Senior IP & Grants Manager

C12 develops quantum computers, to solve highly complex computing tasks, currently out of reach of even the most powerful supercomputers. Building a quantum computer still needs innovators ready to tackle exciting challenges. C12’s founders are convinced that only a new material for the qubit will bring a technological breakthrough. C12 uniquely uses carbon nanotubes as the fundamental building blocks of its quantum processor. This high-purity material minimises errors, radically improves performance and reduces hardware overhead for fault-tolerant computing. Combined with well-established semiconductor techniques, carbon nanotubes will help scale quantum computing, just as silicon revolutionised classical computing.

Our unique & innovative quantum computing technology enables us to address use cases, solving intractable problems our industrial customers are facing. 

Founded in 2020, C12 is a fast-growing start-up, who recently raised EUR 18 million in 2024 to further its research in its own lab in the heart of Paris (Panthéon).

• As the Senior IP & Grants Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that our innovations are accurately documented and legally protected.

• Leading the creation and editing of patent applications, ensuring precise and comprehensive documentation of our innovations in quantum computing
• Working closely with our scientists, engineers, IP counsel, and inventors to accurately convey complex technical information, ensuring all documentation meets both technical and legal standards.
• Defining and implementing the strategy for patent extensions
• Tracking patent applications in collaboration with IP law firms and managing patent-related processes, to ensure timely delivery
• Conducting freedom-to-operate studies and supporting other departments such as contracts, corporate law, HR, mergers & acquisitions, and tax
• Supporting writing and editing of other critical technical documents, including research reports and grant proposals, to support our ongoing projects.
• Ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency in all technical documents, adhering to the highest standards of technical writing.
• Developing and maintaining templates and documentation standards to streamline documentation processes and ensure consistency across all materials.

• You have a master’s degree or PhD in a technical field in engineering, computer science or in a related field
• You have at least 5 years of experience in technical writing, with a strong emphasis on patent writing. Experience as a patent agent or IP counsel is highly preferred
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English
• You are meticulous and have exceptional organisational skills
• You are able to understand and clearly explain complex technical concepts, particularly in the fields of quantum physics and quantum computing
• You are proficient in documentation tools and software to create, manage, and edit technical documents.

You should join us if…

You want to have a key role in a growing startup with challenges at the frontier of the technology.

You want to contribute to achieving landmark results in quantum computing, making a difference in the emerging quantum technologies.

You want to work within a 40-people team with various backgrounds in nanofabrication, quantum electronics, and carbon nanotube science to create a revolutionary quantum computing processor.

You want to thrive in an exceptional scientific environment with several industrial and academic partners.

You share our values (excellence, scientific integrity, diversity, curiosity, and care) and want to help us define our product-focused culture  and ambition to accelerate.

C12’s unique technology

At C12, a qubit, the fundamental functional unit of a quantum computer, is built from an isotopically ultra-pure 12C nanotube suspended above a silicon chip containing control electrodes and a quantum communication bus. Our spin qubits hold great promise in terms of individual control and manipulation as well as for the circuit architecture. A suspended isotopically-pure 12C nanotube holds great promise in terms of stability, as it reduces all sources of decoherence (charge noise, nuclear spin noise and phonon relaxation).

C12 encourages all who feel qualified to apply. Recruitment decisions are based solely on qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience. Applications from women are particularly welcomed.