Team Lead- Quantum Algorithms

STFC; Harwell; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Pension scheme

Public transport access/free parking

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

STFC’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) at Harwell seeks a Team Lead for Quantum Algorithms. You will guide a multidisciplinary team of engineers and researchers, driving theoretical and applied quantum algorithm work, benchmarking, verification and error correction.

You will shape research strategies, collaborate with UK/ international partners, publish results, and promote quantum computing across the UK. Flexibility and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• PhD level or equivalent in quantum computing, quantum information, or closely related field.
• Experience and demonstrable track record in quantum computing research (peer‑reviewed publications).
• Knowledge of quantum algorithms, benchmarking, verification, and error correction is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers working on quantum algorithms, benchmarking, verification and error correction.
• Develop and deliver R&D activities and set the team’s research strategy.
• Build workflows and select software tools for the development lifecycle; supervise implementation and testing on real quantum processors or emulators.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Team leadership

Research planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in quantum computing

Job description

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.

Closing Date: 25/10/2026

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:

• 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/

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 [e-mail] .