UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation & Timing

Secondment Scheme

The QEPNT Hub is offering support for secondments to give the opportunity to learn new skills and take on new challenges. Secondments may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis for a maximum duration of six months.

This programme offers opportunities for:

  • PhD Students,
  • Early Career Researchers
  • Research Technical Professionals, and
  • Staff at QEPNT external partner organisations

Secondments may involve:

  • Researchers or technical staff from the National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) Hubs spending time in industry or public sector organisations; or
  • Staff working in industry or Government undertaking a placement within a QEPNT partner institution.

Funding of up to £40,000 is available per secondment to support eligible costs including:

  • Salary costs (funded at 80% FEC) for researchers or technical staff from the Hubs
  • Travel
  • Accommodation (where required)
  • Substistence 
  • Research consumables 

Please note:

  • Standard IT equipment such as laptops or desktop computers cannot be requested through this scheme;
  • The scheme cannot directly cover PhD stipends. However, where PhD students are employed by a Hub-partner institution, certain employment-related costs associated with a secondment may be eligible. Applicants are encouraged to discuss individual circumstances with the QEPNT team before applying.
  • All costs must be clearly justified within the application; and
  • All funding must be used solely for the activities described in the approved application.

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from individuals whose work aligns with the aims of QEPNT, including:

  • Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs);
  • Early Career Researchers (ECRs);
  • Research Technical Professionals (RTPs);
  • PhD students; and
  • Staff from UK-based industry or policy organisations.

Applicants from academia must be based within one of the National Quantum Technology Programme Hubs.

Applicants from external organisations must:

  • Be based in the UK; and
  • Undertake their secondment within the research group of a QEPNT Co-Investigator.

Application Process

Applications must include:

  • A completed Secondment Scheme Application Form form;
  • A detailed breakdown of requested costs;
  • A description of the proposed activities and expected outcomes; and
  • Letters of support from:
    • The applicant’s Head of School,
    • Line manager, and
    • External partner organisation (where applicable).

Please send all applications to info@qepnt.ac.uk 

Applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of representatives from:

  • the QEPNT Management Team,
  • the QEPNT ECR Committee, and
  • the Independent Advisory Board.

Applicants should normally expect a decision within one month of submission.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

QEPNT is committed to supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across all of its activities.

The scheme is designed to provide flexible access to professional development opportunities and to reduce barriers to participation, particularly for:

  • Under-represented groups; and
  • Individuals with caring responsibilities.

Applications from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged, and we are committed to offering the funding in as flexible a way as possible.

 

Apply Now

 Secondment Scheme Application Form

Secondment Scheme Guidance

 

Funding Conditions and Payment Terms

QEPNT will fund eligible costs at 80% Full Economic Cost (FEC), in line with EPSRC funding rules.

This includes:

  • Salary costs for secondments between academic institutions and external organisations; and
  • Travel, accommodation, subsistence and consumables associated with all placements.

The remaining 20% FEC contribution is expected to be met by the applicant’s institution or partner organisation.

Key funding conditions:

  • The maximum contribution from QEPNT is £40,000 per secondment;
  • Awards are inclusive of VAT;
  • Funding will normally be paid to the applicant’s home institution or, where appropriate, the external partner organisation, following completion of the secondment.
  • Payments cannot be made to personal bank accounts.

Applicants are encouraged to include details of any co-funding or in-kind contributions from partner organisations, as priority may be given to applications with additional support.

All awards must comply with the current EPSRC Grant Terms and Conditions:

EPSRC Grant Terms and Conditions

Contact Us

For further information, please contact:

Steffan Gwyn
QEPNT Business Development Manager