Head, Programs & Strategy

The Weizmann Quantum Institute (WQI) seeks an experienced and dynamic Head, Programs & Strategy to lead the strategic development and programmatic management of the Institute’s scientific activities and partnerships.

WQI serves as the scientific home for quantum research at the Weizmann Institute of Science, spanning Quantum Computing and Information, Quantum Sensing, Quantum Materials and Many-Body Physics, Quantum Imaging and Microscopy, and Quantum Light–Matter Interactions .

Reporting to the Institute Director, the Head, Programs & Strategy will shape and implement the Institute’s programmatic roadmap, oversee key scientific initiatives, and develop international and industry partnerships. The role serves as a central bridge between WQI and the Institute’s core administrative and strategic units, including the Research Grants Office, Office of Global Partnerships, and other relevant functions.

This is a senior role requiring strong scientific background, strategic thinking, and proven project management experience in complex academic environments

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Contribute to the development and execution of WQI’s strategic roadmap.

• Translate scientific priorities into structured, scalable programs.

• Identify new initiatives, funding opportunities, and growth areas.

• Develop evaluation frameworks and performance metrics.

• Support the Institute’s growth toward long-term expansion .

Research Programs & Competitive Calls

• Design and coordinate annual Institute-level competitive calls for proposals.

• Manage peer review and steering committee processes.

• Oversee interdisciplinary funding initiatives such as the Quantum Technology Impact Call .

• Monitor funded projects at the programmatic level.

This work is carried out in close coordination with the Weizmann Research Grants Office and relevant administrative units, which handle formal grant administration and compliance.

Industry Engagement & Technology Partnerships

• Identify and develop strategic partnerships with the quantum technology industry.

• Initiate and support collaborative research projects with industry partners.

• Coordinate Quantum Industry Internships for PhD students .

• Work with technology transfer and legal offices on contracts and intellectual property considerations.

International Academic Collaborations

• Identify leading international academic partners and collaboration opportunities.

• Define areas of mutual scientific interest.

• Develop structured collaboration programs, including:

Joint research initiatives

Student exchange programs

Joint postdoctoral positions

Visiting scholar programs

Joint conferences and workshops .

• Coordinate implementation in collaboration with the Office of Global Partnerships and other relevant units.

Centers, Academic Programs & Community Building

• Coordinate activities across WQI’s thematic centers .

• Oversee Institute-level scientific programming, including seminars, workshops, annual retreat, and Summer School .

• Oversee (at a programmatic level) the Quantum Hub & Fellows Program.

• Coordinate graduate curriculum development in Quantum Science & Technology.

Operational Oversight

• Establish and maintain structured program tracking and reporting systems.

• Coordinate budgets and reporting in collaboration with Institute administrative offices.

• Provide regular activity and impact reports to Institute leadership.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Quantum Physics, Quantum Chemistry, Quantum Information Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field (required).

Candidates with an MSc may be considered only with extensive (10+ years) relevant experience in industry or scientific program management.

• Demonstrated experience managing scientific or research programs in an academic or research environment.

• Proven project management experience involving complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

• Experience coordinating competitive calls and peer review processes.

• Strong communication, organizational, and execution skills.

• Excellent written and verbal English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with academic–industry partnerships.

• Experience developing and managing international collaborations.

• Familiarity with research contracts and intellectual property frameworks.

• Experience working within or alongside academic administrative systems.

• Hebrew proficiency (advantage).