Ready to shape the quantum future? Lead QuTech and drive breakthroughs with global impact.
Our mission
At QuTech, we conduct world-class research and develop scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a quantum internet, embedded in a vibrant and fast-growing quantum technology ecosystem. We act as a key enabler of this ecosystem.
We believe quantum technology will be a game changer across many technological, societal and economic domains, including health, climate, agriculture and security. To realise this potential, QuTech brings together scientists, engineers and industry partners in an ambitious, entrepreneurial and highly collaborative environment.
Our activities are organised in three divisions - Quantum Computing, Quantum Internet and Qubit Research - supported by strong technical and professional teams. With around 300 staff members from fifty nationalities, QuTech offers a dynamic and international working environment for top talent.
Strategic ambitions
QuTech is an internationally leading academic institute that combines groundbreaking research and cutting-edge engineering with a strong focus on innovation, societal impact and the development of the Dutch quantum technology ecosystem. It plays a key role at the European level through strategic collaborations, leading consortia and competitive funding initiatives, while education and talent development remain central through its involvement in academic programmes and the QuTech Academy. For the full strategic ambitions of QuTech, please contact Lumen Executive Search - for contact data see below the additional information.
Job description
As General Director, you hold overall responsibility for QuTech’s operations, research direction, business development and internal and external collaboration. You bring coherence to these domains and translate strategy into sustainable impact.
The General Director plays a pivotal role in steering QuTech’s strategic course, forging impactful partnerships and strengthening its position on the global scientific stage.
You articulate a clear vision for QuTech’s future and guide the institute through its next phase of development. With an inclusive and transparent leadership style, you inspire and empower staff, foster collaboration and ensure a socially safe and stimulating working environment.
As QuTech’s key ambassador, you build and strengthen relationships across academia, industry, government and the wider ecosystem. By reinforcing professional, technical and administrative support, you enable researchers and engineers to achieve maximum international impact.
You work with a strong management team, including the Institute Secretary, the Business Development Lead and the leaders of the three divisions. You may also be supported by a QuTech Chief Scientist, who advises on research strategy and integrity and may act as a scientific representative externally.
As General Director you report to the Executive Board of TU Delft.
Responsibilities
As General Director you are responsible for:
- Developing and implementing QuTech’s research and engineering strategy, safeguarding excellence and international competitiveness, in close collaboration with the divisional leadership teams.
- Driving QuTech’s business development, including strategic partnerships in academia and industry, technology commercialization, and active contribution to the Delft quantum ecosystem, supported by the Business Development Lead.
- Overseeing QuTech’s operations—finance, HR, technical infrastructure and housing—ensuring an effective, inclusive and socially safe organisation, supported by the Institute Secretary.
- Representing QuTech at the level of the TU Delft Executive Board and coordinating with faculty deans on strategy, academic staffing, education and shared intellectual property.
- Aligning with the University Corporate Office to ensure that central services optimally support QuTech’s strategic ambitions.
Job requirements
You bring:
- An academic background with a PhD in the exact sciences or engineering.
- Affinity with and basic understanding of quantum technology.
- Senior leadership experience in a complex, international research organisation.
- Deep understanding of the academic research landscape, governance and policy processes.
- A strong entrepreneurial mindset with proven experience in innovation, commercialization and ecosystem building.
- Insight into institutional and external research funding and the ability to align resources with strategic priorities.
- A track record as a strategic leader with high-level academic, governmental and industrial networks.
- Experience in operational management and organisational development.
- Strong organisational sensitivity and political awareness.
- A global outlook, preferably combined with familiarity with the Dutch academic and economic context.
- A strong network in Europe and at the European Commission is seen as an advantage.
- Excellent command of English; Dutch language skills or the willingness to acquire them within one year.
Leadership profile
You are:
- A motivating, collaborative and transparent leader who builds trust and alignment around a shared vision.
- Committed to diversity, inclusion and social safety, and accessible and empathetic in your leadership style.
- Able to balance listening and decisiveness, steering towards results while valuing diverse perspectives.
- A persuasive and effective communicator, internally and externally.
- Dedicated to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional talent.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
QuTech is a mission-driven research institute of TU Delft. Together we work on a radically new technology with world-changing potential. Our mission: to develop scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a secure quantum internet.
Have a look at our video and get a glimpse of QuTech.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 1 jaar. Temporary with prospect of permanent
- A job of 36-38 hours per week.
- A salary based on Scale 17 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €8673 - €11.461 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work cost contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners.
Salary and benefits are under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
Additional information
In the course of this procedure, TU Delft is being supported by the Executive Search firm Lumen. For a full position profile and regarding questions about the application procedure please contact Lumen Executive Search / Paul van Splunder (Partner): paul.van.splunder@lumen-search.com and +31 6 21578927.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 February 2026.
To apply for this position please send your resume and motivation letter to info@lumen-search.com.
Please note:
As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
