The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is looking to appoint someone to lead the government’s quantum computing strategy.
The role is being advertised at a salary range of £73,000 to £117,800 per annum. According to a job advertisement posted on a civil service job website, the government has seen Quantum computing As a priority technology.
“We look forward to seeing you as an inspiring leader, a collaborative colleague and a passionate advocate for quantum technology – across HMG [His Majesty’s Government] and with the academic and business communities. We expect you to deliver tangible results,” the job listing said.
As part of what it describes as an upcoming “quantum strategy”, the government is looking to appoint a leader for the Office of Quantum Technology. The vacancy states that the successful applicant will be responsible for delivering against the objectives of this Quantum Strategy and setting out the steps the government needs to take to ensure the UK is a leading quantum nation. According to the list, this involves establishing a dedicated cross-government team to lead the work.
Although the Quantum Technologies Office will sit within BEIS, it is expected to work across government departments. The job advert proposes that the Quantum team will identify, develop and realize opportunities in the nascent quantum sector to benefit the UK’s prosperity, security and global impact.
“You will lead on all aspects of quantum technology for HMG, working closely with many partners in government, academia and industry, and your personal drive, energy and credibility will be an essential element in the success of the strategy,” it said.
In 2014, government, academia and industry launched the £1.4bn National Quantum Technology Program (NQTP). The initial phase involves setting up hubs Quantum efficiency and innovation. According to NQTP, these act as the engine of UK quantum ambitions, weaving together the science of quantum technologies with ideas for their commercialization and providing a route to market.
At the time, NQTP said each hub would bring together experts from universities, national laboratories, business development and industry partners to conduct a proposed development.
Last year, BEIS launched a consultation on the UK’s quantum computing strategy, seeking advice on strategy vision and objectives, knowledge pipelineInnovation ecosystem, efficiency, adoption and regulatory environment.
With the second phase of the NQTP due to end in 2024, BEIS says the time is right to develop a national quantum strategy that sets out how the government will support commercialization and industrialisation, attract investment and further develop the sector and supply chain, research landscape. Develop and increase efforts to collaborate with international partners.
In the consultation paper, BEIS said: “We must take action to retain talent, skills and knowledge in the UK and protect our knowledge and intellectual property.”