Quantum Innovation Sector Lead

at  Science and Technology Facilities Council STFC

Job Title: Quantum Innovation Sector Lead
Salary: £48,802 - £53,682 (Band E S2) or £59,461 – £65,407 (Band F S2) gross per annum dependent on experience.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part Time or Full Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
Visa Sponsorship: We are able to sponsor Visa applications, reimburse application fees, and encourage international candidates to apply. A relocation package may be available.
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business 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:
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, which is due to open in 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 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, Defined benefit pension scheme 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and a number of other benefits.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are recruiting for the role of Quantum Innovation Sector Lead, requiring stakeholder engagement and collaboration-building skills, coupled with technical expertise in quantum computing, quantum technologies or a related field. We are seeking self-starters who are strategically minded, pro-active and can readily apply their knowledge to understand technical and sector challenges.
You will work as part of the Innovation Team, alongside applications engineers, business development specialists and other sector experts, to deliver quantum readiness activities aligned to the key themes of: awareness, engagement, evaluation, action and advocacy. Utilising your technical and engagement skills, you will help to drive forward the NQCC’s innovation strategy, taking a lead on specific sector activities. You will work with stakeholders in industry, academia and the public sector to build domain and sector knowledge. Using your technical knowledge, you will maintain a comprehensive understanding of the state-of-the-art in quantum computing and its potential applications, sharing your knowledge to the benefit of our stakeholders, and building an understanding of end user requirements. Collaborating with applications engineers, algorithms developers and the wider technical team, you will help to drive the development of innovative solutions based on quantum computing. These activities meet the NQCC’s goals of delivering scalable quantum computing capabilities in support of building a quantum ready UK economy.
Key projects will include quantum readiness for critical industry sectors, such as Financial Services, Pharmaceuticals, Advanced Materials, Energy, Healthcare, Security, Bio-Chemistry, Aerospace, etc.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contributing to the development and delivery of the NQCC’s innovation strategy for quantum computing to enable ‘quantum readiness’.
• Working with prospective end users of quantum computing in industry, academia and the public sector to understand user requirements, build domain knowledge and explore the potential of quantum computing in applications.
• Through external collaboration, facilitating the development of new products, processes, services and business opportunities based on quantum computing.
• Engaging with NQCC applications engineers, algorithms developers and the wider technical team to support the development of innovative solutions for quantum computing
• Initiating, managing and reporting on related projects, working with the NQCC’s programme, project and performance evaluation managers, as required.
• Building strong relationships with other research and technology organisations, government, industry, business, trade associations and standards & regulatory bodies.
• Leading technology roadmapping activities for critical sectors, as required.
• Tracking and collating information on technical and commercial developments in quantum computing, and preparing analyses to identify trends.
• Delivering engagement activities to build stakeholder networks and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
• Presenting work at internal and external meetings both within the UK and internationally, and representing the NQCC at conferences, workshops, forums and in the media as appropriate.
• Making site visits to commercial and academic partners, as needed.
  Person Specification:
  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 related to quantum computing, including physics, computer science or mathematics (S)
• You will have demonstrable prior experience and/or a broad-based knowledge of quantum computing, quantum technologies or a related field (S&I)
• Experience of stakeholder management in a client-facing or user engagement role, with a track record of building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships (S&I)
• Experience in a technical research or scientific business development environment (S&I)
• Experience in creating and developing technology or product roadmaps (S&I)
• Proven ability to run, manage and report on technical projects, together with knowledge or experience of measuring and monitoring performance and impact. (S&I)
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, but also demonstrate autonomy within area of responsibility (S&I)
• (Band F) Experience of innovation in a commercial environment (S)

Desirable

• Significant experience of industry focused end user engagement or Industry experience in a client-facing role (S&I)
• An understanding of intellectual property rights (IPR) (S&I)
• An understanding of the international landscape for quantum computing, including the key stakeholders, prospective applications, use cases and/or market opportunities (S&I)