Salary - £46,507 to £51,347
Hybrid working (50/50)
Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
Location: Wallingford, Edinburgh, Lancaster or Bangor
We will review applications upon receipt. We reserve the right to close this advert if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
UKCEH is looking for an experienced IT Science Computing Team Lead to join our team of talented individuals, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.
This is a highly collaborative, customer facing supporting UKCEH’s scientific mission. As the day-to-day lead for Science Computing, you’ll work closely with our talented community of scientists to understand complex research requirements and translate these into clear, actionable plans for the IT team. You’ll play a vital role in shaping the computing services that support world class environmental science.
You’ll lead our Science Computing team in managing and developing our Linux and High Performance Computing (HPC) environments. These are critical systems to our scientific output, your leadership will help us ensure they remain robust, resilient and fit for the future.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a technically skilled professional ready to take a step into leadership. We’re looking for someone naturally inquisitive, approachable and able to communicate with a range of stakeholders and disciplines. You’ll thrive in understanding and solving problems, proposing solutions and collaborate with both IT and Scientific users to drive continuous improvement and innovation
Your main responsibilities will include:
1. Providing day to day operational management of the IT Science Computing team
2. Monitoring and reporting on service requirements, assisting in developing the UKCEH science computing environment
3. Development and delivery of a stable, resilient and recoverable science computing environment for UKCEH, implementing service standards and developing common systems and processes based on industry best practice
4. Ensuring that all processes used by the Science Computing Team are thoroughly documented, consistently audited, and regularly improved
5. Implement the strategic vision for IT at UKCEH
6. Ensuring security by design in all science computing requirements
7. Build and manage relationships with vendors and service providers
8. Coordinate and work on multiple cross-functional initiatives and projects.
UKCEH is keen to develop and support your development, if you are ready to grow into a leadership position, we’ll work with you to develop your management skills whilst continuing to contribute technically.
For the role of IT Science Computing Team Lead, we’re looking for somebody who has:
9. Experience in a Linux and/or High Performance Computing support role with a strong technical background, with the willingness and ability to operate in a hands-on capacity
10. Proven ability in leading and managing change
11. Managing and delivering technical projects – rollouts, upgrades, migrations, implementations, etc.
12. Skills in managing and supporting a wide variety of technologies, including Linux, HPC, Scripting and Automation tools (including Ansible, Python), containerisation (including Kubernetes, Docker), block storage (including Ceph), Hypervisors
13. Strong networking skills, to include IP tables, TCP/IP, subnetting and routing/switching
14. Exposure to AWS would be advantageous
15. Ability to think critically about systems and procedures and to adjust consistently as needed
16. Ability to interact confidently across UKCEH combined with the ability explain complex concepts in simple to understand terms.
17. Good interpersonal skills including listening and questioning skills
18. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
19. Demonstrate commitment to the UKCEH values of excellence, integrity and teamwork
You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.
Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.
Working for UKCEH is rewarding
We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:
20. Peer reward and recognition scheme
21. Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
Apply today!
If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.
At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.