Job Title: Deputy Director of Research
Salary: Band H STEM 1 £88,094 to £96,903 per annum- dependent on skills and experience
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 25 hours per week) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. And, alongside world-class engineers, technicians and technologists, use everything you’ve learnt to find real answers that shape society and improve lives.
Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading
Experts in a new Quantum Research Institution.
About the Role
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 scaling up the technology. 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, due to open in Autumn 2024, is located at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. 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).
Our Benefits:
UK Research and Innovation recognises and values employees as individuals and aims to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability. The reward package includes a flexible working scheme, a defined benefit pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.
Key Accountabilities
The Deputy Director for Research will have primary responsibility for delivering the research performed by, or in partnership with the Centre. As part of the leadership team, this role will report to NQCC Director and will both define the Centre’s technical goals and build an evolving technical roadmap.
With input from the NQCC Director, the Deputy Director for Research will define the Centre’s technical goals within the context of a continually updated technical roadmap. Additionally, the role will have a primary responsibility for establishing rigorous and fair processes for assessing the performance of delivered quantum systems and software (versus other systems, whether of UK origin or internationally).
It is envisaged that the Centre will comprise approximately 95 staff across 4 functions including Operations, Programme Delivery, Research and Innovation. Within the Research function, it is anticipated that this role will have 30-35 reportees, either directly or indirectly.
Within UKRI, the Executive Chairs for EPSRC and STFC are the joint sponsors for Quantum Technologies and this is reflected in the joint governance of the NQCC. The Director has the responsibility to report to the EPSRC Executive Chair on the Research Programme and the STFC Executive Chair on the Operational Management of the Centre. The Director must also ensure that the strategy for the NQCC aligns with that of UKRI.
The main activities and outputs for the role will include:
• Developing and delivering the strategy for the Centre’s R&D programme; in particular, the role will have responsibility to:
o To lead, direct and deliver the technology roadmap for the Centre.
o Establish the centre’s technical goals within a continually updated roadmap that is informed by progress on the national and international scenes.
o Identify specific themes within the UK’s diverse hardware and software community (academic and industrial) where an internationally leading position can be sustained.
• Working in collaboration with the Deputy Director for Innovation:
o Negotiate with academic and industrial partners on the details of systems/software to be co-developed or commissioned.
o Commission and procure hardware and services delivered to the Centre by third parties;
o Establish evidence-based processes for assessing the performance of delivered quantum systems and software
• Working alongside the Chief Scientist, maintain close links with academic research themes recognising progress on algorithms and applications that inform the technical roadmap as the technology matures.
Person Specification
(Please note the below criteria will be assessed at the Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated)
Essential
• Expert in quantum computing and an understanding of the overall field including hardware, software, algorithms and potential applications (SL) (I)
• Proven track record of leading, coordinating and delivering research and innovation programmes, drawing support from, for example, universities, businesses, other government agencies and elsewhere (SL) (I)
• Experience of developing and maintaining strategic relationships and partnerships and gaining the respect of stakeholders (I)
• An understanding of the UK and global research and innovation landscape in quantum computing and the role of the NQCC (I)
• A pre-existing professional network with key stakeholders within the quantum computing community and related fields (I)
• Proven experience as an internationally recognised expert in a relevant field, with a strong existing network across industry and academia (SL) (I)
• Extensive experience and understanding of R&D work across a wide range of disciplines (SL) (I)
• Demonstrable experience in setting and realising technical strategy in an R&D environment (I)
• Proven experience in effectively challenging and influencing at senior management and senior external stakeholder level (I)
• Demonstrable capability and judgement to initiate and develop technical programmes, influencing internal and external resource managers (I)
• Significant experience in a senior management position within a hi-tech or science and technology organisation (SL)
• Ensure programmes are delivered within agreed timescales, within budget and to a high calibre (I)
Desirable:
• Knowledge or experience of working within the UK public sector (SL)
Personal Skills and Attributes
• Excellent leadership with strong teamwork and collaboration skills (I)
• Excellent communication, relationship building and influencing skills (I)
• Experience in a senior management position within the science and technology programme in a similar organisation, and the ability to gain the respect of UKRI’s science communities.
• Ability to positively influence stakeholders (SL)
• Proven project/programme management skills (SL)
• A big-picture thinker (I)
• Excellent decision-making ability (I)
• Driven and achievement-focused (I)
• Results and detail-orientated (I)
• Demonstrable commitment to safe working practices and the well-being of facility users and visitors. (SL) (I)
• Ability to travel regularly in the UK and overseas (I)
Qualifications
Essential:
• Degree, PhD or equivalent level Qualification in a Quantum Computing related field(SL)
Desirable:
• PhD in Computer Science or other Science (SL)
• Formal project management qualification (SL)
Join us and Discover what’s possible!
About the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)
As part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is leading a programme to establish a National Quantum Computing Centre, which includes a commitment of £93m over 5 years, dedicated to drive development in the field of Quantum Computing and to place the UK at the forefront of the field. The Centre is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
A purpose-built National Quantum Computing Centre will be built and operated by UKRI at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) campus in Oxfordshire. The Centre will be open and operational by December 2022. 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 will be part of the broader National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP).
The primary purpose of the NQCC is to fill a key gap in the research and innovation landscape addressing the challenge of scaling quantum computing. However, this technology is immature and extensive development work is needed to scale the fundamental science to provide usable computing systems.
The NQCC’s initial 5 years will focus on developing a Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) machine to demonstrate the technology as well as software, algorithm and applications development. The longer-term aim is to scale the technology towards an error and noise-free fault-tolerant machine capability with benchmarking and verification demonstrated in collaboration with the UK and international partners. The NQCC will give assured and direct access to early prototype machines to developers and promote the formation of a strong UK-based quantum computing supply chain.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications are only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. 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 an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.