Photonics and Quantum Accelerator Project Manager

Job Purpose

To lead on the delivery of the objectives and Key-Performance Indicators of the EPSRC Placed-Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) in Photonics Technologies in Central Scotland. The PBIAA, to be known as Photonics and Quantum Accelerator (PQA), is a partnership between Glasgow, Strathclyde, St Andrews and Heriot-Watt Universities and is jointly led by Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities. Contractual leadership is by Glasgow University.

The main focus of the job comprises management of the PQA and relationships with partner universities, non-partner universities, civic partners and industrial partners to deliver impact as described in the project proposal. This will include oversight of, and collaboration with, a Technology Exploitation Director (TED) and an Impact Development Officer (IDO), both employed at Strathclyde University on the PQA project.

Key aspects for the PBIAA Manager will be to: increase the impact of EPSRC-funded research through licensing and new venture creation, increase the number and depth of industry, government and third-sector partnerships with a view to creating impacts collaboratively; support academic/industry partnerships to secure funding/contracts; encourage researcher mobility through the two-way movement of researchers between academia and external partners; to promote the development of photonics skills in Central Scotland, and to promote a step change in the knowledge-exchange culture across the University.

To work with the Principle- and Co-Investigators of the PBIAA, the TED and IDO, to identify areas of market need or potential and to identify areas of research, expertise, know-how or services which could address those needs.

To have a senior role in the ongoing development of the PBIAA, and to manage, monitor and report on progress to the EPSRC.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Lead the strategic planning process for the EPSRC PBIAA and ensure that it meets its stated objectives and that these are aligned to University strategic priorities, and needs of the Project and its stakeholders.

2.  Play a senior role in developing a robust implementation plan to ensure the delivery of the PBIAA ensuring this complements broader operational and strategic plans.

3.  Manage and monitor the project budget, submitting claims, reports and operational plans to ensure maximum value is delivered for the resources deployed and to ensure ongoing financial support from funders.

4.  Ensure deadlines are met and progress is reported to the Management Group, the Enterprise, Engagement and Innovation Advisory Group and other interested parties.

5.  Apply professional expertise and judgement to monitor the quality within the project to ensure that the outputs are delivered to an acceptable standard.

6.  Identify potential for additional bids and potential income-generating opportunities for the project.

7.  Develop, enhance and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders of the project including academics, companies, other service providers and external agencies.

8.  Work with external agencies to identify companies and areas of market need or potential.  To build effective relationships with, and networks of, companies and potential partners with a view to developing potential Knowledge Exchange projects.

9.  Work with the College Research and Business Development team and RSIO Business Development to identify areas of research or technology that could be appropriate to address external needs.

10. Promote the PBIAA within partner and non-partner universities and ensure that all eligible researchers are aware of how to engage with the initiative.

11. Develop and deliver innovative strategies and mechanisms to achieve IAA objectives.

12. Develop and execute a marketing plan, to include engagement and communication activities.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 9, 10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience in a management role(s).

A2 Good understanding of the Higher Education Knowledge Exchange and Impact environment and related priorities.

Desirable:

B1 Postgraduate/Professional qualification in a relevant subject area.

B2 Understanding of the academic environment including the complex mix of pressures, constraints, motivations and risk/reward positions of academic staff, schools, and the institution.

B3 Understanding of the dynamics of the industrial and Government research funding market worldwide.

B4 Understanding of the contractual, legal and financial matters in relation to research contracts, collaborative agreements, confidentiality agreements, consultancy agreements, service agreements and other such documents relevant to this type of transaction.

B5 A well-developed network of contacts with Industrial and Government funders of Research and Knowledge Exchange.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Proven high level communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels.

C2 Strong report/proposal writing skills.

C3 Proven analytical and problem solving capabilities.

C4 Ability to work independently or as a member of a team.

C5 Motivated and enthusiastic.

C6 Evidence of potential to initiate original ideas.

C7 Leadership potential.

C8 Ability to multi task, work flexibly and adapt to changing environments.

C9 Ability to network effectively with high level of influencing and negotiating skills.

Desirable:

D1 Understanding of customer relationship management issues.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles.

E2 Experience of writing funding proposals and project planning, and track record of leading the development of successful proposals.

E3 Experience of developing partnerships with/in industry.

Desirable:

F1 Experience of managing and controlling budgets.

F2 Knowledge of the research funding environment (Scottish, UK, international).

F3 Relevant experience gained within the Higher Education sector.

F4 Experience of knowledge exchange activity within the university/industry context.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £48,350 - £56,021 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and has funding available until 31 January 2028.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

3 A flexible approach to working.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community

https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/

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