Deputy Director of Research - National Quantum Computing Centre

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, 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 2023, 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).

Key Accountabilities

The Deputy Director for Research will have primary responsibility for delivering the research performed by, or in partnership with the Centre. As part of the leadership team, this role will report to NQCC Director and will both define the Centre’s technical goals and build an evolving technical roadmap.

With input from the NQCC Director, the Deputy Director for Research will define the Centre’s technical goals within the context of a continually updated technical roadmap. Additionally, the role will have a primary responsibility for establishing a rigorous and fair processes for assessing the performance of delivered quantum systems and software (versus other systems, whether of UK-origin or internationally).

It is envisaged that the Centre will comprise of approximately 65 staff across 3 divisions including Operations, Research and Innovation. Within the Research Division, it is anticipated that this role will have 25-30 reportees, either directly or indirectly.

Within UKRI, the Executive Chairs for EPSRC and STFC are the joint sponsors for Quantum Technologies and this is reflected in the joint governance of the NQCC. The Director has the responsibility to report to the EPSRC Executive Chair on the Research Programme and the STFC Executive Chair on the Operational Management of the Centre. The Director must also ensure that the strategy for the NQCC aligns with that of UKRI.

The main activities and outputs for the role will include:

• Developing the strategy for the Centre’s R&D programme; in particular, the role will have responsibility to:
  • To lead, direct and deliver the technology roadmap for the Centre.
  • Establish the centre’s technical goals within a continually updated roadmap that is informed by progress on the national and international scenes.
  • Identify specific themes within the UK’s diverse hardware and software community (academic and industrial) where an internationally leading position can be sustained.
• Working in collaboration with the Deputy Director for Innovation:
  • Negotiate with academic and industrial partners on the details of systems/software to be co-developed or commissioned.
  • Commission and procure hardware and services delivered to the Centre by third parties;
  • Establish evidence based processes for assessing the performance of delivered quantum systems and software
• Working alongside the Chief Scientist, maintain close links with academic research themes recognising progress on algorithms and applications that inform the technical roadmap as the technology matures.

Knowledge and Experience*

Essential:

• Expert in quantum computing and an understanding of the overall field including hardware, software, algorithms and potential applications (SL) (I)
• Proven track record of leading, coordinating and delivering research and innovation programmes, drawing support from, for example, universities, business, other government agencies and elsewhere (SL) (I)
• Experience of developing and maintaining strategic relationships and partnerships and gaining the respect of stakeholders (I)
• An understanding of the UK and global research and innovation landscape in quantum computing and the role of the NQCC (I)
• A pre-existing professional network with key stakeholders within the quantum computing community and related fields (I)
• Proven experience as an internationally recognised expert in a relevant field, with a strong existing network across industry and academia (SL) (I)
• Extensive experience and understanding of R&D work across a wide range of disciplines (SL) (I)
• Demonstrable experience in setting and realising technical strategy in an R&D environment (I)
• Proven experience in effectively challenging and influencing at senior management and senior external stakeholder level (I)
• Demonstrable capability and judgement to initiate and develop technical programmes, influencing internal and external resource managers (I)
• Significant experience in a senior management position within a hi-tech or science and technology organisation (SL)
• Ensure programmes are delivered within agreed timescales, within budget and to a high calibre (I)
• An appreciation of governance and risk management principles (I)
• Experience of building effective cross functional working relationships (I)

Personal Skills and Attributes*

• Excellent leadership with strong team working and collaboration skills (I)
• Excellent communication, relationship building and influencing skills (I)
• Experience in a senior management position within the science and technology programme in a similar organisation, and the ability to gain the respect of UKRI’s science communities.
• Ability to positively influence stakeholders (SL)
• Proven project/programme management skills (SL)
• A big-picture thinker (I)
• Excellent decision-making ability (I)
• Driven and achievement focused (I)
• Results and detail orientated (I)
• Demonstrable commitment to safe working practices and the well-being of facility users and visitors. (SL) (I)
• Ability to travel regularly in the UK and overseas (I)

Qualifications*

Essential:

• Degree, PhD or equivalent level Qualification in a Quantum Computing related field(SL)

• Assessment Criteria - (SL) Shortlisting stage; (I) Interview stage

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