XPRIZE Quantum Applications Technical Prize Consultant

Remote
Contracted
Manager/Supervisor

XPRIZE Overview 

XPRIZE is an established global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. As a 501(c)3, our unique model democratizes innovation by incentivizing crowd-sourced, scientifically viable solutions to create a more equitable and abundant future for all.  Since our founding in 1994, we’ve launched $519 million in prize competitions that are driving more than $31 billion in social and economic impact — a 60x return on philanthropic investment. These competitions not only de-risk early-stage breakthrough ideas but also mobilize capital, talent, and momentum to accelerate solutions from concept to real-world scale.

We operate across 5 areas of impact, including: 

  • Deep Tech + Exploration
  • Energy + Climate + Nature
  • Food + Water + Waste
  • Health
  • Learning + Society

Join XPRIZE to help create meaningful impact as we strive to empower humanity to achieve breakthroughs and architect a more equitable and abundant future for all.


Position Description

The XPRIZE Foundation is seeking a Technical Prize Director Consultant to lead our XPRIZE Quantum Applications (QA) competition, in collaboration with our Deep Tech and Exploration Domain lead (https://www.xprize.org/focus-areas/deep-tech-exploration). The QA Prize is a three-year, $5M (USD) competition designed to drive the development of quantum algorithms towards quantum advantage for applications realizing a positive real-world impact. Sponsored by our partners at Google and GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator) this prize aims to gather interdisciplinary competitive teams from around the world to push the state of the art in quantum algorithm development for the good of the planet and humanity. To learn more about this ambitious prize go to https://www.xprize.org/qc-apps 

The QA Prize is beginning Year 2 of its two-year execution. Under this position, this Prize will execute Phase 2, release final winners, and perform an orderly closeout. 

The Technical Prize Director Consultant, reporting to the Deep Tech + Exploration domain lead, is a quantum algorithms subject matter expert responsible for overall operations and management of the Prize competition, including coordination of operations, team relations, marketing, contract negotiations, and budget. 

This individual will be able to clearly explain the subject matter to non-technical team members, executives, and clients. An expert-level knowledge of quantum applications, and theory, is critical to credible engagement with technically-savvy world experts and prize sponsors.   


Responsibilities

  • Execute the prize vision, following all strategies and meeting stated objectives.
  • Ensure timely response to changing needs, requirements, issues, and direction, keeping all constituents informed in a timely manner.
  • Oversee budget and authorization of expenditures within budgetary limits. Develop and implement cost control measures and processes.
  • Lead development of measurement, validation & verification criteria and manage the overall defined judging strategy.
  • Refine overall judging criteria and manage the prize judging process, assisting the judging panel members as required. 
  • Partner with XPRIZE internal stakeholders to secure, retain and effectively manage needed personnel, materials, and resources.
  • Identify experts and other consultants and advisors to support the prize on a temporary and/or contract basis.
  • Monitor and report on Prize competition to constituents including XPRIZE leadership, advisory boards, sponsors, and partners, ensuring requirements are met.
  • Organize, host, and participate in conferences and events around the world as needed to promote the competition, as well as for judging and awarding of semi-final and finalist prizes.
  • Ensure the competition is conducted in line with XPRIZE foundation rules and processes and also in accordance with specific Prize competition guidelines.
  • Act as public face of the Prize through interviews, appearance at industry conferences, speaking engagements, blogging, and other public outreach activities.
  • Collaborate and communicate across departments; facilitate intra-team communications and meetings.
  • Develop high-quality project plans which lay a path to reliable success.


Qualifications

  • Subject Matter Expert with proven expertise across one or more of the following areas:  quantum algorithm development, quantum algorithm performance assessment, quantum error correction, classical algorithm performance and comparison to quantum equivalencies.
  • PhD required in an area relevant to quantum algorithms or quantum theory, that may include any of physics, computer science or mathematics.   
  • At least 5 years postdoctoral experience in academic, research or industry setting. 
  • Excellent and demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Record of delivering high-quality, and innovative technology-based projects.
  • Ability to thrive and think creatively and calmly in fluid situations under short timelines.
  • Experience in public speaking with ability to translate complex topics to diverse audiences.
  • Belief that a small group of motivated individuals can truly change the world for the better.
 

This position is being offered as a twelve-month consulting assignment, with the potential for transition to regular full-time employment upon successful completion of the initial term and contingent upon organizational needs. During the consulting term, the compensation will be up to $14,666.67/month and the individual will not be eligible to participate in XPRIZE’s employee benefits program or receive paid time off for vacation, sick leave, or holidays. Should the consulting assignment transition into a regular full-time position, eligibility for benefits—including comprehensive health coverage and paid time off—will begin in accordance with XPRIZE’s standard employment policies.

The actual compensation offered will depend on a variety of factors, including the individual’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, and any certifications or licenses held. XPRIZE operates as a remote-first organization.

The XPRIZE Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all employment practices. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all qualified individuals. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should notify a representative of the organization.

Please note: Though submitting a resume to the XPRIZE FOUNDATION implies that you are interested in a position(s), it does not imply that you are an applicant. You are not considered an applicant until you have been contacted directly by a Talent Acquisitions representative requesting that you begin the designated application process, which may involve phone and/or in-person interview(s), job-related testing, and background checks.

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