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- Tasks: Lead exciting research projects in quantum computing and enhance the UK's capabilities.
- Company: Join the National Quantum Computing Centre, a leader in innovative technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible hours, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research alongside world-class experts.
- Qualifications: Project management experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 46743 - 51037 £ per year.
Salary: Band E £46,743 – £51,037 gross per annum dependent on experience
Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and offer flexible working, but do require at least 3 days a week on-site)
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.
Together, our scientist, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. 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 the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Officer to join the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). You will be working alongside scientists, engineers, developers, and experts in quantum technologies, working to enhance the UK’s quantum computing capabilities. We oversee diverse projects for classical and quantum technologies, aiding quantum computer development in our labs. This involves the integration of physics-based experiments spanning neutral atoms, superconducting qubits, and trapped-ions, along with intricate software and high-performance computing.
We seek a candidate to take a leading role in establishing the function, developing process and protocol, to lead coordination of projects and on trusted-research compliance and to support research functions such as conferences, grants, and reporting. This role requires communication, organisation and experience delivering projects across different stakeholder groups.
Key Responsibilities
- You will work alongside the technical team managers and deputy director of research to deliver the NQCC’s research program.
- In establishing the function, you will lead on x-functional communication and coordination of activities across the teams.
- Develop common language, protocols and frameworks to allow for coherent information sharing across the teams and programme.
- Lead on the compliance of the research program with trusted-research frameworks.
- Cover responsibilities such as project management, collaborating with our program delivery team, ensuring research outputs are aligned with evaluation & monitoring requirements.
- Assist the research programme across activities such as conference organisation, grant opportunity seeking and grant preparation.
- You will also be involved in the governance of the research programme i.e. managing projects within NQCC’s framework, and implementing good-practice guides around the themes previously mentioned.
- Represent NQCC externally and advising both internal and external stakeholders therefore stakeholder management will be an important aspect of this role.
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 NQCC, appropriate to the band and level of responsibility of this post, for which the post-holder has the necessary experience and/or training.
Benefits
- 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
- Flexible working hours (subject to business requirements).
- An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
- Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
Prior knowledge of quantum computing is not required to apply for this role. However, experience working alongside and delivering complicated work within a scientific, technical, or Engineering environment would be a benefit. We will offer significant development and training opportunities.
Applicants for this role should meet the following criteria:
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
Essential
- Skills and knowledge in applying best practice principles around project reporting, ethics, finance, legals and compliance. (S & I)
- Strong skills in project management techniques (Using techniques such as Agile/Lean frameworks). (S & I)
- Able to represent high impact activities of organisations externally and manage diverse stakeholders both internally and externally. (S & I)
- Experience developing and implementing new frameworks for governing, administering and monitoring the progress of scientific, technical, or engineering related projects. (S & I)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to convey technical concepts across both technical and non-technical stakeholders. (S & I)
- Strong track record of both opportunity seeking, preparation and governance of applications such as grants. (S & I)
- Analytical mindset and/or STEM degree and demonstratable skills resolving delivery challenges within the context of scientific research. (S & I)
You would need to be available to occasionally travel/work within the UK and overseas when required.
About Us
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is a research centre funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), which is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scalability.
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. We reserve the right to close this advert early if required.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the role, and a 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. BPSS checks can take between 9-12 working days. Once in post you will need to successfully complete a Security Check (SC) clearance.
Research Officer in England employer: National Quantum Computing Centre
Contact Detail:
National Quantum Computing Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the quantum computing field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project management skills and understanding compliance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex projects in the past and how you can bring that experience to the NQCC.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. This will help you connect with both technical and non-technical stakeholders during interviews and demonstrate your ability to bridge gaps.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the NQCC team and ready to dive into the exciting world of quantum technologies.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and why you're excited about the Research Officer role at NQCC. Keep it concise, but let your passion for quantum technologies come through!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to match the job description. Emphasise your project management skills and any experience with compliance and governance in scientific settings. We want to see how you fit into our world!
Follow the Application Instructions: Make sure you follow the application instructions to the letter. Include your name and the job reference number in your document filenames. It’s a small detail, but it shows us you pay attention to detail!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, make sure your written application reflects your communication skills. Use clear, professional language and structure your documents well. We’re looking for clarity and coherence!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Quantum Computing Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on project management techniques, especially Agile and Lean frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as this will show your understanding of best practices in project reporting and compliance.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated across different teams in previous projects.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your experience in developing frameworks for monitoring scientific or technical projects. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills.
✨Be a Team Player
Emphasise your ability to manage diverse stakeholders and coordinate activities across teams. Think of examples where you've led cross-functional communication and how that contributed to the success of a project.