Alice & Bob

Director Public Affairs & Quantum Policy F/H

Paris, France

TLDR

Lead public funding strategy and execution while building relationships with key institutional stakeholders to support cutting-edge quantum computing initiatives.

Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems. The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit 🐈‍⬛. In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously! We're a diverse team of 200+ brilliant minds from over 30 countries united by a single goal: to revolutionise computing with a practical fault-tolerant quantum machine. Are you ready to take on unprecedented challenges and contribute to revolutionising technology? Join us, and let's shape the future of quantum computing together! Main Responsabilities

Scope

Primary focus: Europe
Secondary focus: APAC and MEA (exploratory and expansion phase)
Engagement with key quantum ecosystem organizations, including the Quantum Industry Consortium, Quantum Business Network, and other regional and global initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead Public Funding Strategy & Execution

Identify, assess, and prioritize relevant public funding programs and state support mechanisms across Europe, APAC, and MEA.
Structure and position funding opportunities in alignment with Alice & Bob’s technology, industrial, and go-to-market roadmap.
Influence funding frameworks and calls for proposals upstream to better reflect the company’s strategic technology priorities.
Coordinate internal stakeholders in the preparation, negotiation, and submission of funding applications.

2. Serve as the Company’s Institutional Interface

Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with public institutions, government agencies, policymakers, and key institutional stakeholders.
Represent Alice & Bob in institutional forums related to quantum technologies, HPC, and strategic technologies, including structured ecosystems such as the Quantum Industry Consortium and the Quantum Business Network.
Actively contribute to shaping public narratives and policy agendas that support Alice & Bob’s positioning and strategic interests.
Enhance the company’s visibility, credibility, and influence within sovereign and public ecosystems.

3. Oversee Publicly Funded Programs & Governance

Manage contractualization, compliance, and reporting obligations for publicly funded projects.
Lead negotiations with public authorities and funding bodies, in close collaboration with the legal team and external counsels, to secure optimal terms and conditions.
Ensure effective governance with institutional and academic partners.
Monitor project milestones, contractual obligations, and associated risks.

4. Provide Public Affairs & Institutional Intelligence

Monitor, analyze, and anticipate public policy developments, regulatory trends, and funding priorities across Europe, while providing forward-looking insights on APAC and MEA.
Assess and help shape policy directions in alignment with Alice & Bob’s strategic priorities, including FTQC and integrated quantum systems.
Advise Executive Management and the ComEx on institutional opportunities, risks, and positioning strategies.
Develop actionable recommendations to support strategic decision-making and long-term public affairs engagement.
Contribute to strategic ecosystem-building initiatives, including partnerships with public-sector stakeholders.

SKILLSET

Hard skills

Public funding mechanisms, grant structuring, and strategic positioning of funding opportunities

Institutional relations, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement across European ecosystems

Negotiation of public funding agreements, partnerships, and institutional frameworks

Policy influence and advocacy, with demonstrated ability to shape regulatory and funding priorities in line with company strategy

Contractual, legal, and governance frameworks for publicly funded programs

Cross-functional project coordination in complex, multi-stakeholder environments

Executive-level briefing, synthesis, and strategic communication

Soft skills

Strong stakeholder management and diplomacy

Ability to develop, leverage and maintain a robust professional network

Structured, rigorous, and reliable execution

Ability to operate in complex institutional environments

Clear communication with executive audiences

High sense of responsibility and discretion

DESIRED PROFILE

EDUCATION

Master’s degree or higher (Public Policy, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Political Science, or related fields)

LANGUAGES

English: Fluent (mandatory)

French: Fluent (mandatory)

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 10 years of experience in:

Public affairs, institutional relations, or public funding

Deep-tech (ideally in Quantum), industrial (quantum, semiconductors), or regulated environments

Interaction with public authorities or funding agencies

Benefits:

- Our success is your success: own it with our BSPCE plan

- Direct IP Compensation: Earn substantial bonuses for driving the core patents that define our quantum architecture.

- Flexible remote policy, up to 40 % a month

- A Parental plan including additional benefits such as crèche support or additional days-off to take care of under 12 years old children

- Subsidized membership with Urban Sports Club

- Mental health support with moka.care

- 25-day vacation policy (as per French law) + RTT

- Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law), or yearly allowance for the die-hard bicycle users

- Competitive health coverage, with Alan.

- Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen

- French language courses covered by the company for those interested

Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec.

You will join of one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer!

We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas, and have the space to grow.

Benefits

Education Stipend

French language courses covered by the company for those interested

Equity Compensation

Our success is your success: own it with our BSPCE plan

Flexible Work Hours

Flexible remote policy, up to 40 % a month

Free Meals & Snacks

Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen

Health Insurance

Competitive health coverage, with Alan.

Transportation cost coverage

Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law), or yearly allowance for the die-hard bicycle users

Paid Parental Leave

A Parental plan including additional benefits such as crèche support or additional days-off to take care of under 12 years old children

Paid Time Off

25-day vacation policy (as per French law) + RTT

Wellness Stipend

Mental health support with moka.care