Job Title: Quantum Fellow
Salary: STEM 1 Band G £75,136 – £82,649 OR STEM 1 Band H £88,094 – £96,903 (dependent on skills and experience)
Contract: Between 3-5 Years Fixed Term
Hours: Full-time or Part-time (Band G minimum 18 hours per week or Band H minimum 15 hours per week)
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, UK
About Us:
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is a new research institution, funded through UK Research and Innovation, which is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scaling up the technology. The Centre will work with businesses, the government and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry. The NQCC will give assured and direct access to early prototype machines for developers and promote the formation of a strong UK-based quantum computing supply chain.
A purpose-built facility for the NQCC, which is due to open in 2024, will be located at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. Until then, the NQCC’s activities are taking place in other facilities on the Harwell Campus or at partnering institutions. The NQCC will sit alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and is part of the wider National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP). The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
About the Role:
This strategic role will allow the successful candidate to undertake an ambitious programme of research in quantum science & technology across a wide range of topics, primarily focused on quantum computing. As a senior scientist within STFC research topics across the STFC quantum portfolio beyond computing will be of interest. For example, Quantum Tech for Fundamental Physics, Quantum Materials, Quantum Networking, Distributed Entanglement and Quantum Timing & Sensing.
You will spend a minimum of 20% and a maximum of 100% full-time equivalent (FTE) as an NQCC Quantum Fellow.
As a senior member of our technology effort, our Quantum Fellows will be critical in helping us to fulfil our role as a source of trusted expertise and national capability in quantum computing, catalysing and accelerating the growth of a vibrant UK academic and industrial quantum computing sector.
As an NQCC Quantum Fellow, the successful applicant will use current research results to steer and advise on areas of high potential for the NQCC and contributions to the wider UK quantum computing landscape as well as make a key contribution in shaping and influencing the future UK quantum computing landscape, meeting the strategic aims of the National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) as well as the STFC Quantum Strategy.
Working closely with the Deputy Director of Research and the Chief Scientist this role will be responsible for linking the research community, the NQCC technology team and our technical roadmap as well as supporting the delivery of our science and technology strategy.
We are looking for an individual with the experience and personal characteristics to command credibility from a diverse range of stakeholders. The successful candidate will also have a proven track record of leading, coordinating and delivering research and innovation programmes.
Specifically, the successful candidate will:
• Contribute to ensuring capability for the UK in quantum computing
• Lead ambitious research in quantum science & technology to support the UK in this area of national importance
• Provide an enhanced network of international standing in quantum science providing expertise and value
• Contribute towards achieving the aspirations of the NQTP strategic intent around talent retention in the UK by building capacity in this research area
• Provide expert advice to the NQCC and build further links between academia, industry and government in an area of strategic importance for the UK
• Engage and support the delivery of STFC Quantum Strategy
Informal discussions with the NQCC Director, Michael Cuthbert (in advance of submitting the application to fully understand expectations) are strongly encouraged.
Funding Available
This opportunity is a strategic role within the NQCC and is supported through access to NQCC core funding provided by EPSRC and STFC. Application for external project funding will be possible through the normal UKRI funding processes once in post.
This opportunity is targeted at those with extensive expertise and track record in quantum science & technology.
Part-time applicants with joint positions at an academic institution should identify the funding available via that secondary source.
Person Specification:
Research Excellence
• The novelty, relationship to the context, timeliness and relevance to identified stakeholders
• The ambition, adventure, transformative aspects or potential outcomes
• The suitability of the proposed methodology and the appropriateness of the approach to achieving impact.
Strategic Leadership
• Evidence of leadership and influence within the UK Quantum Technologies landscape or internationally
• How do you plan to work with the NQCC and the Deputy Director Research & Chief Scientist and provide strategic advice on the technology program?
• Engagement with and proposals for STFC Quantum Strategy delivery
Applicant and Partnerships
• The appropriateness of the track record of the applicant
• Any equipment requested, or the viability of the arrangements described to access equipment needed for this project, and particularly on any university or third-party contribution
• Any resources requested for activities to either increase impact, for public engagement or to support responsible innovation
• The strategic intent and level of tailored support from the host organisation in the event of a joint position.
Benefits:
This is an exciting time to join the NQCC where you will have the opportunity to harness your research experience and drive forward quantum computing within the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme.
STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, an outstanding pension scheme and social and sporting activities and societies.
Visa sponsorship and relocation allowances may apply to suitable international candidates.
About the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)
As part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is leading a programme to establish a National Quantum Computing Centre, which includes a commitment of £93m over 5 years, dedicated to drive development in the field of Quantum Computing and to place the UK at the forefront of the field. The Centre is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
A purpose-built National Quantum Computing Centre will be built and operated by UKRI at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) campus in Oxfordshire. The Centre will be open and operational by December 2022. Until then, the NQCC’s activities are taking place in other facilities on the Harwell Campus or at partnering institutions. The NQCC will sit alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and will be part of the broader National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP).
The primary purpose of the NQCC is to fill a key gap in the research and innovation landscape addressing the challenge of scaling quantum computing. However, this technology is immature and extensive development work is needed to scale the fundamental science to provide usable computing systems.
The NQCC’s initial 5 years will focus on developing a Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) machine to demonstrate the technology as well as software, algorithm and applications development. The longer-term aim is to scale the technology towards an error and noise-free fault-tolerant machine capability with benchmarking and verification demonstrated in collaboration with the UK and international partners. The NQCC will give assured and direct access to early prototype machines to developers and promote the formation of a strong UK-based quantum computing supply chain.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit the benefits of working for UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications are only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
Additional Information
- Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – National Quantum Computing Centre
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
- External Closing Date: Sep 1, 2024
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 75,136
- Hours: Full-time / Part-time