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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.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge quantum research with world-class experts.
- Qualifications: Project management skills and experience in scientific or technical environments are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 51000 £ per year.
Salary: Band E £46,743 - £51,037 gross per annum dependent on experience
Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
Contract Type: Open Ended
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 scientists, 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 cross-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.
Our Benefits:
- We are offering a permanent position with a whole host of benefits including: 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.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/
Person Specification:
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:
- Strong skills in project management techniques (Using techniques such as Agile / lean frameworks).
- Skills and knowledge in applying best practice principles around project reporting, ethics, finance, legals and compliance.
- Able to represent high impact activities of organisations externally and manage diverse stakeholders both internally and externally.
- Experience developing and implementing new frameworks for governing, administering and monitoring the progress of scientific, technical, or engineering related projects.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to convey technical concepts across both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong track record of both opportunity seeking, preparation and governance of applications such as grants.
- Analytical mindset and/or STEM degree and demonstrable skills resolving delivery challenges within the context of scientific research.
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 Didcot employer: Science and Technology Facilities Council
Contact Detail:
Science and Technology Facilities Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Officer in Didcot
✨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 researching the NQCC and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work and think about how your skills can contribute. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, being able to convey complex ideas simply is key. Try explaining your past projects to friends or family to refine your pitch.
✨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 Didcot
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 computing and research 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 scientific or technical projects. Remember, we want to see how you fit into our team!
Follow the Application Instructions: Make sure you follow all the application instructions carefully. Include your name and the job reference number in your document file names. Missing this could mean your application gets overlooked, and we don’t want that!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Use straightforward language and structure your documents well to make them easy to read.
How to prepare for a job interview at Science and Technology Facilities Council
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the types of projects the National Quantum Computing Centre is involved in. Understanding their work on quantum technologies and how your experience aligns with their goals will help you speak confidently about your fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully conveyed complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences. This will show that you can bridge the gap between different teams.
✨Highlight Project Management Experience
Make sure to discuss your project management experience, especially using Agile or lean frameworks. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed projects, dealt with challenges, and ensured compliance with best practices. This will illustrate your capability to lead and coordinate effectively.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Ask about their current projects, the challenges they face, or how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is right for you.
