Oxford Quantum Circuits

Quantum Computing

ExternalResearchandCollaborationsDirector

£120–180k ~AI est. Reading, England, United Kingdom FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Director candidates.

The Brief

“External Research and Collaborations Director at Oxford Quantum Circuits. Skills: External research collaborations, Strategic partnerships, Grant funding programmes, Quantum technology roadmap. Define external research strategy. Execute external research strategy”

What You'll Achieve.

Accelerate technology roadmap; Strengthen scientific influence; Unlock funding opportunities; Support business growth; Deliver technical outcomes; Deliver commercial outcomes

Industry & Context.

Quantum Computing

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Significant experience leading external research collaborations, Significant experience leading strategic partnerships, Significant experience leading grant-funded programmes, Significant experience leading scientific initiatives, Background within quantum technologies, Background within quantum computing, Background within quantum hardware, Background within physics, Background within engineering, Background within deep-tech environment, Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, Experience managing relationships with universities, Experience managing relationships with research institutions, Experience managing relationships with funding bodies, Experience managing relationships with industry partners, Experience managing relationships with comparable organisations, Demonstrated success delivering complex programmes, Experience contributing to business planning, Experience contributing to strategic prioritisation, Experience contributing to budget forecasting, Experience contributing to resource planning, Excellent ability to translate complex concepts, Degree in Physics, Degree in Engineering, Degree in Quantum Technology, Degree in Computer Science, Equivalent practical experience, Expertise in strategic planning, Expertise in grant development, Expertise in programme management, Expertise in stakeholder engagement, Expertise in budgeting, Expertise in forecasting, Expertise in risk management, Expertise in technical proposal development

Nice to Have

Experience securing grant funding, Experience managing grant funding, Experience within scale-up environment, Experience within commercial R&D, Experience within high-growth technology environment, Background in shaping research strategy, Exposure to intellectual property management, Exposure to collaboration agreements, Exposure to research governance, Experience leading teams, Experience leading matrix organisations, Experience leading cross-functional delivery groups, PhD in quantum physics, PhD in quantum computing, PhD in superconducting circuits, PhD in engineering, PhD in related field, MSc in quantum physics, MSc in quantum computing, MSc in superconducting circuits, MSc in engineering, MSc in related field, Equivalent research experience, Knowledge of partnership governance, Knowledge of research commercialisation, Knowledge of change leadership, Knowledge of data analysis, Knowledge of talent planning

What You'll Do.

Define external research strategy

Execute external research strategy

Define collaboration strategy

Execute collaboration strategy

Identify grant funding opportunities

Prioritise grant funding opportunities

Secure grant funding opportunities

Lead grant applications

Lead funded programmes

Coordinate stakeholders

Coordinate governance

Coordinate partner engagement

Build senior relationships

Maintain senior relationships

Create collaboration opportunities

Drive research prioritisation

Drive funding strategy

Drive budget planning

Drive resource allocation

Ensure collaboration programmes delivered

Manage governance requirements

Manage stakeholder expectations

Drive cross-functional alignment

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Cross-functional alignment; Science teams; Engineering teams; Product teams; Finance teams; Legal teams; Commercial teams; People teams

Communication Scope

Translate scientific concepts; Translate technical concepts; Clear proposals; Clear plans; Clear decisions; Stakeholder communications

Process & Methodology

Programme management, Grant funding programmes, Complex programmes, Milestones, Budgets, Governance frameworks, Reporting requirements

Full Job Description

At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started and we’ve recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round – the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe. As External Research and Collaborations Director, you will shape and lead OQC’s external research ecosystem, turning scientific collaboration opportunities into funded, strategically aligned programmes that accelerate our technology roadmap. Working closely with our Founder and senior leadership team, you’ll build high-impact partnerships that strengthen OQC’s scientific influence, unlock funding opportunities, and support long-term business growth. ### The Role You will own OQC’s approach to research partnerships, grant funding, and external collaborations, ensuring that scientific priorities are translated into well-governed, executable programmes that deliver meaningful technical and commercial outcomes. ### What You'll Be Working On * Defining and executing OQC’s external research and collaboration strategy across universities, research institutions, funding bodies, industry partners, and the wider quantum ecosystem. * Identifying, prioritising, and securing strategic grant funding opportunities aligned with OQC’s technical roadmap and business objectives. * Leading end-to-end delivery of grant applications and funded programmes, coordinating stakeholders, budgets, governance, reporting, and partner engagement. * Building and maintaining senior relationships with academic, research, industry, and funding organisations to create high-value collaboration opportunities. * Partnering with Science and Innovation leadership to drive research prioritisation, funding strategy, budget planning, and resource allocation. * Ensuring collaboration programmes are

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