Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Quantum Computing Researcher
Emerging field — quantum technology
What this life looks like
You work at the absolute frontier of computing. Quantum Computing Researchers develop the theory and applications of quantum computers — machines that harness quantum mechanical phenomena to solve problems that are impossible for classical computers. It is one of the most challenging and consequential research fields of the 21st century.
What she actually does
You develop quantum algorithms that solve specific problems more efficiently than classical algorithms, design quantum circuits and test them on quantum hardware, investigate quantum error correction, research quantum hardware approaches, and explore applications in cryptography, drug discovery, optimisation, and artificial intelligence.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| African Quantum Institute | Based in South Africa, building African quantum research capacity |
| AIMS Research Centres | African Institute for Mathematical Sciences across five African countries |
| Global Tech Quantum Teams | IBM Quantum, Google Quantum AI, Microsoft Quantum — hiring globally including Africans |
| Research Universities | Physics departments with quantum groups at UCT, Wits, and partnering with global institutions |
Why it matters in Africa
Quantum computing is still an emerging field globally, which means Africa has a realistic opportunity to develop world-class capacity from the ground up rather than trying to catch up with decades of existing infrastructure. The African Quantum Institute and AIMS are building African quantum research capacity. African researchers who enter this field now will shape its development.
Your pathway in
- Excel in Physics and Mathematics — quantum mechanics requires deep mathematical foundations
- Study Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science at university
- Develop quantum computing knowledge through IBM Quantum (free access), Qiskit, and MIT OpenCourseWare
- Pursue postgraduate research in quantum computing or quantum information theory
- Engage with global quantum research communities — this field is accessible online through open source tools
Skills you will need
- Quantum mechanics and linear algebra
- Quantum circuit design (Qiskit, Cirq)
- Classical computing and programming
- Mathematical proof writing
- Research skills and scientific writing
- Interdisciplinary thinking
A woman in this field
Dr. Yaseera Ismail
South Africa
Dr. Ismail is an experimental physicist and a senior leader in quantum technology research. She is currently a Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University and leads the QuPhoton Lab. She is a pioneer in building the actual hardware and infrastructure needed for a "Quantum Internet" in Africa. She specializes in Quantum Communication and Quantum Information Science, specifically focusing on "free-space" quantum key distribution (QKD). This involves using light particles (photons) to send unhackable messages through the atmosphere or via satellites.
Take your first step
- Study Physics and Mathematics at school — quantum computing is built on these foundations
- Create a free account on IBM Quantum Experience at quantum.ibm.com and run your first quantum circuit
- Complete the free Qiskit learning resources at learning.quantum.ibm.com
- Follow the African Quantum Institute at africanquantuminstitute.org to understand how Africa is building capacity