- Job title: Outreach and Engagement Officer
- Location: Harwell Campus- Oxfordshire, UK
- Contract: Open-ended
- Salary: £31,931 -£34,709 (Band D) gross per annum dependent on experience. Specialist Allowances may be available *
- Visa Sponsorship: We are able to sponsor Visa applications, reimburse application fees, and encourage international candidates to apply. A relocation package may be available
- Hours: Full Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
- Closing date: July 24, 2022.
*Specialist Allowances, which are a form of additional pay independent of salary, may be applicable for this role for suitably qualified candidates.
Who are we?
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.
Our Benefits
UK Research and Innovation 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, a Defined benefit pension scheme (employer contribution – currently up to 26%), 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and a number of other benefits.
What’s the purpose of this role?
We are recruiting for the role of Outreach and Engagement Officer to manage and deliver the NQCC’s public outreach and science communication activities. We are seeking self-starters who are strategically minded, pro-active and can readily apply their knowledge. The successful candidate will have a strong passion for science communication, and a flare for creative comms They will have the ability to communicate about quantum computing and the NQCC’s activities to broad audiences, ranging from school children to senior professionals. The post holder will work as part of the Innovation and Engagement directorate, alongside business development, user engagement, comms and marketing specialists, and will collaborate on outreach activities with colleagues across the NQCC and among its stakeholders.
What will I be doing?
- Scope, plan and deliver science communication and public outreach campaigns related to quantum computing and the NQCC’s programme
- Create new, innovative ways of engaging a broad range of audiences to build public understanding and awareness of quantum computing, the NQCC’s programme and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects more broadly
- Take responsibility for the NQCC’s outreach and engagement plan
- Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders, and represent the NQCC at relevant events, to enable successful delivery of public outreach and engagement activities
- Deliver public outreach and engagement events on the NQCC’s behalf
- Take responsibility for the design, planning and delivery of the NQCC’s exhibits, displays and installations at third-party events related to science communication and public outreach
- Develop, write and edit materials, including press releases, blog posts, thought pieces and social media content
- Prepare and deliver presentations related to science communication and public outreach
- Promote science communications and engagement through appropriate social media channels
- Track analytics and create reports detailing successes and impact of engagement activities
- Ensure that all communications and materials align with brand standards
- Maintain digital media archives including photos and videos
- Work with communications colleagues to share best practice, conceptualize and implement communications strategies and campaigns
- Help to drive continuous Improvement within the Centre
What experience do I need?
We offer significant development opportunities at the NQCC, but as a starting point you should be able to demonstrate some of the following:
(Please note the below criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated)
Essential:
- Educated to at least Degree level or with equivalent experience in a field relevant to quantum computing, including (but not limited to) physics, maths or computer science (S)
- Demonstrable experience of planning and delivering science communication and public outreach activities. (S&I)
- Prior knowledge of topics associated with quantum computing or a closely related field (S)
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex topics on science and technology to a broad range of audiences, positively influencing others (S&I)
- Experience in composing and designing engaging documentation, such as articles and reports, related to science and technology, for the engagement of a wide spectrum of stakeholders from school children to government (S&I)
- Knowledge of best practices related web presence, social media and associated analytics (S)
- Track record of delivering engagement activities and campaigns with measured results and impact (S&I)
- Understanding of communications, public relations and marketing best practices (S&I)
- Extensive IT skills including the MS Office & Marketing Communications tools (S).
Desirable
- Prior experience of designing and delivering exhibits, displays and installations for public outreach events related to science and technology (S)
- Track record of delivering high profile events (S&I)
- Relevant experience in technology communications (S&I)
- Experience of using Adobe PhotoShop, InDesign, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Illustrator, or equivalents (S).
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 file name 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.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.