At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Quantum and photonics portfolio, driving innovation and collaboration with industry and academia.
- Company: Join Digital Catapult, a top tech innovation organisation shaping the UK's future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, excellent holiday package, hybrid working, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture that values diversity and promotes continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting field of Quantum technology and lead a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in Quantum and photonics with strong strategic partnership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
Digital Catapult is a technology innovation organisation. We accelerate the practical application of deep technologies to equip the UK to be future ready. We partner with businesses, investors and academia to identify valuable opportunities and create market pathways, ensuring the UK is future ready, supporting economic growth. Digital Catapult helps deep tech businesses grow by showing what is possible, positive and productive with advanced technology including AI, Quantum, Advanced Connectivity Technologies, IoT, Immersive and distributed ledger technologies.
The UK has invested through the National Quantum Technology Programme, and it is a critical moment to support the quantum technologies, innovations and research outcomes to benefit the UK economy through growth of leading companies and adoption across the wider economy. Quantum Technology is a key part of the Digital Catapult Strategy and a key opportunity for the UK, prioritised within the government Industrial Strategy as one of the Frontier Technologies within the Digital & Technologies sector.
Reporting to the CTO, the Director of Technology Quantum will play a critical role in leading the Quantum and photonics portfolio of work, defining and driving the technology roadmap for Quantum, photonics and related areas, creating and delivering collaborative research, development and technology translation programmes with university and industry partners and innovators. Our focus is on software, application, algorithm, design, architecture and use cases, and not on hardware development. The role provides an opportunity to both investigate new and emerging quantum technologies with academia and innovators and also experiment with more practical adoption with end users and industry.
To both experiment with new capabilities and understand the practical implications and limitations of quantum technology and feed that back to the UK ecosystem and policy makers.
WHAT YOU'LL DO (Duties)
- Be a collaborative and ambitious leader and expert in Quantum and photonics across Digital Catapult.
- Direct and enable a high quality programme of research and development in Quantum and photonics, securing funding via R&D projects and supporting commercial opportunities.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including innovators, startups and scaleups, government, academic institutions, industry partners, building a productive network in support of our research ambitions and goals.
- Represent Digital Catapult at industry events, conferences, and public engagements.
- Be part of the Technology Research, Development and Innovation leadership team, overseeing the execution and evaluation of activities in programmes, projects and technology exploitation.
- Lead and mentor a diverse team, coach and guide immediate reports, and the Quantum, photonics and related team members across the wider organisation, building capability in Quantum and photonics.
- Supervise and deliver horizon scanning, developing the technology roadmap and plans in Quantum, photonics and related areas, supporting other teams to enable their areas to be similarly well defined in relation to Quantum and photonics.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Experience)
- A visible and respected leader within Quantum and photonics, with a proven ability to represent an organisation through thought leadership, publications, conferences and industry events.
- Track record of building strategic partnerships across academia, industry and government.
- Demonstrable experience defining and delivering technology strategy, horizon scanning, roadmaps and research agendas.
- Strong understanding of contemporary Quantum and photonics technologies, including Quantum computing (use case, algorithms, optimisation and quantum machine learning); Quantum sensing (solution, product and use case development); Quantum networking (use case and architecture); Photonics (design and use cases).
- Experience securing collaborative research and innovation funding, including grant-funded programmes.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience identifying opportunities for technology translation and future commercialisation.
- Significant experience leading technology research, development and innovation programmes in quantum and photonics, and leading multi-disciplinary technical teams within a research, innovation, technology or R&D environment.
- Track record in building teams and Quantum and photonics capability, promoting a culture of learning, excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement, and supporting early stage careers.
Location(s): This role can be based out of any of our offices: Belfast, Bristol, Gateshead and London.
Salary: c. £100,000-130,000 pa (subject to experience) + discretionary bonus + competitive benefits package.
Deadline for applications: Monday, 17th August, 3 pm BST, with a suggestion to apply by Monday, 10th August (when the application review process starts).
Start date: We are seeking a start date ideally in September / October 2026.
Pre-Employment Background Checking Process: Due to the nature of our work across government and public sector contracts, including working with sensitive information, all applicants will need to successfully complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance process prior to starting employment.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated. As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process. Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.
Benefits: We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations. Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer. Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year. Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary; Discretionary company bonus 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension; E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal; Life insurance 4x salary; Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice; Enhanced maternity and paternity leave; Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work; Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us; Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks! We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared. We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness. We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.
Director of Technology - Quantum in London employer: Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for R&D professionals passionate about shaping the future of advanced digital technologies. With competitive salaries, discretionary bonuses, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning opportunities, you will thrive in an environment that values your contributions and encourages impactful work. Located at the heart of the UK's tech landscape, Digital Catapult offers unique advantages such as networking with industry leaders and access to cutting-edge resources.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Technology - Quantum in London
✨Get Involved in Tech Transfer Events
Tech transfer is all about networking, so make sure you're attending industry conferences and seminars related to technology commercialization. Events like the AUTM Annual Meeting or local innovation workshops are clutch for meeting key players and learning what's trending—plus, you might just bump into someone from Digital Catapult!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio can really make you stand out. Highlight any projects where you successfully brought a technology to market or improved a process. Sharing case studies or insights on platforms like LinkedIn can catch the eye of recruiters at Digital Catapult, showing them you’ve got the chops for the job.
✨Leverage University Connections
Many universities have strong tech transfer offices—connect with them! They often have ties to industry and can help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you might find openings or internship opportunities that lead to this full-time role at places like Digital Catapult.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join forums or online communities focused on tech transfer and commercialization. Platforms like ResearchGate or industry-specific Slack channels are great for connecting with professionals, discussing trends, and possibly learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Remember, your next opportunity could be just a message away!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Technology - Quantum in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Transfer Know-How:In the tech transfer and commercialization world, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of intellectual property, patents, and market analysis. Make sure your CV includes relevant projects or experiences where you successfully navigated these areas. Any certifications in commercialisation would also give you a serious edge!
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the position at Digital Catapult, but also your knowledge of current trends in technology-transfer. Discuss specific cases where you've contributed to commercialising innovations or enhancing research outcomes—this will show you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on!
Quantify Your Achievements:In this field, numbers count! Whether it's successful licensing deals, funding acquired for projects, or percentage increases in collaboration outcomes, include these metrics in your CV. They not only make your accomplishments more tangible but also demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Business Acumen:Understanding the business side is just as crucial as the tech side! When writing your application, weave in examples that illustrate your strategic thinking and your role in negotiations or partnerships. This balance of skills is what will set you apart for a full-time role at Digital Catapult.
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Catapult
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Knowledge
Brush up on key technologies and trends in technology transfer and commercialization. Be ready to showcase your understanding of licensing agreements and the innovation lifecycle, as well as any specific tools or software used in the field.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role isn't just about tech; it's also about understanding the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach bringing a technology to market, including strategies for assessing commercial viability and potential partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you'd approach real-world challenges in technology transfer, like negotiating a deal or handling stakeholder concerns—this can help us get a sense of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in scenarios that involved tech developers and business strategists coming together.
