Job Title: Monitoring and Programme Support Officer
Salary: £31,931 per annum (an additional Specialist Allowance may be available dependant on skills and experience*)
Band: UKRI Band D
Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and offer flexible working, but do require at least 3 days a week on-site)
Due to the requirement of obtaining an enhanced security clearance for this role, we are only able to accept applications from persons who have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years. We cannot sponsor visa applications for this role.
Who are we?
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is a new research centre funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), 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 create the necessary R&D capabilities through coordination and delivery of a technical programme, alongside the commissioning and operation of new facilities, to deliver assured quantum computing capability, enabling the UK to remain internationally competitive.
About the role:
We have an exciting opportunity for a Monitoring and Project Support Officer to join the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). You will be working alongside scientists, engineers, developers and experts in quantum technologies, working to enhance the UK’s quantum computing capabilities.
The Monitoring and Programme Support Officer will provide support to the NQCC evaluation and programme management function at NQCC. The role will provide support in delivering and monitoring activities/projects, with a particular focus on benefits monitoring and collecting relevant information at key points of the activities/projects.
This role will be responsible for collecting project monitoring data and information and building information that will be used for reporting and analysis. The officer will work closely with project managers and other team members to ensure that project information is collected and analysed in a timely and accurate manner.
What will I be doing?
• Work with the Programme Evaluation Manager to capture activities/projects information and define monitoring indicators for tracking benefits of activities/projects in NQCC.
• Ensure that benefits and monitoring information is collected, reviewed, and information databases are maintained diligently with information from multiple sources.
• Support monitoring and evaluation of progress and performance of activities in NQCC, this includes communicating progress indicators at the start and tracking and collecting appropriate information against those indicators at set intervals.
• Support project teams to identify and respond to monitoring and evaluation needs and requirements.
• Develop and maintain benefit monitoring and reporting tools and processes to ensure that benefits are tracked and reported in a timely and accurate manner.
• Support the Programme Manager and Project Managers in the identification and management of risks and issues related to benefits realization.
• Provide project support, including supporting project plans, tracking progress against milestones, and reporting on project status to key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of project management tools, templates, and best practices to improve project efficiency and effectiveness.
This is an outline description of the key responsibilities and accountabilities involved in the job. This is not an exhaustive list, and the successful applicant might be expected to undertake any other duties across NQCC, appropriate to the Band and level of responsibility of this post, for which the post-holder has the necessary experience and/or training.
What experience do I need?
You do not need any prior knowledge of quantum computing for this role. We offer significant development and training opportunities. Applicants for this role should meet the following criteria:
Essential:
• Educated to degree level in a relevant field (e.g., science, engineering, business, management, or related discipline) or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in monitoring and supporting activities and/or projects.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and an ability to capture and maintain both qualitative and quantitative information in a structured way.
• Experience of Microsoft Office software tools for example Excel, Word, Access, etc.
Desirable:
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and best practices.
• Experience of working in a research or innovation environment.
Travel:
This post might require occasional travel within the UK and internationally as required.
Security Clearance
The post you are applying for attracts a National Security Vetting clearance, there are further eligibility requirements, for further details at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/united-kingdom-security-vetting
To meet national security vetting requirements, you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years for CTC, 5 years for SC and 10 years for DV prior to the date of application. All DV posts are required to be UK Nationals.
You may still be considered if, for example:
• You’ve been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
• You were studying abroad
• You were living overseas with parent.
Our Benefits:
UKRI/NQCC recognises and values employees as individuals and aim 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 (subject to business requirements), Defined benefit pension scheme (employer contribution – currently up to 26%), and 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.
Additional Information
- Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – National Quantum Computing Centre
- Contract Type: Open Ended
- External Closing Date: Jul 23, 2023
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 31,931
- Hours: Full-time / Part-time
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 a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit the benefits of working for UKRI.
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 cover 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 cover letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted cover letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
Additional Information
- Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – National Quantum Computing Centre
- Contract Type: Open Ended
- External Closing Date: Jul 2, 2023
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 39,748
- Hours: Full-time