Job Title: Programme Management Officer
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £32,570 – £35,403 gross per annum dependent on experience
Reports To: Programme Manager
Location: RAL Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK (flexible working available, with at least 3 days a week on-site)
Hours: Full-time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.
Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.
About Us
As part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) established the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). This includes a commitment of £100m+ over 5 years, dedicated to technical and commercial developments in the field of Quantum Computing. The Centre is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
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.
The NQCC operates a wide variety of projects including technology projects building quantum computers in our laboratories, software development, high performance computing systems, community outreach and construction projects to build and enhance our facilities. Many of our projects are collaborations with industry and academia. 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.
Employee Benefits
We recognise and value 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 Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance and a number of other benefits.
About the Role
We are looking for a Programme Management Officer to support the NQCC’s Programme Manager in all aspects of programme management, and can act as a deputy where necessary. You will also be working closely alongside other members of the Programme Delivery team, and more widely scientists, engineers, developers and experts in quantum technologies, to enhance the UK’s quantum computing capabilities. Ultimately, you will help deliver the appropriate governance, cutting-edge technology and technical infrastructure that enables delivery of research outputs.
Main Responsibilities
• Building relationships with a variety os stakeholders, you will manage different aspects of the NQCC’s governance structure, such as NQCC’s Programme Delivery Board, Programme Advisory Committee and Technical Advisory Group, through assuring the smooth preparation of meetings (drafting agendas, collating and distributing papers, creating slide decks), assisting during the meeting by taking minutes, and post-meeting monitoring the action log and delivery of technical milestones
• Supporting the Programme Manager and relevant colleagues in managing the NQCC’s programme-level risks, ensuring that a regular and consistent risk review process is implemented and continuously improved, with the risks register regularly updated and actions implemented in a timely fashion. Acting as secretary to the risk review meetings
• Supporting the monitoring of progress on the implementation of the NQCC’s objectives (technology, infrastructure, innovation) for setting up the centre. Ensuring that regular updates are collected across the teams, and escalating when KPIs and technical milestones are delayed or not being met. Helping prepare reports on this topic for a variety of stakeholders
• Helping administer and improve the Knowledge Information Management function for the Programme Delivery team and for projects managed by the Programme Delivery team (via tools such as SharePoint)
• Providing support in other areas of programme management (eg. Projects Board, trainings and workshops, project monthly reports, R&D Outputs, etc.) and supporting other members of the Programme Delivery team, as and when required, and contributing to Programme Delivery team meetings
Qualifications and Skills
Essential
• Educated to a Degree level in a STEM subject or equivalent experience
• Computer literate, particularly with good capability in Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Excellent written communication skills and ability to draw out and concisely explain key information, particularly in meeting minutes. Experience of interpreting and manipulating large amounts of detailed information (including technical) into easy-to-understand reports and spreadsheets with a clear visual impact
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships and influence internal and external colleagues and stakeholders
• Excellent time management and ability to prioritise key tasks with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work both as a team, and independently
• Experience of working in a project, portfolio or programme office
Desirable
• Some training or qualifications in programme or project management
• Experience of managing SharePoint sites, or other document management and storage systems
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 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.
Additional Information
- Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – National Quantum Computing Centre
- Contract Type: Open Ended
- External Closing Date: Dec 3, 2023
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 32,570
- Hours: Full-time