(Quantum.gov) On January 22, 2022 the “Workshop Readout” for the virtual workshop on the recruitment of individuals with quantum information science (QIS) expertise into government service was published online for interested readers.
The virtual workshop was held August 30, 2021, by the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) held a virtual workshop on the recruitment of individuals with quantum information science (QIS) expertise into government service.
The workshop focused on challenges and best practices for recruiting and retaining the talent needed to ensure the Federal Government has ample awareness of and expertise in QIS challenges and opportunities. Approximately forty individuals from a variety of Federal agencies, industry, academia, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and university affiliated research centers (UARCs) participated in the workshop.
The workshop identified three common barriers to government recruitment and retention in QIS:
1 Compensation. Industrial salaries in QIS are higher than corresponding government salaries, affecting both recruitment and retention.
2 Delays. Slow hiring process in government can result in candidates taking other opportunities.
3 Lack of Awareness. Misconceptions about government work keep people from considering government careers.
Click here to review the PDF of the seven-page workshop readout for highlights focused on each issue, best practices, and potential paths forward.