IT Science Computing Engineer

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Crowmarsh Gifford; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental research institute is seeking an IT Science Computing Engineer to develop and support high-performance scientific computing infrastructure. This role involves maintaining Linux systems, implementing automation, and collaborating with scientists. The ideal candidate will have strong Linux skills, experience with automation tools like Ansible, and a relevant IT-related degree. The position offers hybrid working and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible working arrangements

Dental insurance

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Experience in Linux systems across multiple distributions.
• Knowledge of management systems such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
• Experience with HPC and cloud computing services.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and monitor scientific computing infrastructure.
• Implement Ansible automation for system management.
• Support production Linux systems across different distributions.

Skills

Linux environments

Configuration management

Project delivery

Communication skills

Education

Relevant IT-related degree

Tools

Ansible

Docker

Kubernetes

VMware

Ceph

Job description

Salary - £38,989 to £41,321
Hybrid working (50/50)
Permanent
Preferred Location: Wallingford
Alternative Locations: 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 IT Science Computing Engineer 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.

You’ll be joining a small, specialist team within the IT department, dedicated to enabling UKCEH to continue delivering world-leading environmental science. We work closely with our scientists, providing high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud-based systems across both on-premises and public platforms.

In this role, your primary focus will be the ongoing development and support of reliable, high-performance scientific computing infrastructure and services. You’ll play a key part in driving improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, and adaptability within a fast-evolving operational environment.

We’re looking for someone confident working in Linux environments, with solid experience in configuration management systems and/or event-driven automation. As part of our close-knit team, you’ll also bring experience in project delivery—gathering user and operational requirements, building robust, production-ready solutions, and producing clear, comprehensive documentation.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Routine maintenance and monitoring - patch management, configuration coding, system hardening, auditing.
• Ansible automation – building modules, supporting DevOps, implementing CIS standards and policies
• Providing crucial support for production Linux systems across various distributions, including Redhat , Centos, Rocky, and Ubuntu
• Confidence in server and storage management within a Linux environment, utilising a range of infrastructures.
• Experience of HPC with Linux servers, virtual machines, containers, networking, software development environments, public cloud computing services (Azure, AWS), an advantage.
• Using hypervisor and container technologies such as VMware, KVM, LXC, Docker, and Kubernetes

You’ll be working with tools like Netbox , Service Desk Plus, Ansible, Proxmox , Ceph and Kubernetes .

For the role of IT Science Computing Engineer, we’re looking for somebody who has:

• Relevant work experience or degree in an IT-related subject
• Linux systems across multiple distributions
• Management systems such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or Salt
• Experience with container technologies, such as LXC, Docker, and Kubernetes
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC)
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, able to build good working relationships, demonstrating good listening skills and the ability to steer a conversation towards finding solutions, using a collaborative and inclusive approach

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:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today!

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.