Job Title: Project Manager
Salary: Band D £37,500 – £41,250 or Band E £46,700 – £51,370 gross per annum dependent on experience
Contract Type: Up to 2 Permanent Positions
Hours: Full Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants, but the nature of the projects requires on-site working 3 days a week)
Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
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.
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’s initial programme focuses on developing a Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) machine to demonstrate the technology as well as software, algorithm, and application 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 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
UKRI 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 (subject to business requirements), a defined benefit pension scheme, and 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for Project Managers to join the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). You will be working alongside scientists, engineers, developers and experts in quantum technologies, to enhance the UK’s quantum computing capabilities. As part of the Programme Delivery Team, Project Managers are essential to the delivery of our ambitious technical roadmap for the UK.
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.
Our Project Managers are responsible for managing all aspects of assigned projects to ensure the NQCC delivers high-quality outputs and ground-breaking R&D in a timely manner within budget. The successful candidates will be expected to use their STEM background or acquired STEM-related experience to develop a thorough understanding of assigned projects, leading to the development and delivery of quantum computing hardware, software and services for the NQCC and our external stakeholders and partners. They will also maintain excellent working relationships with stakeholders, maintain project documentation to a high standard, raise awareness of risks, and support reporting to the NQCC senior leadership team.
Main Responsibilities
• Day-to-day management of some of our quantum computing-related projects and the delivery of R&D or technical outputs, ensuring that all agreed milestones meet stakeholders’ expectations.
• Forming an advanced working understanding of project subject matter and general quantum computing technologies.
• Developing, managing, and maintaining working relationships with project sponsors, team leaders and stakeholders.
• Coordinating project teams, to ensure R&D deliverables are completed on time, within budget and meet quality requirements.
• Maintaining project documentation to a high standard, including project management plan, risk registers, lessons learned, etc.
• Managing project-assigned budgets.
• Generating project reports and technical reviews in an accurate and timely manner.
• Working with your colleagues in the Technology and R&D teams for the management and delivery of cutting-edge technology and scientific and technical infrastructure that enables the delivery of research outputs.
• Working with the NQCC evaluation team to embed monitoring, evaluation and benefits realisation activity within projects.
• Being an advocate for positive change. Supporting others and contributing to NQCC process and policies.
• Working with discretion to protect project confidentiality, commercial sensitivity and personal data.
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 the NQCC, appropriate to the Band and level of responsibility of this post, for which the post-holder has the necessary experience and/or training.
Person Specification
Whilst a STEM qualification or acquired experience is required for this role, technical expertise in quantum computing specifically is not required. Consideration will be given to a less experienced individual if there is evidence of potential and passion to grow into the role. We offer significant development and training opportunities. Applicants should meet the following criteria:
Essential
• STEM Degree or acquired experience
• Advanced understanding of project management methodologies, tools and techniques.
• Experience managing varied projects, preferably in Computing, Science, Technology or Engineering fields.
• Strong desire to take ownership and accountability for the delivery of technical deliverables.
• Efficient time management and problem-solving skills, including experience balancing the needs and priorities of multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information in a variety of ways.
• Ability to build relationships with and influence various stakeholders.
• The ability to lead and support teams to deliver outcomes. Especially where there is no line-management control of participants.
Desirable
• Understanding of quantum computing, high-performance computing and/or related technologies.
• Experience and/or qualifications in project-related disciplines, e.g. Project Management, Risk management, Quality Management, Benefits Management, etc.
• Understanding of UKRI / public sector organisations, structures and policies.
• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline.
You would need to be available to occasionally travel/work within the UK and overseas when required.
How to Apply
Please submit your Covering Letter (up to 2 pages) and CV that clearly outlines how you fulfil the role criteria along with your motivation to join NQCC as attachments on your application. Please ensure that your name and the job reference number are in the file name 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.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the role, and the requirement to support diverse projects, the successful candidate is required to successfully complete national pre-employment control checks to the BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) to fulfil the role. Checks can take between 9-12 working days. Once in post, they may need to successfully complete an Enhanced Security Check (SC) clearance.
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn – about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself.
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 a 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, 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.