Working in Quantum. Insights and behind-the-scenes with ParityQC’s Thorsten Strohmaier

In our Working in Quantum interview series, we put the spotlight on the people in our team and their role in the flourishing quantum computing industry. In this new interview we talk with Thorsten Strohmaier, our HR Manager, who works in our Innsbruck headquarter as part of the Operations department.

What do you do here at ParityQC? What does an average day look like for you?

An average day means following the full life cycle of all our team members. Typical days involve dealing carefully and reflectively with very personal matters of our team members as well as many unexpected topics. Of course, there’s also a wide range of correspondence – from recruitment emails and scheduling interviews to official administrative issues, and even deeply personal stories. So, a normal day usually starts with checking the calendar, messages, and emails. It often ends, however, with further ideas, future planning, and finding creative solutions for all kinds of challenges.

Can you tell us about your career path?

On paper, my career path looks a bit unusual. I studied Political Science and Organization Studies in Innsbruck. Sometimes I joke that I didn’t get too far away from university, since our office is only a few steps from my alma mater.

I’ve always loved exploring and trying to understand things in holistic and diverse ways. To give an example: I once worked for a while on a mountain hut in the Alps, to step back from the noise and, as one says, “ground” myself. At another point, I worked in Austrian tourism, where I took on executive responsibilities in a destination management organization, helping shape the future of an entire alpine region. For me, “career” above all means being able to believe in what I do.

When I discovered ParityQC, I knew immediately: this is it. I felt a rush of euphoria right away. I came across ParityQC in November 2023 and consider myself very fortunate to have found my way in. Alongside my full-time role at ParityQC, I am currently pursuing a PhD in Management, focusing on the organizational and societal dimensions of quantum computing. The final topic is still in development—stay tuned.

What skills and mindset have you developed previously that became useful in your current role?

I believe it’s an advantage to bring a sporting mindset. For me that means developing yourself and your work step by step, week by week, with persistence and endurance. Beyond that, fairness, openness, and collaboration play a central role in everything I do. I also try to foster this mindset in others. Strong communication skills make that easier, as communication is one of the keys to reflection and growth.

Our solutions for quantum computing are part of a global revolution. More and more political and industrial leaders are recognizing this. That means our field invites us to think globally. As a consequence, our organizational structures need to be scalable and dynamic. I find it a fascinating task to understand and develop my HR role both on a small scale and in a larger context.

To make sense of these structural processes, the perspectives I gained from my Political Science and Organization Studies in Innsbruck are definitely fundamental and helpful. But the drive to apply these skills – you have to bring that yourself.

Since joining us, you got to know the core values of ParityQC firsthand. Which values stand out to you as unique or defining for the team?

The first thing that comes to mind is Excellence. For me, that means striving holistically to develop our work – and myself – in terms of skills, character, and purpose. Our collaborative way of working also stands out. Through open and agile approaches, we enable rapid development and foster mutual trust. Diversity of thought, as well as our discipline, are key enablers of innovation. In addition, we believe that trust and respect are core assets of our organizational culture.

What do you think is the best way to ensure that these values are not just words on paper, but are truly practiced to drive the organisation forward?

That’s a really exciting question, it addresses the transition from idea to reality. In my experience, there always has to be at least one person who pursues an idea, sometimes with courage and persistence. At ParityQC, we have two people at the top with exactly that: Magdalena Hauser and Wolfgang Lechner. This shapes the culture and sets the standards for the whole company.

ParityQC’s history is shaped by this courage and persistence. Just think about how Wolfgang Lechner’s idea set everything in motion – the publication of the LHZ paper 10 years ago, and now ParityQC celebrating its 5th anniversary this year. Imagine how many publications and how much IP have emerged from this underlying idea thanks to the outstanding engineers on our team, as well as in the research group at the University of Innsbruck. In short: it takes at least one person who believes in their idea, sparks inspiration, and motivates others to join in. The rest is technology and know-how, and we have plenty of that in-house.

Tell us about your most rewarding experience since starting to work at ParityQC.

For me, the most rewarding part isn’t tied to a single moment, but to experiencing our collective milestones. Whether it’s publications, grants, partnerships, or advancing our organization. We achieve them together. What matters most is that no one walks this path alone. Seeing this strong and innovative team of world-class experts is truly rewarding for me.

Can you share one recommendation for someone preparing for an interview here?

Be authentic.

Which office tradition or habit do you love the most?

Besides our many technical discussions, I enjoy our spontaneous 10 a.m. espresso rounds. That’s where you can really feel our team spirit.

What’s your favourite non-quantum topic to discuss at lunch?

Our lunch conversations usually start with current affairs and often develop into lively debates about societal phenomena. For instance, a simple salad can spark a discussion on the role of small-scale farming in the European Union. I really enjoy this kind of dynamic.

If you could describe the ParityQC culture in 3 words, what would they be?

What is beyond? Or: Excellence in action!

And finally, what do you like the most about life in Innsbruck?

The joy of waking up in the morning, loving what I do, and contributing to the greatest project imaginable: ParityQC.