Research Officer

Job Description

Job Title: Research Officer

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.

Security Clearance Requirement: Applicants must have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years to obtain enhanced security clearance. Pre‑employment BPSS and SC clearance required.

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Officer to join the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). You will work alongside scientists, engineers, developers, and experts in quantum technologies to enhance the UK’s quantum computing capabilities, overseeing diverse projects ranging from classical to quantum technologies, and integrating physics‑based experiments with sophisticated software and high‑performance computing. This role is responsible for leading the establishment of the function, developing processes and protocols, coordinating projects, ensuring compliance with trusted‑research frameworks, and supporting research activities such as conferences, grants, and reporting. Strong communication, organization, and experience delivering projects across stakeholder groups are required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop common language, protocols and frameworks for coherent information sharing across teams and the programme.
• Lead compliance of the research program with trusted‑research frameworks.
• Project management – collaborate with the program delivery team and ensure research outputs meet evaluation and monitoring requirements.
• Support the research programme in conference organisation, grant opportunity seeking and grant preparation; govern projects within NQCC’s framework and implement good‑practice guides.
• Represent NQCC externally and advise both internal and external stakeholders, managing diverse stakeholder relationships.

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.

Benefits

• 30 days holiday, in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days.
• Flexible working hours (subject to business requirements).
• Excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Public transport links and free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

More benefits details:

Person Specification

Prior knowledge of quantum computing is not required. Experience delivering complicated work within a scientific, technical, or engineering environment would be a benefit.

Applicants for this role should meet the following criteria (skilled scoring during shortlisting/interview):

Essential

• Skills and knowledge in applying best‑practice principles around project reporting, ethics, finance, legals and compliance.
• Strong skills in project management techniques (agile/lean frameworks).
• Able to represent high‑impact activities 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 projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to convey technical concepts across both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Strong track record of opportunity seeking, preparation and governance of grant applications.
• Analytical mindset and/or STEM degree with demonstrable skills resolving delivery challenges within the context of scientific research.

Travel: occasionally travel/work within the UK and overseas when required.

About the National Quantum Computing Centre

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). It is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing challenges of scalability.

Contact and Application

Online applications only preferred. Submit a CV and covering letter that clearly outlines how you fulfil the specified criteria and your motivation for joining NQCC. Include the job reference number in the file name of each document uploaded. Failure to provide a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates are required to complete national pre‑employment control checks to the BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard). BPSS checks can take 9‑12 working days. Once in post you will need to complete a security check (SC) clearance.

Support for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UKRI is committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect and providing equal opportunities. We value diversity of thought and experience and support EDI in the workforce. As a disability‑confident employer, candidates who opt into the scheme will be shortlisted for interview if they meet the essential criteria. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable participation in the application or interview process.

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