for network operators. You will collaborate with universities, startups, and labs, and develop valuable use cases into prototypes. You will maintain a broad network, identify technological opportunities, and present research results at national and international venues. 

We are creating the energy network of the future for everyone, with everyone. And as Principal Researcher Quantum, you will be contributing to this. Your tasks will include:  

• Developing a research roadmap for the quantum program, providing direction for strategic and substantive development 
• Managing the content of R&D specialists within the quantum program 
• Contributing substantively to quantum computing and quantum sensing projects 
• Building technical knowledge on quantum technology and disseminating this knowledge within and outside the Research Center for Digital Technologies  
• Identifying problems or functional requirements that your tech research should focus on  
• Recognizing complex issues within the organization and translating them into technological opportunities from the outside world  
• Maintaining contacts within the organization in order to assess the value of the technology in the context of the organization  
• Carefully documenting research results, and publishing and presenting them at (international) conferences  
• Further professionalizing the team's technology, code, way of working, and soft skills.  

You make Alliander complete 
Did you know that Alliander consists of several different companies? Together with Liander, Qirion, Qterra, Dep, Firan, and Entrnce, we develop and manage the energy networkfor millions of people in the Netherlands. And with the current energy transition, that's hard work. We do this with the help of more than 8,000 professionals. Thanks to these talented people, we have every confidence in the energy future of the Netherlands. Together with you, we are making that possible.

Keeping up with the latest trends and developments is only possible if you have enough energy. And the right working environment gives you that. In all your activities, you can coordinate and collaborate with your immediate colleagues within the quantum program. The broader department, the Research Center for Digital Technologies, consists of driven and committed specialists who are available to exchange ideas with you. Together, we are shaping the digital network company of the future. We keep a close eye on technological developments and use those insights to set up targeted research programs within themes such as AI, Quantum, or Robotics. We work closely with various departments to deliver the best innovations that make a difference.

You make the grid more energetic
You have a passion for technology and R&D, while also keeping a close eye on Alliander's challenges and interests. You can translate challenges into solutions and are also able to make these practical and applicable in real life. In addition, you are not afraid to get started quickly and achieve tangible results in a short period of time. You are also good at summarizing your findings concisely and concretely in a report or presentation and then using them to convince stakeholders.   

Working on an organization that is future-proof. You do this based on your own strengths and talents. And you do this with us. Can you contribute to this with your logical way of thinking? Sounds good! Especially if you can supplement this with:  

• A completed university degree in, for example, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Systems and Control, Quantum Science, or you have technical skills gained through work experience.  
• Prior knowledge of quantum technology, with a strong foundation in quantum computing and/or quantum sensing.
• At least 1 year of work experience in the business world; PhD experience alone is not sufficient.
• Programming skills such as Python and Qiskit. 
• Good Dutch language skills.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to learn. You are enthusiastic about new technologies and are not afraid to explore them in depth.  
• You have strong communication skills and know how to identify the wishes and obstacles of potential end users, such as mechanics. You are able to get to the heart of the matter.  
• Excellent communication skills and experience in managing teams.