- Salary range – Between £49,708- £55,231 per annum (depending on experience)
- Based RAL, Oxford
Background
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is a new research institution, funded through UK Research and Innovation, which is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scalability. The Centre will work with businesses, government and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry. The NQCC will give assured and direct access to early prototype machines for developers and promote the formation of a strong UK-based quantum computing supply chain.
A purpose-built facility for the NQCC, which is due to open in 2023, will be located at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. Until then, the NQCC’s activities are taking place in other facilities on the Harwell Campus or at partnering institutions. The NQCC will sit alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and is part of the wider National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP). The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
The role
In the role of NQCC Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for developing a pipeline of business activities, identifying new collaborative and commercial opportunities by building and managing relationships with key stakeholders, and seeing those opportunities through to contract. You will have extensive stakeholder engagement experience and networking skills, coupled with technical expertise, to support the delivery of the NQCC’s core objectives. We are seeking a self-starter who is strategically minded and proactive.
What will I be doing?
- Lead on the research and identification of new engagement and collaboration opportunities
- Develop, foster and maintain networks with academia, government and industry, seeking out appropriate contacts
- Develop commercial business plans working with the department director
- Liaise with technical and non-technical personnel to scope development projects, preparing detailed and compelling funding proposals and/or business cases
- Understand the needs of the eco-system and be able to respond effectively with a plan of how to meet these
- Lead on the generation of opportunities that enable the NQCC to support the UK eco-system and further the deliverables of the NQCC
- Acquire and maintain an extensive knowledge of developments, trends and changes in the quantum computing landscape
- Lead on the development and maintenance of market landscape data and development metrics
- Report on these activities to senior management, and provide feedback on stakeholder requirements and information gathered
- Develop an excellent understanding of the NQCC’s purpose, deliverables, capabilities and goals to advise others about them
- Work collaboratively within a wider team that focuses on innovation, engagement, communications and outreach
- Think strategically – seeing the bigger picture and setting aims and objectives in order to develop and improve the NQCC
- Work strategically – carrying out necessary planning in order to implement operational changes
- Attend seminars, conferences and events, where appropriate, representing the NQCC
- Write and deliver presentations on their work at internal and external meetings both within the UK and internationally
- Help to drive continuous improvement within the Centre.
Contacts and communication
The post involves collaboration with a number of stakeholders across NQCC, STFC and EPSRC quality assurance teams and M&E reporting structure, suppliers and the technical team, support staff, portfolio management office and the ISO9001 quality manager.
The post holder will be required to proactively engage across the quantum computing eco-system, and work through individual contact via face to face interactions, telephone and emails with colleagues and stake holders at all levels.
This post holder will report to Deputy Director Innovation.
Personal skills and attributes required
Good communication skills and the ability to influence internal staff and suppliers. The candidate should ideally have knowledge of working in a safety critical environment. Computer literate with skills and experience in the use of MS Office will be required.
The post holder needs to be a proactive, self-motivated person, able to work in a dynamic environment.
They must be able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, but also demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility.
The ideal candidate will be educated to degree level in a relevant engineering, technical or science discipline or HNC/HND in relevant engineering, technical or science discipline with significant relevant experience and will have demonstrated experience of the following:
- Technology aspects of quantum computing hardware and software development
- Application and use case market opportunities delivered through the potential of quantum computing
- Structure and interplay of the quantum computing eco-system alongside the NQTP
- UK and International investment and research funding structures
Any other relevant information
- Available to travel/work within the UK and overseas, when required.
Shortlisting (S) and Interview (I) Criteria
Essential
- Honors degree level in a relevant engineering, technical or science discipline; or HNC/HND in relevant engineering, technical or science discipline with significant relevant experience (S)
- Good verbal and written (quality of cover letter) communication skills (S&I)
- Significant demonstrable engagement and application experience in the field of scientific or technology delivery. (S&I)
- Significant and demonstrable knowledge and understanding of quantum computing or related technology areas (S&I)
- Experience in monitoring project performance, milestones and evaluation criteria. (S&I)
- Demonstration of effective communication skills. (S&I)
- Extensive IT skills including the following applications; MS Office & MS Project. (S)
- Excellent organizational and time management skills (I)
- Ability to influence others, both internally and externally (I)
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently (I)
- Ability to travel/work within the UK and overseas. (I)
Desirable
- Experience of project delivery within an ISO9001 quality management system. (S)
- Understanding of high-performance computing and/or relevant related technologies. (S&I)
- Experience using and developing Product Lifecycle Management systems. (S&I)
- Experience of technology commercialization and intellectual property management (S&I)
- Appreciation of Risk Analysis. (I)
- Appreciation of Health, Safety and Environment. (I)
- Familiarity with UKRI policies and procedures. (I)
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.
One of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
How to Apply
Online applications only for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation to join STFC and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered.
About UKRI
Launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). UK Research and Innovation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. More information can be found at https://www.ukri.org/.
Additional Information
Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Contract Type: Open Ended
External Closing Date: Feb 28, 2021
Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 38,969
Hours: Full-time