Careers Fair - Quantum Australia Conference 2026
Description
Calling undergraduate, postgraduate students and job seekers alike to explore real pathways into Australia's quantum workforce.
Held during the Quantum Australia Conference, the Careers Fair 2026, in partnership with Sydney Quantum Academy, is your chance to step inside one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in the world, and meet the people already working in it.
You don’t need to be a quantum expert to attend. If you’re interested in future careers or exploring what’s next, this is where conversations begin, and pathways open.
This event focuses on real opportunities: who’s hiring? What roles exist? And how to build a pathway into the quantum workforce.
During the event, students can connect directly with quantum researchers, employers, startups, universities and industry partners to explore where quantum can take them, whether that’s through study, internships, graduate roles or future careers.
AGENDA
Opening: Dr Christina Giarmatzi, Macquarie University
Keynote: Peter Turner (SQA) – "Quantum in 2045: Jobs, Skills, and Training"
Employer Showcase: Ashley Sonntag (DSTG), Dylan Saunders (PsiQuantum), Andre Luiten (QuantX), Adrian Yong (Infleqtion). Hear from top employers about current projects and opportunities.
Testimonials: Katja Digweed (CSIRO), Astri Cornish (IBM) - Learn from previous attendees who have secured roles in quantum.
Networking Activity: Join interactive activities to connect with relevant people.
**** Bonus Event Included in Your Registration
As part of your registration, you are invited to attend an additional hands-on session on 30 April, 1:30–3 p.m., where participants will build and run real quantum circuits in an interactive workshop.
Please email any enquiries to queries@quantum-australia.com
Lineup
Dr Christina Giarmatzi
Christina Giarmatzi serves as a Senior Lecturer in Quantum Physics at Macquarie University, located in Sydney. She heads a dedicated research team focused on pioneering theoretical methods aimed at minimizing noise interference in actual quantum processors.
Prof Peter Turner
Prof Peter Turner, leading the Sydney Quantum Academy since 2019, is a Physics Professor at Macquarie University. He collaborates with partners to deliver programs for quantum technology leaders. Before Australia, he directed Bristol's Quantum Engineering Centre, establishing a pioneering program for the quantum industry in 2014.
Ashley Sonntag
Ashley Sonntag is a Quantum Technologies Researcher at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), specialising in quantum-enhanced communications. Her current work focuses on developing a ground to satellite quantum-secure time transfer link, contributing to Australia’s emerging quantum-enabled defence capabilities.
Dr Dylan Saunders
Dr Dylan Saunders is the Principal Scientist, Asia Pacific at PsiQuantum, a quantum computing company on a mission to build the world’s first commercially useful quantum computer in Brisbane. PsiQuantum’s approach to building a large-scale, fault tolerant quantum computer involves photonics-based architecture that enables manufacturing in a conventional silicon chip foundry.
Adrian Yong
Vice President of Business Development at Infleqtion, leading growth across Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. He works at the intersection of quantum technology, defence and critical infrastructure, helping translate advanced sensing, navigation and timing systems into real-world applications. Adrian previously held leadership roles in space and emerging technologies.
Dr Katja Digweed
Dr Katja Digweed is Director for Manufacturing Research Unit at CSIRO, Australia’s national Science agency, where she leads a nationally significant research portfolio to advance the nation’s high-tech manufacturing sector. A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, Katja is a long-standing mentor to women in STEM and a champion of collaborative innovation. Her career reflects a deep passion for science with purpose
Astri Cornish
Astri Cornish leads IBM’s quantum education and workforce development efforts in Australia, helping grow the skills and community needed for the quantum era. She has delivered numerous talks and workshops on quantum computing and Qiskit, and leads the Qiskit advocate program globally
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