Team Lead- Quantum Algorithms

Job Title: Team Lead- Quantum Algorithms 
Salary: Band F S1 £67,409 gross per annum 
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time/ Part-Time (minimum 0.6 FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity!

About NQCC:

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing. 

Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.

The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and has a 10-year funding commitment as part of the National Quantum Strategy.

About the Role:

The Quantum Algorithms Team Lead will lead and mentor a team of engineers that undertake theoretical and/or applied work on the areas of quantum algorithm development, benchmarking, verification and error correction. You will have the ability to adopt and further a positive and inclusive culture, align with the NQCC’s strategy, establish and grow a multidisciplinary team. You will be able to work/travel within the UK and overseas as and when required to attend international meetings with collaborators and/or events or conferences. 

Key Responsibilities:

•    Leading the team developing quantum algorithms suitable for quantum and hybrid quantum-classical workflows, with responsibility for allocating work and delegating tasks across the team, and ensuring successful delivery.
•    Developing and delivering R&D activities in the areas of quantum algorithm development, benchmarking, verification and error correction, and taking ownership of the team’s overall research strategy.
•    Building the necessary workflows and methodologies across the full development lifecycle, including selecting the necessary software tools for the team.
•    Structuring and leading the work aimed to implement, test, evaluate and optimise the developed algorithms on real quantum processors and/or emulators.
•    Acting as a technical authority for internal and external stakeholders on quantum algorithms development.
•    Identify and drive new research directions ensuring alignment with the NQCC’s overall science strategy, as well as the UK’s Quantum Mission 1.
•    Acting as a technical authority for internal and external stakeholders on quantum algorithms development and its enablers (e.g., benchmarking, verification, error correction).
•    Promote a collaborative environment across the algorithms team, ensuring harmonisation between the algorithms and the applications team, and across the NQCC.
•    Producing technical documents including case studies, reports and publication of non-confidential results.
•    Acting as an advocate for quantum computing as an important emerging technology for the UK.
•    Promoting standard methodology software development across the NQCC.
•    Attend international meetings with collaborators.
•    Present work at internal and external meetings both within the UK and internationally.

Person Specification:

This role is suitable for persons holding PhD qualifications or equivalent knowledge and understanding of quantum algorithms and have experience and/or understanding of enabling technologies such as benchmarking, verification and error correction (the role also offers the opportunity to upskill in one or more of these areas). 

We offer significant development opportunities at the NQCC, but as a starting point you should be able to demonstrate some of the following;

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

•    Educated to at least PhD level (or equivalent work experience) in quantum computing, quantum information, or a closely related field (e.g., physics, mathematics, computer science). (S)
•    Experience and demonstrable track record of research in the field of quantum computing (or a closely related field), such as peer-reviewed publications. (S&I)
•    Demonstrable knowledge of (quantum) algorithms development and execution, and associated processes, such as benchmarking, verification and error correction. (S&I)
•    Familiarity with a range of professional tools and methodologies related to the development of applications for quantum computing. (S&I)
•    Experience of scoping, planning and leading the delivery of technical projects or programmes, with measurable impact and outcomes. (S&I)
•    Proven ability to lead others, define research strategies and plan teamwork, with exceptional communications and organizational skills to drive collaborative working within a multidisciplinary research team environment, either in an industry/business setting or an academic group. (S&I)
•    Experience of stakeholder management or client-facing engagement centered around the development of algorithms for quantum computing. (S&I)

Employee Benefits:

We are offering this position with a whole host of benefits including:

•    30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
•    Flexible working hours.
•    An excellent defined salary pension scheme.
•    Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
•    Excellent learning and development opportunities.
•    Cycle to work scheme.

Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/ 

How to Apply:

Online applications only for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter that clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation to join STFC and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the file name description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the United Kingdom for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years as the role requires CTC clearance. However, UK residency less than the outlined periods may not bar you from gaining National Security Vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed for further advice. Please note for anyone who requires sponsorship we can review on a case by case basis. 

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org .

Join us and discover what's possible!

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 salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

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, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. 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 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.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.