Assistant IT Manager

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Cambridge is seeking an Assistant IT Manager for its Department of Earth Sciences. This hands-on role involves managing IT systems and supporting research computing while ensuring cyber security. Candidates should have extensive experience with systems administration and networking, particularly in Linux environments. You'll lead IT projects, provide advanced technical support, and ensure a secure and reliable computing environment. The position requires excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to service improvement.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• Strong technical experience in systems administration, networking, and cyber security.
• Confident in working with Linux environments.
• Experience with automation and research computing.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support Linux, Windows, and Mac systems.
• Administer the network infrastructure.
• Implement cyber security measures.
• Provide advanced technical support to staff and researchers.
• Lead IT projects and improve services.

Skills

Systems administration

Networking

Cyber security

Linux

Automation

Virtualisation

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

Scripting tools

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a world‑leading academic environment? Do you want to help shape and support the digital systems that underpin cutting‑edge research into the Earth, our environment, and planetary science? The Department of Earth Sciences is seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant IT Manager to join its dedicated IT team. The Department, including the Sedgwick Museum, operates across two main sites in Cambridge: Downing Street in the city centre and the Bullard Laboratories at Madingley Rise in West Cambridge. This is a hands‑on technical role that will play a key part in maintaining and improving the Department's IT infrastructure. The successful candidate will work closely with the IT Manager to deliver a secure, reliable, and modern computing environment for research, teaching, and administration. The role holder will also provide delegated leadership across the IT function, acting as the principal deputy to the IT Manager.

Key responsibilities

• Managing and supporting Linux, Windows, and Mac systems
• Administering and improving the Department's network infrastructure
• Supporting research computing, data storage, and virtualisation environments
• Implementing cyber security measures and compliance processes
• Automating systems and configuration management using scripting tools
• Providing advanced technical support to staff, students, and researchers
• Leading or contributing to departmental IT projects and service improvements
• Maintaining and supporting AV and teaching‑room technologies
• Delegated leadership across the IT team, ensuring coordinated service delivery and quality
• Lead Technical Training across IT and Professional Services, enabling adoption of modern technologies and driving staff development across the department

You will have strong technical experience in systems administration, networking, and cyber security, with the ability to manage multiple platforms and technologies. You will be confident working in Linux environments, familiar with network management, and experienced in solving complex technical problems. Experience with automation, virtualisation, and research computing would be an advantage. This role suits someone who enjoys a varied workload and is comfortable working across multiple sites. You will need excellent communication skills, strong problem‑solving ability, and a proactive approach to developing and maintaining IT services in a collaborative academic setting.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and covering letter, setting out how you meet the requirements of the role, in the upload section. Applications are welcome from internal candidates. The Department offers a flexible working environment, though the role is primarily on site due to its technical and operational nature. For further details, please see the full role description in the Further Particulars document. Informal enquiries may be made to Neil Marjoram (IT Manager) at [e-mail]. We hope to hold interviews during w/c 23 February 2026. Please quote reference LB48468 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.