Deputy Director of Innovation – National Quantum Computing Centre

Deputy Director of Innovation – National Quantum Computing Centre
Salary:  Band G – £60,026 – £75,417 (subject to experience)
Location – RAL, Oxford

Background information

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 five 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).

Position overview

The Deputy Director for Innovation will have primary responsibility for the Centre’s innovation strategy and related programmes, ensuring alignment with other academic, industrial and governmental bodies in order to maximise the Centre’s impact on the wider UK landscape. This will entail contributing to the Centre’s broader strategic vision, its capabilities (e.g. experimental, on-site) and its partnership agreements. Additionally, the role will have primary responsibility for establishing a framework to monitor and evaluate the progress and delivery of the programme, in terms of both innovation goals and other impacts.

The main activities and outputs will include:

• Lead activities, including relevant programmes, to accelerate the commercialisation of quantum computing technologies, in order to deliver the related social and economic benefits, working with stakeholders across government, academia and industry, including:
  – Ensuring that the Centre’s activities support a vibrant UK industry in quantum computing.
  – Identifying opportunities for the development of enabling technologies and building capabilities to address gaps in the supply chain; ensuring intellectual property.
  – Working alongside the Deputy Director for Research to identify requirements and support the commissioning and procurement of hardware and services for the Centre.
  – Working with the Deputy Director for Operations to devise mechanisms that enable access to the Centre’s capabilities, including world-leading emerging quantum computing hardware, for UK government, industry and academia.
  – Identifying mechanisms to support international collaborations, where relevant.
• Engage with tech developers and potential end users from business and industry and build mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Manage the Centre’s commercialisation strategy and provide oversight of the management of its IP portfolio, ensuring policies are in place such that IP, generated by the Centre and contributed by third parties, is appropriately recorded, managed, exploited and treated confidentially.
• Together with the Deputy Director for Research, design and deliver the work programmes; specifically, provide oversight to ensure that the necessary equipment, facilities and infrastructure are in place to ensure successful delivery.
• Implement a framework to monitor and evaluate the progress and delivery of the programme, including the assessment of wider impacts.
• Working with the Deputy Director for Research, contribute to designing and implementing the processes for benchmarking and evaluating emerging quantum computing platforms, focussed on applications of the technology.
• With input from the Director and Deputy Directors for Research and Operations, implement and oversee a Responsible Research and Innovation programme that will inform the Centre’s work programmes and operations.

Person specification

• Degree in management or a relevant computing science or other science or engineering discipline or demonstrate significant experience.
• Proven track record of leading, coordinating and delivering research and innovation programmes, drawing support from, for example, universities, business, other government agencies.
• Demonstrable commitment to safe working practices and the well-being of facility users and visitors.
• An ability to turn vision and strategic plans into reality, achieving buy-in at an organisational level, including the ability to develop and sustain high-performing teams, which deliver priority outcomes whilst meeting financial objectives.
• Experience of developing and maintaining strategic relationships and partnerships and gaining the respect of stakeholders.
• An ability to develop operational solutions within the context of an existing, high-level framework (i.e. to implement the NQCC in line with the approved business case).
• Experience in implementing or operating corporate/institutional governance structures and processes, or demonstrable understanding of the issues involved.
• Significant experience in a senior management position within a hi-tech or science and technology organization.
• An appreciation of governance and risk management.
• Demonstrable experience of financial planning and analysis.
• Understanding of intellectual property rights.

Benefits

STFC offers a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, exceptional pension scheme and social and sporting activities and societies.

To apply

Applicants must include a CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for this role.