Program Director, Quantum Safe Technologies and Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Programs

Tenure:

Continuing

Language Requirements: Bilingual Non-imperative CBC/CBC

Work arrangements:

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.
  
  At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Defence Industrial Strategy

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, accelerating research and innovation, and helping Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation, quantum science, medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing, the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRC’s contributions to defence priorities.

The role

We are looking for a Program Director for the Quantum Safe Technologies (QST) and Applied Quantum Computing (AQC) Challenge Programs. The Program Director would be an individual who shares our core values of integrity, excellence, respect and creativity.

The NRC’s QST Program has launched in April 2026 and focuses on emerging cybersecurity threats linked to quantum computing. We will develop quantum-safe applications to strengthen the security of Canada’s critical sectors, including defence, health and transportation.

The NRC’s AQC program works closely with world-class academic and industry research partners across Canada to contribute to high-impact leading-edge research that is advancing the rapidly-moving field of quantum computer algorithms and software. The AQC program has recently completed its mid-term review. This role will leverage AQC’s current progress and scale up NRC’s contributions in the space of quantum algorithms to advance scientific discovery, delivering benefits to Canadians and contributing to Canada’s leadership in the quantum software sector. Furthermore, the director will work to advance the commercialization potential, exploring dual-use applications, building new partnerships and paving the pathway to future quantum computing initiatives.

NRC’s Challenge Programs leverage NRC’s well-established assets (facilities, expertise, and networks) to serve as the anchor for convening strategic, highly dynamic teams to address public challenges, government priorities and to stimulate business innovation. They bring together the best minds from academia, industry and government to deliver breakthroughs across the innovation continuum that matter to Canadians.

You will be part of NRC’s Digital Technologies Research Center, reporting to the Director General but will be expected to work collaboratively with multiple research centres, IRAP and business units across NRC. For these Challenge programs, the NRC will collaborate with partners from the private and public sectors, academia and other research organizations (both domestic and international). Under your leadership, the programs will bring together industry expertise, researchers and technical staff from across Canada’s AI ecosystem and NRC’s research centres to deliver on the program’s mandate.

The Role, Continued

As Program Director, you will work with the NRC’s National Program Office (NPO), which is responsible for the day-to-day administration and oversight of Challenge Programs. In particular, you will collaborate with an NPO Innovation Investment Advisor who plays an impartial advisory role or ‘challenge function’ in the strategic oversight and delivery of Challenge Programs. You will also be provided with access to funding administered through the NRC’s National Program Office (NPO) to defray the costs of eligible external collaborators participating in the Challenge Programs.

To successfully direct the Programs, you will have experience leading collaborative applied R&D projects and managing financial and human resources. You will have experience with stakeholder engagement and business development and be able to demonstrate and draw upon your significant knowledge and proven track record in leading successful and impactful research and development in the areas of quantum-safe technologies and quantum computing. You will have expertise in a wide array of disciplines including cryptography, cybersecurity quantum computing and algorithms. You will be able to communicate and leverage your significant knowledge of the cybersecurity and quantum industry in Canada and internationally.

This is a unique opportunity to play a leadership role in advancing multiple forms of research, to help advance quantum-safe technologies and applications of quantum computing.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

A PhD in computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or in a field relevant to the position.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

Program management

• Experience developing strategic program plans and associated metrics for innovation.
• Significant and recent administrative, financial, and human resource management experience.
• Recent experience in leading, planning, monitoring and aligning studies, projects or strategic initiatives within a fast-paced and complex environment.
• Experience supervising and developing staff in multidisciplinary teams, ideally in a matrix environment of projects and programs.

Cryptography, Cybersecurity or Quantum Computing

• In-depth experience working in the Canadian and international context around program-specific cryptographic, cybersecurity, or quantum computing technologies: industries, forums, trends, issues, and the engagement needed to keep this knowledge current.
• Proven experience in establishing and managing partnerships, particularly with the cryptography, cybersecurity, or quantum computing communities including defining contributions, terms of engagement, reporting structures, and intellectual property ownership.
• Significant research and development experience in quantum-safe technologies or quantum computing.

Communications

• Significant and recent experience in providing strategic advice to senior level executives in the public or private sectors.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering impactful technical and programmatic presentations to various audiences.

Business Experience

• Significant business experience within relevant scientific and technological domains gained through industry, government, or partnership experience.
• Business experience in one or more of the targeted industry sectors— quantum safe technologies or quantum computing---would be an asset.
  
  

Significant experience is defined as the depth and breadth of the experience normally associated with the performance of the duties for a period of approximately three (3) years. Recent experience is defined as having performed the duties within the last five (5) years.

Condition of employment

Secret clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Language requirements

Bilingual Non-imperative CBC/CBC

Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of the NRC’s mandate, programs and the unique requirements of an innovation program.
• Extensive knowledge of R&D management and strategic planning in a complex, interdisciplinary, and multi-partner environment.
• Extensive knowledge of techniques for developing quantum safe technologies, including an understanding of global trends.
• Extensive knowledge in at least one of the following fields: quantum applications and software that enable the efficient simulation of complex physical systems, enabling technology such as tools and techniques that enhance the performance or scalability of quantum computing platforms, or foundational research into new quantum computing models and physical architecture.
• Knowledge of key players, industry dynamics, and business models for commercializing quantum-safe and quantum algorithms in critical sectors, both nationally and internationally.
• Knowledge of policies and practices related to contract management, financial management, human resources, and procurement management.
• Capability to autonomously evaluate, manage, and assume risks for large scale applied R&D projects.

Behavioural competencies

• Inspirational Leadership (Level 3)
• Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3)
• Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 4)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 3)
• Financial Management (Level 3)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 3)
• Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 3)
• Self-awareness (Level 4)
• Action management (Level 4)
• People Management (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Competencies (MG)

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $153,444 to $184,059 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.