View Vacancy -- Head of IT - Operations Group - Information Technology - LMB 2055

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

Overall purpose: 

To lead on the vision, development and operation of the Laboratory’s IT service and systems that both reflects and supports the strategic scientific goals of the LMB.

This is a hands-on leadership role which involves managing and developing the IT infrastructure (900 users, 2000 mac/pcs and 100 mobile devices) by continually evaluating emerging technologies and performing in-house testing of those with potential           relevance to our needs. You will provide solutions to complex IT problems in support of scientific research and take part in strategic decisions at LMB and UKRI.

You will provide high level expert IT advice and guidance and establish yourself as a key business partner with MRC and UKRI, and other partners as necessary. Close working with a multitude of stakeholders will be essential, so the ability to build effective working relationships is paramount.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

Develop and implement a vision for LMB’s IT service and systems. This will involve leading, developing, managing, and motivating staff members across the range of IT activities.

Effectively communicate the vision and strategy for IT to senior management and to all levels of the LMB and UKRI encouraging and persuading colleagues to adopt appropriate strategies and approaches.

Lead on all aspects of the IT service and systems including:

•    Maintaining and enhancing unique IT infrastructure in support of research. This may include designing, procuring, installing, and configuring infrastructure, and developing appropriate code in a range of languages to underpin the network architecture.

•    Lead a team of specialists providing on-going support and maintenance for IT infrastructure including advanced networking, a range of servers, Mac and PC desktops and complex scientific equipment. This will include managing finances including budgeting and forecasting, as well as ensuring value for money in procurement and contract renewals.

•    Develop and implement ideas to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the IT service ensuring key stakeholder requirements are included and communicated.

•    Maintain other relevant infrastructure such as telephony and audio-visual systems to meet users’ needs.

•    Lead the management of security of equipment, systems, data and develop and maintain appropriate policies and procedures.

•    Ensure effective and appropriate IT policies and practices are developed and followed including the LMB IT policy and standards of IT conduct. To review and establish best practice in IT throughout the LMB.

•    Respond to security and physical emergencies, ensuring that data backups, spare equipment  and contingency plans are in place.

Plan for both short-term and long-term development of IT to include evaluating new developments, risk management and Business Continuity. Ensure that LMB’s IT infrastructure and processes are recorded and documented effectively to support resilience.

Establish educational, training and professional development programmes where necessary and approaches to ensure IT competence of users. 

As a senior member of the Operations Group to contribute, push forward and lead ideas to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the Group and the way in which the LMB operates.

Influence UKRI-wide development and implementation of new corporate IT systems or upgrades. May be required to act as project management lead in key areas.

Represent the LMB to UKRI, MRC Head Office, other MRC Establishments, Cambridge University, and other bodies with whom the LMB interacts and the international scientific IT community.

Working relationships: 

You will:
•    Report to the LMB Chief Operating Officer.
•    Liaise with the LMB Director and Heads of Divisions as required.
•    Line-manage the IT Team (5 staff).
•    Work closely with the LMB Head of Scientific Computing.
•    Work closely with the Operations Group Heads and Facility Managers.
•    Work with IT leads across UKRI.
•    Have working relationships at multiple levels and across many different professional disciplines.
•    Liaise with relevant organisations as required.

Additional information:

A willingness to work flexibly as some out of hours work may be required to avoid disruption to the science.

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Essential: Degree (preferably in IT or Computer Science) or significant experience working at a senior management level.

Desirable: Apple Certification.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential:
•    Proven track record in IT leadership roles and managing teams and services ideally in a research setting.
•    Significant experience in the development and management of a large and complex IT infrastructure, supporting a wide variety of core and bespoke applications.
•    Hands-on expertise in a number of technologies and approaches required to provide an IT Infrastructure which could include high-speed networking, firewalls, large scale data storage and backup, desktops (Mac/Win) for example.
•    Understanding of programming languages that underpin the network architecture.

Desirable: Led organisational change projects.

Knowledge and experience: 

Essential: 
•    A strong background in IT with up-to-date knowledge about the latest developments.
•    In depth knowledge about IT systems, policies and practices and strong experience in developing and implementing them. 
•    A broad understanding of the scientific world in order to be responsive to the needs of scientists and able to develop and deliver creative solutions to IT novel problems.
•    Experience of business planning and project planning including budget management.

Desirable:
•    Experience of managing and designing server rooms including power/cooling/monitoring.
•    A working knowledge of Telephony and audio-visual systems.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential: 
•    Ability to manage, lead and motivate staff. 
•    Good analytical skills, demonstrated in complex decision making and refined influencing skills with the ability to make and communicate sound recommendations.
•    Highly developed interpersonal skills that can elicit confidence and command respect as a trusted advisor to senior management within the LMB and in discussions with MRC and UKRI.
•    Ability to work constructively, collaboratively and productively with colleagues internally and externally.
•    Able to influence MRC and UKRI  in order to ensure IT projects meet the LMB ‘s requirements.
•    Able to communicate with computer users at all levels of competence within LMB, to ascertain needs, answer queries and give information and advice. 
•    Albe to negotiate with equipment and software manufacturers and suppliers to get value for money.
•    Flexible and adaptable approach, capable of planning, prioritising and delivering on a multitude of projects in a fast-paced environment.
•    Appreciative of the culture of LMB and the MRC.

Other information:

The LMB is an Apple and Dell Authorised Repair Centre.