Quantum Computing Scientist
Develops algorithms and applications for quantum computers. Researches quantum information theory, designs quantum circuits and explores applications in cryptography, optimisation, drug discovery and simulation that leverage quantum mechanical phenomena. Works with frameworks like Qiskit, Cirq and Q# to program quantum hardware accessible via cloud platforms.
- AI exposure
- 41 of 100, moderate exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 25%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- Yes
- Freelance potential
- Medium
- Time to senior
- 10 years
- Adaptation level
- Moderate
A day in the role
Designs a quantum optimisation algorithm for logistics, tests it on IBM Quantum simulator, analyses error rates, and writes a paper on quantum advantage for combinatorial problems.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 150,000-250,000
- Mid
- KES 300,000-550,000
- Senior
- KES 600,000-1,200,000
Exposure
How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.
Where this rating sits
1,516 rated careersRated above 48% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside science the mean is 45, across 71 careers.
What the rating is made of
Share of recorded tasks- Machine does it
- 10%Software can already complete this work end to end.
- Machine assists
- 35%A person still decides, but the drafting is done for them.
- Person does it
- 55%Judgement, relationships and accountability that do not transfer.
Named task by task
Already automated
- Simulating quantum circuit behaviour on classical computers
- Optimising quantum error correction codes
- Generating quantum algorithm variants and circuit designs
- Automating benchmark testing and quantum state tomography
Still human
- Designing novel quantum algorithms for specific applications (cryptography, optimisation, simulation)
- Interpreting quantum measurement results and error rates
- Collaborating with physicists, engineers and domain scientists
- Writing research publications and grant proposals
- Developing quantum applications for industry (pharma, finance, logistics)
- Programming quantum computers using Qiskit, Cirq and Q# via cloud access
- Designing quantum error correction strategies
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Diploma in Dairy TechnologyKsh 64,120a year
- Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical ChemistryKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Applied BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Food Science and TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Petroleum and GeoscienceKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Science Laboratory TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
How people get in
Physics or CS degree + quantum
4-6 yearsHigh cost
BSc Physics/CS from UoN, JKUAT or Strathmore, plus quantum computing courses
Quantum computing postgrad
2-4 yearsHigh cost
MSc or PhD with quantum computing focus
Who hires
- IBM Research Africa
- University of Nairobi
- Strathmore University
- JKUAT
- Google Africa
Common misconceptions
Quantum computing will replace classical computers
Quantum computers excel at specific problems (cryptography, optimisation, simulation) but wont replace classical computing for most tasks.
Its just theoretical
IBM, Google and others have working quantum computers accessible via cloud — you can run quantum circuits today.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Supply and demand
- Demand
- 25
- Supply pressure
- 3
- Balance
- High demand — 3:1 job to talent ratio, 250k workforce needed by 2030
What to learn
- Quantum programming (Qiskit, Cirq, Q#)
- Quantum algorithm design (VQE, QAOA, Shors, Grovers)
- Quantum error correction
- Quantum machine learning
- Cloud quantum computing platforms
Related careers
Kenyan market notes
IBM Research Africa in Nairobi has a quantum computing programme. Global quantum workforce ~30,000, far below projected need of 250,000 by 2030. 67% of employers report difficulty recruiting qualified talent; 92% cite domestic shortages. 3:1 job-to-talent ratio. Quantum algorithm expertise is the scarcest skill. Very niche in Kenya but growing. Kenyan universities beginning to offer quantum computing courses. 200+ new quantum education initiatives emerged globally in 2024. Long-term potential as quantum technology matures and companies shift from research to deployment.
Further reading
This role is rated 41 out of 100 today. Save it and the app keeps that number, then tells you by how much it has moved when the record is next reviewed.