IT Science Computing Team Lead

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Lancaster; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology as an IT Science Computing Team Lead, where you will manage Linux and High Performance Computing environments critical to environmental science. This hybrid role requires strong leadership and technical skills to support our mission in scientific discovery and innovation. With opportunities for professional development, you'll be part of a collaborative team dedicated to high-impact environmental research.

Benefits

27 days annual leave (rising to 29 after 5 years)

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Peer reward and recognition scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

24/7 support for health or financial issues

Qualifications

• Experience in a Linux and/or HPC support role.
• Proven ability in leading and managing change.
• Experience managing technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day operational management of IT Science Computing team.
• Develop and deliver a stable computing environment.
• Implement strategic vision for IT at UKCEH.

Skills

Linux

High Performance Computing

Scripting

Automation tools

Networking

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Tools

Ansible

Python

Kubernetes

Docker

Ceph

Job description

Salary - £46,507 to £51,347
Hybrid working (50/50)
Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
Location: Wallingford, Edinburgh, Lancaster or Bangor

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, and your leadership will help us ensure they remain robust, resilient, and future-proof.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a technically skilled professional ready to 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 collaborating with both IT and Scientific users to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing day-to-day operational management of the IT Science Computing team
• Monitoring and reporting on service requirements, assisting in developing the UKCEH science computing environment
• Developing and delivering a stable, resilient, and recoverable science computing environment for UKCEH, implementing service standards, and developing common systems and processes based on industry best practices
• Ensuring all processes used by the Science Computing Team are thoroughly documented, consistently audited, and regularly improved
• Implementing the strategic vision for IT at UKCEH
• Ensuring security by design in all science computing requirements
• Building and managing relationships with vendors and service providers
• Coordinating and working on multiple cross-functional initiatives and projects

UKCEH is keen to support your development. If you are ready to grow into a leadership position, we’ll work with you to develop your management skills while continuing to contribute technically.

For the role of IT Science Computing Team Lead, we’re looking for someone with:

• 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
• Proven ability in leading and managing change
• Experience managing and delivering technical projects—rollouts, upgrades, migrations, implementations, etc.
• Skills in managing and supporting a variety of technologies, including Linux, HPC, Scripting and Automation tools (including Ansible, Python), containerisation (including Kubernetes, Docker), block storage (including Ceph), Hypervisors
• Strong networking skills, including IP tables, TCP/IP, subnetting, and routing/switching
• Exposure to AWS would be advantageous
• Ability to think critically about systems and procedures and to adapt as needed
• Ability to communicate confidently across UKCEH and explain complex concepts simply
• Good interpersonal skills, including listening and questioning skills
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• A commitment to the UKCEH values of excellence, integrity, and teamwork

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute committed to recruiting talented people, progressing your career, and supporting your growth at UKCEH.

Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are custodians of a wealth of environmental data collected over more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate our staff’s contributions, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 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-dependent)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discounts
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24/7 support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial issues

Apply today!

If this opportunity aligns with your career goals, we encourage you to submit your CV and a cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications, skills, or experience. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace and support applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. Please contact us for any adjustments needed during the application process.

Please note: We cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role, nor support a Global Talent Visa application. If considering self-sponsorship, please mention this in your application.