(Senior) Policy Advisor - EU (min. 0,8 FTE)

(Senior) Policy Advisor EU - Quantum Technology (min. 0,8 FTE)

📍 Location: Delft, The Netherlands and hybrid

👥 Reports to: Head of Strategy

🔗 Role type: Employed (min. 0,8 FTE)

🚀 Create strategies for cutting-edge quantum technology with real-world impact

QDNL is the national quantum technology programme of the Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating research, innovation, and the commercialisation of quantum technology. As a privately operated foundation backed by over €600 million in public investment, QDNL strengthens the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in the field.

To support this mission, we are looking for a (Senior) Policy Advisor with a strong EU focus who will drive our international strategy and develop impactful collaborations at a national, European, and global level.

You will strengthen QDNL’s position in European policy and programmes, connect Dutch ecosystem priorities to European opportunities, and help shape collaborations that contribute to a competitive, resilient and responsible European quantum ecosystem.

🔎 Your Role

As a (Senior) Policy Advisor – EU affairs, you will join our Strategy & Policy team and support the Head of Strategy. You will monitor and analyse European policy, legislative and funding developments relevant to quantum technology and translate them into clear advice, strategic positions and concrete opportunities. This includes connecting QDNL programmes and Dutch quantum organisations to relevant European initiatives, research and innovation programmes, calls, consortia and policy processes.

You will operate at the intersection of European policy, science and industry, working with the European Commission, Dutch government partners, EU institutions, Member States, knowledge institutions, companies, startups and QDNL’s ecosystem partners. Important policy topics that will be part of your work package are the European Quantum Act and quantum focused calls within the Horizon Europe framework.

You will help determine where and when QDNL should engage, which Dutch priorities should be advanced at European level, and which partnerships are needed. You will contribute to EU position papers and consultations, support the development of European propositions and consortia, and prepare senior-level engagements. You will also help align national and European activities and maintain strong links with Dutch and European stakeholders.

Periodic presence at the QDNL hubs in Delft, Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Enschede and Leiden, as well as travel within Europe, is part of the role. Your strong analytical skills enable you to quickly get to the essence of complex developments and translate them into actionable advice and coordinated follow-up.

As part of a developing Strategy & Policy team, there is a possibility to shape the role around your strengths and expertise. This position offers the chance to make a lasting impact on the quantum ecosystem we are building today.

🎯 Key Responsibilities

• EU policy analysis and positioning: Monitor, analyse and interpret European policy, legislative and geopolitical developments relevant to quantum technology. Translate these into QDNL positions, recommendations and engagement priorities.

• European programmes and opportunities: Track relevant EU programmes, work programmes, calls and initiatives, and identify opportunities for QDNL and Dutch ecosystem partners. Support timely participation and alignment with national priorities.

• Consortium and proposition development: Bring together the right Dutch and European partners around promising opportunities. Support the development of propositions, consortia and, where relevant, proposals for European calls.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strategic relationships with our stakeholders (e.g. European Commission, EU institutions, government partners, European quantum organisations), and represent QDNL in relevant working groups, networks and events.

• Internal and ecosystem coordination: Work with QDNL colleagues, programme and project leads, hubs, knowledge institutions and industry partners to connect their priorities and activities to European developments and opportunities.

• Impact & Risk Assessments: Assess the implications of EU legislation, funding conditions and global dynamics to protect quantum‑related knowledge assets and ensure alignment with QDNL’s strategic objectives.

• Advice & Report: Prepare high‑level meetings, gather and structure relevant information, and translate insights into concise advice for senior management and external decision‑makers.

🎓 Required Qualifications & Skills

For this role, we welcome applicants from diverse background and we are looking for candidates who are currently based in the Netherlands and can preferably start at short notice, and who bring a strong combination of the following qualifications and skills. You do not need to meet every requirement listed, but candidates who match the majority of them are warmly encourages to apply:

• A master, MBA or PhD degree, preferably towards European studies, international relations, economics, politics, law, finance or a relevant technology field;

• For the policy advisor level, at least 3-5 years of relevant experience; for the senior level, typically more than 5 years of experience in European policy, EU programmes or funding instruments.

• Demonstrable knowledge of EU institutions, decision-making processes and policy development, preferably related to research, innovation, digital, industrial or deep-tech policy;

• Experience with European programmes, calls or technology consortia, and the ability to translate programme developments into concrete opportunities for organisations and partnerships;

• A good understanding of the interplay between government, science and industry, with the political sensitivity to operate effectively across these domains;

• Well developed analytical abilities and a structured, organised way of working, with the ability to process substantial amounts of information and identify key insights and next steps;

• An enterprising, proactive and collaborative working style. You can work independently, think ahead, and can bring multiple stakeholders into alignment and action;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Fluency in Dutch is strongly preferred; proficiency in French and/or German is an advantage;

• Knowledge of quantum technology or an adjacent deep-tech field is appreciated but not required.

💡 What we offer

• A key role in shaping the European playing field for the next generation of quantum technology;

• The opportunity to connect Dutch strengths to European policy, programmes and partnerships;

• A collaborative, mission-driven and informal work environment

• Hybrid way of working is possible

• A competitive compensation package.

📩 Apply Now!

Apply through LinkedIn and upload your CV. For questions, feel free to reach out to Jordi Spijker, Recruiter – [email protected]

🔎 Selection Process

The screening of CVs and motivation letters will take place on a rolling basis. Motivational letters are not required to apply but are very welcome and may be requested in further stages of the selection process.