Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Quantum Innovation Sector Lead

Physics World
Didcot
2 days ago
Create job alert

Join to apply for the Quantum Innovation Sector Lead role at Physics World.


Job Details



  • Salary: UKRI Band F S2 £62,434
  • Contract Type: up to 2 x permanent positions
  • Hours: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE) – flexible working arrangements available.
  • Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
  • Band: Up to 3 positions at either Band F S2 or junior Band E S2. Band E S2 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 seek self‑starters who are strategically minded, pro‑active and can readily apply their knowledge to understand technical and sector challenges.


As part of the Innovation Team you will work with 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. You will maintain a comprehensive understanding of the state‑of‑the‑art in quantum computing and its potential applications, building end‑user requirements and driving the development of innovative solutions.


Key projects will include quantum readiness for critical industry sectors such as Financial Services, Pharmaceuticals, Advanced Materials, Energy, Healthcare, Security, Bio‑Chemistry, Aerospace, Transport and Telecommunications.


Key Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the development and delivery of the NQCC’s innovation strategy for quantum computing to enable ‘quantum readiness’ and the general sector and user engagement strategy.
  • Work with prospective end users in industry, academia and the public sector to understand user requirements, build domain knowledge and explore potential applications.
  • Facilitate the exploration and development of new products, processes, services and business opportunities based on quantum computing.
  • Engage with applications engineers, algorithms developers and the wider technical team to support testing and development of innovative solutions.
  • Initiate, manage and report on related projects, working with the NQCC’s programme team as required.
  • Shape and deliver key initiatives under the NQCC’s SparQ quantum readiness programme.
  • Build strong relationships with research and technology organisations, government, industry, business, trade associations and standards and regulatory bodies.
  • Lead technology roadmapping activities for critical sectors, as required.
  • Track and collate information on technical and commercial developments, preparing analysis to identify trends.
  • Deliver engagement activities to build stakeholder networks and identify new collaboration opportunities.
  • Present work at internal and external meetings within the UK and internationally, representing the NQCC at conferences, workshops, forums and in the media.
  • Make site visits to commercial and academic partners as needed.

Person Specification

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in physics, computer science or mathematics.
  • Demonstrable prior experience and/or broad knowledge of quantum computing, quantum technologies or related field.
  • Experience of stakeholder management in an industry‑focused client‑facing or user engagement role, building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
  • Significant experience of innovation or technology provision in a commercial environment.
  • Experience in creating and developing product roadmaps and associated IP strategy and implementing technology solutions.
  • Proven ability to run, manage and report on technical projects of various sizes, with knowledge of measuring and monitoring performance and impact.
  • Ability to organise and structure complex themes and material to convey and communicate with clarity.
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating strategic thinking and leadership within area of responsibility.

Benefits

  • 30 days holiday (plus 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
  • Flexible working hours
  • Excellent defined average salary pension scheme
  • Free parking and excellent public transport links
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities and a cycle‑to‑work scheme
  • Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

Join us and discover what’s possible!


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Quantum Innovation Sector Lead

Quantum Innovation Sector Lead

Strategic Account Executive - Quantum Computing 387

Expert Witness - Quantum

Strategic Account Executive - Quantum Computing / ストラテジック・アカウント・エグゼクティブ (営業部門)

Principal, Product Marketing - Quantum Algorithms and Use Cases - 390

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Quantum Computing Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK quantum computing hiring has shifted from credential‑first screening to capability‑driven evaluation. Employers now value provable contributions across the stack—algorithms & applications, compilation & optimisation, circuit synthesis, control & calibration, hardware characterisation, error mitigation/correction (QEM/QEC), verification/benchmarking, and hybrid HPC/quantum workflows—plus the ability to communicate trade‑offs, costs and feasibility to non‑quantum teams. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews and how to prepare—especially for quantum algorithm engineers, quantum software/compilers, experimentalists, quantum control & firmware, cryo/readout engineers, quantum error correction researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, and quantum‑adjacent product managers. Who this is for: Quantum algorithm/applications engineers, compiler/optimisation engineers, control/firmware engineers, experimental physicists & hardware engineers (superconducting, trapped ion, photonic, spin/neutral atom), cryogenics & RF/microwave, QEC researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, quantum‑HPC orchestration engineers, and product/BD roles in the UK quantum ecosystem.

Why Quantum Computing Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Quantum computing has long been considered an elite subfield of physics and computer science. But as quantum technologies advance—from fault-tolerant hardware to quantum algorithms and quantum cryptography—they’re moving closer to real applications in finance, materials simulation, optimisation, cryptography and more. As this transition happens, UK quantum computing careers are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary. Quantum systems are no longer just the domain of physicists and quantum software engineers. If quantum technologies are to be trusted, adopted and regulated, professionals must also incorporate expertise in law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. In practice, quantum computing projects now intersect with data governance, risk, human interaction, explainability and communication. In this article, we’ll explore why quantum computing careers in the UK are shifting to multidisciplinary roles, how these five supporting fields intersect with quantum work, and what job-seekers & employers should do to keep up in this evolving frontier.

Quantum Computing Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Quantum Department

Quantum computing has shifted from lab curiosity to the next frontier of high-impact computing. Across the UK, universities, national labs, start-ups, and established tech and finance firms are building quantum teams to explore algorithms, design hardware, and deliver quantum-ready software. As momentum grows, so does the need for clear, robust team structures. Because quantum R&D spans physics, engineering, computer science, and product, ambiguity about who does what can slow progress, increase risk, and inflate costs. This guide maps the typical roles in a modern quantum computing department, how they collaborate across the research-to-product lifecycle, skills and backgrounds UK employers expect, indicative salary ranges, common pitfalls, and practical ways to structure teams that move fast without breaking science.