Quantum Policy Advisers - Security and Investment

DSIT

At DSIT were all about improving peoples lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Governments 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving peoples lives. Whether its researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Our Inclusive Environment

We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

Find Out More

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://forms.office.com/e/Jae3B4w7xm

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Quantum technologies are set to transform how we solve some of societys biggest challenges - from securing communications and accelerating drug discovery to revolutionising navigation and sensing. As one of six priority frontier technologies in the UKs Industrial Strategy, quantum is central to the governments ambition to drive national renewal through innovation, economic resilience, and global scientific leadership. The Office for Quantum sets the overall strategy, drives the policy outcomes, and oversees the collaborative delivery of our landmark National Quantum Technologies Programme, in close partnership with other government departments, delivery bodies, and industry.

This these are high-impact roles ideal for someone who thrives on complexity, collaboration, and shaping national priorities. Youll work on policy issues at the intersection of technology, investment, sovereignty, and security, helping the team to navigate the key choices and trade-offs that shape the future of the UK and global quantum ecosystem.

We are looking for 2 Policy Advisors to support the teams work across national and economic security issues, at a time when technology and geopolitics are increasingly interrelated and policy issues increasingly high profile. We are looking for candidates able to tackle complex policy questions, from inward investment decisions to supply chain assessments, drawing upon technical information, quantitative analysis, and expertise from the strong relationships they have been able to build across Government and the wider sector. We are looking for candidates who are confident communicators and project leaders, able to manage their time across multiple priorities, work with seniors to manage smooth decision-making, deliver concise written and verbal briefing, and work effectively across organisational boundaries.

The Investment Security Policy Advisor will work with the Business and Investment Lead in the Domestic & Growth team to ensure the Office for Quantum takes a strategic approach to the way Government supports the growth of quantum companies, in line with UK HMGs Modern Industrial Strategy and secure growth agenda. In this role, you will be the lead on investment security policy. This means you will be responsible for building out the teams evidence base and working collaboratively with other DSIT teams (e.g. Trusted Capital, Economic Security) and Government Departments (e.g. CO, HMT) to develop long-term, strategic policy positions on inward investment, from regions such as the Gulf. This will be a strategic, cross-cutting role high-profile with opportunities to shape HMGs wider approach and the future of the ecosystem in an ever-changing and increasingly geopolitical landscape. To be successful in this role, you will be proactive and confident designing projects and programmes to support big picture objectives.

You will also lead on reactive NSI Act Casework to put this big picture understanding into practice on discrete cases. This will involve drawing upon expert views of the technology and the sector and Governments understanding of risks to make robust assessments of live cases, and managing an effective decision-making process through senior leaders in order to provide timely recommendations to ISU. You will also have the opportunity to support the Business and Investment Lead on broader priorities, including managing the wider investment and company support pipeline, working with Public Finance Institutions to align investment strategies, and delivering an analytical project to quantitatively assess companies strategic value.

The National Security Policy Advisor will work with the National Security Lead in the International & Security team in the Office for Quantum to ensure the UK takes a pro-innovation and security conscious approach to quantum technologies, in line with the National Quantum Strategy and wider UK national security and growth objectives. In this role you will lead policy development on supply chain risks, working across DSIT and wider government to assess vulnerabilities and support the development of proportionate mitigation approaches. You will contribute to the development and application of the Own-Collaborate-Access framework, shaping how the UK identifies and manages strategic risk and advantage across the quantum landscape.

You will also be responsible for quantum standards and regulatory architecture. This includes building and maintaining a robust evidence base on regulatory and standards gaps, working with DSIT teams, delivery partners and cross government stakeholders to ensure UK priorities are reflected in emerging global norms and technical standards, and overseeing delivery of the UK Quantum Standards Network, a DSIT grant funded programme led by the National Physical Laboratory. In addition, you will be responsible for the Quantum Regulators Forum, acting as secretariat and driving its development as the primary mechanism for building awareness of quantum across UK regulators and shaping a pro innovation regulatory environment. Alongside these core responsibilities, you will support the National Security Lead on broader priorities to ensure the UK maintains strategic advantage in quantum technologies.

Success in these roles requires you to take initiative and work well independently to deliver complex projects, as well as be a team member and form strong relationships across other Government departments, policy owners, and external stakeholders.

These are excellent opportunities for individuals looking to develop and strengthen their skills at SEO grade. These roles do not require a specific background or expertise in quantum. We welcome applications from individuals of all personal and professional backgrounds to play a key part in our team.

Key Responsibilities