The Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) seeks a Technical Professional Consultant - Strategic Partnerships and Programs (Quantum Technologies) to lead partnership development, federal and state program engagement, and strategic funding initiatives that advance New Mexico's growing quantum technology ecosystem.
This position will coordinate collaborations among UNM, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), federal agencies, industry partners, and regional innovation organizations to accelerate research, translational activities, and economic development in quantum information science and engineering (QISE). They will also provide valuable input and feedback around workforce needs across all sectors.
The consultant will maintain awareness of state and national initiatives and emerging opportunities in quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications, particularly as they relate to advanced energy systems, materials discovery, national security missions, and emerging technology programs.
Working closely with New Mexico state leadership and economic development organizations, the position will help align QNM-I activities with the New Mexico Science and Technology Roadmap to advance statewide strategies in research investment, venture funding and technology commercialization, workforce development, and innovation-driven economic growth.
The consultant will help position QNM-I and its partners to participate in major federal initiatives led by agencies such as DOE, DARPA, NSF, NIST, the Department of Commerce, and the Economic Development Administration, and will contribute to the development of large-scale multi-institution research and innovation program.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Development
- Develop and sustain strategic partnerships across the quantum technology ecosystem, including universities, national laboratories, federal agencies, industry partners, and regional innovation organizations such as Elevate Quantum.
- Coordinate collaborative initiatives among UNM, Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), Los Alamos National Labs (LANL), and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL).
- Engage with national and regional quantum initiatives and professional organizations including QED-C, Elevate Quantum, and related quantum technology alliances.
Federal and State Program Engagement
- Maintain active engagement with federal agencies supporting emerging technologies, including DOE, DARPA, NSF, NIST, EDA, and the Department of Commerce.
- Track federal initiatives and funding opportunities in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and advanced energy systems.
- Serve as a liaison between QNM-I and New Mexico state and local leadership, including agencies responsible for economic development, innovation programs, and research investments.
- Support coordination of state initiatives related to quantum technology development, technology hubs, workforce programs, and innovation infrastructure.
- Represent QNM-I in discussions with state and federal policymakers, regional stakeholders, and economic development organizations to align state investments with national research and innovation priorities.
Funding Strategy and Proposal Development
- Identify and evaluate emerging federal, state, and private funding opportunities relevant to QNM-I and its partners.
- Coordinate multi-institution proposals involving UNM, LANL, SNL, AFRL, industry partners, and regional stakeholders.
- Contribute to the planning, coordination, and writing of major collaborative funding proposals and strategic initiatives.
Ecosystem Intelligence and Strategic Analysis
- Monitor national developments in quantum technologies, advanced energy applications, and emerging technology programs.
- Conduct strategic analysis of technology, investment, and commercialization trends within the quantum technology sector.
- Provide guidance to QNM-I leadership on strategic partnerships, research opportunities, and ecosystem development.
Translational and Innovation Coordination
- Facilitate connections between research programs and technology commercialization pathways.
- Support collaboration with translational organizations including:
- Help coordinate partnerships connecting university and national laboratory research with industry and startup development.
Importance and Impact of the Role
This position plays a critical role in advancing the missionof the QNM-I and strengthening New Mexico's leadership in quantum technologies.The successful applicant will help:
- Expand federal and state funding opportunities supporting QNM-I research and innovation initiatives;
- Strengthen coordination among UNM, Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Laboratory to advance collaborative quantum technology programs;
- Accelerate translation of quantum research into commercial and national mission applications, particularly in advanced energy and aerospace/defense systems and emerging bioscience, water, and agricultural technologies for alignment with New Mexico's Science and Technology Roadmap;
- Support the growth of New Mexico's quantum innovation ecosystem and economic development across all communities, connecting research institutions, startups, industry partners, and economic development initiatives;
- Provide input and feedback on workforce development activities spanning the quantum innovation ecosystem, including helping to coordinate the needs of industry partners with the resources available across educational institutions.