Senior Strategy and Policy Advisor- Brussels

Join us and shape the quantum devices of tomorrow!

In this role, you will play a central strategic advisory role, working closely with the QIA Director and senior decision-makers to shape and advance QIA’s long-term vision for the quantum internet in Europe.

Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA)’s mission is to build a global Quantum Internet by developing a full stack prototype quantum internet network that validates all key subsystems. As a pioneering community dedicated to advancing a groundbreaking technology, QIA combines world-class research with ecosystem building and policy engagement to position Europe at the forefront of quantum networking. QIA’s ambition extends beyond scientific leadership. The aim is to build an innovative European Quantum Internet ecosystem, capable of scaling all sub-systems to achieve world-leading European technology. In this regard QIA has launched the world’s first global quantum internet technology forum (QIATF) and is expanding its ecosystem further.

The role sits at the intersection of quantum R&D, European industrial and digital policy, economic security, and ecosystem development, with a clear mandate to translate Europe’s technological leadership into economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty, and global influence. As the Advisor, you will support the delivery of a “Global Quantum Internet Made in Europe” by aligning QIA’s Quantum Internet Initiative (QI²) with broader EU strategic frameworks such as the Digital Decade, industrial policy, open strategic autonomy, and relevant defence and security dimensions, while leading high-level policy engagement, anticipating future funding and programme developments, and positioning QIA as a recognised strategic actor with external visibility within the evolving European and global quantum ecosystem. In this role, you will work with a high degree of autonomy and influence, in close proximity to the QIA Director, senior governance structures, and external decision-makers, shaping European quantum internet strategy at senior political, institutional, and ecosystem levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic advisor to the QIA Director, providing policy analysis and strategic advice on QI² positioning, priorities, and long-term direction.
• Support and shape high-level engagement with political, institutional, and funding stakeholders at national, European, and international levels, including EU institutions, Member States, and international partners.
• Prepare executive-level strategic plans, policy papers, and briefing materials to inform internal decision-making and support senior-level external engagement.
• Position QIA/QI² within the broader European policy landscape, advising on policies that support European quantum internet leadership across the value chain, with particular focus on software, platforms, open infrastructures, and standardisation.
• Contribute to ecosystem and industry engagement strategies, including interaction with industry players, scale-ups, infrastructure providers, and standardisation bodies, to help translate R&D leadership into market uptake and economic impact.
• Monitor, analyse, and anticipate EU and national funding and programme developments (e.g. Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, defence-related instruments, future FP10), and support proactive positioning and influence for future calls and initiatives, beyond the management of current programmes.
• Work closely with innovation and technical teams to strategically translate between technology developments and policy priorities, ensuring coherence between research, ecosystem building, and policy positioning, without responsibility for technical oversight.
• Act as a key liaison between QIA/QI² and the wider policy and governance ecosystem, preparing briefings and follow-up actions for senior-level meetings.

Job requirements

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Management, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of experience in senior strategic policy advisory, programme coordination, or strategic project management roles within research, innovation, or policy-driven environments, with a strong preference for candidates who have direct experience at the European Commission or significant experience working closely with EU institutions and programmes.
• Proven experience with EU and/or national public funding instruments and programmes, including Horizon Europe and related initiatives; experience with EU-funded projects is a requirement.
• Strong understanding of European policy-making processes, institutional dynamics, and governance frameworks, with the ability to operate credibly at senior political and institutional levels.
• Experience working in large-scale, multi-actor, multidisciplinary R&D or innovation initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and with discretion, managing sensitive information and providing trusted advice at senior level.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, networking, and relationship-building skills, including interaction with political, governmental, or funding institutions.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to connect technology, policy, industry, and innovation perspectives.
• Sufficient technical understanding of deep-tech and digital infrastructure domains (e.g. quantum technologies, advanced communications) to engage credibly with technical leaders, while maintaining a primary focus on strategic translation between technology and policy rather than technical execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Dutch is a strong plus.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

QuTech

QuTech is a mission-driven research institute of TU Delft. Together we are working on a radical new technology with world-changing potential. We are developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a secure quantum internet.

We believe quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors - including health, agriculture, climate, and security. To achieve our ambitious goals, we bring scientists, engineers, and industry together in an inspiring environment, with plenty of room for ambition, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year temporarily with a possibility for extension.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.