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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/
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