EMBO stands for excellence in the life sciences. We support talented researchers at all stages of their careers in Europe and beyond, stimulate the exchange of scientific information, and help build a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work. EMBO is a membership organization of over 2,000 leading life scientists, and runs a range of science funding and support programmes, as well as publishing scientific journals.
The EMBO Information Technology & Resources (ITR) team ensures the smooth running and functionality of the organization’s IT infrastructure and provides support to the programmes and activities of EMBO and its staff. This includes the installation, maintenance, and life-cycle management of off-the-shelf hardware and software solutions; the customisation of commercial or open-source platforms to meet the needs of EMBO; and the development of custom-tailored applications for EMBO. The ITR team operates a cluster of file, database and application servers that complement the IT infrastructure offered by our sister institute, EMBL, and offers training, support and troubleshooting services for everyday office information technology at EMBO. EMBO has approximately 60 staff members using mostly MacOS, with a few users running specialised software under MS Windows.
Your role
EMBO is looking for a Head of Information Technology & Resources (ITR). In this role, you will lead a small team and be responsible for overseeing the computer infrastructure and operations of EMBO. The ideal candidate should have a hands-on attitude grounded in technical expertise and complemented by strong leadership skills. The EMBO ITR team is embedded in a culture of close personal interaction, collegial collaboration, and shared ambition and pride in reaching our goals. We are looking for a colleague who is driven, result-oriented, and interested in understanding the substance and procedures of the organization’s work to provide the best possible IT environment, tools, and solutions for EMBO.
Specific responsibilities:
- Support and advise the EMBO Programmes and activities in their IT needs;
- Provide recommendations and propose solutions to help accomplish the EMBO mission through software and hardware procurement;
- Oversee the provision of IT support and training activities as needed;
- Lead liaison with the IT Services team of our sister institute, EMBL, to ensure the smooth and secure operation of all joint systems;
- Ensure compliance with relevant IT standards, as well as security, documentation, reporting, and audit requirements;
- Work closely with the developers in the team in strategically planning and developing novel features and bespoke solutions for in-house workflow and data management;
- Supervise the administration and strategic development of the EMBO web application and resource portfolio, comprising technologies such as WordPress, Django (python) and Laravel (php); PostgreSQL, MySQL and FileMaker; Vue.js; Nginx; running on Linux bare metal or containerised with Docker;
- Oversee administration of our Linux and Windows/Filemaker servers and cloud-based services (Microsoft 365);
- Perform additional tasks as required by the EMBO Director.
This position will occasionally require working outside of the normal working hours, in the evenings or during the weekend.Apply now
Closing date: 17 September 2023
- Contract duration: 5 years
- Grading: 8. Monthly salary starting from 5.6k EUR after tax
- Reference number: EMBO00146
Related
You have
- Education and qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
- Technical expertise:
- Extensive knowledge of IT systems, networks, and infrastructure;
- Hands-on experience in application and database development and operation;
- Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices;
- Experience in managing a Mac OS IT environment.
- Leadership, management, and strategic skills:
- Ability to provide practical support as well as technical guidance as needed;
- Demonstrated leadership experience;
- Proven track record of implementing IT strategies and initiatives aligned with organizational goals;
- Experience of evaluating and procuring software, including CRM and finance management tools;
- Ability to successfully plan, execute, and monitor IT projects;
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to work to highest standards of accuracy and completeness, manage risks, prioritise, and allocate resources;
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent projects and deadlines;
- Ability to anticipate future technology needs and propose innovative solutions, as well as a proactive approach to staying updated with emerging technologies, approaches, and best practices.
- Communication and Collaboration:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences;
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing relationships with external vendors and service providers;
- Excellent written and oral English language skills.
- Demonstrated integrity and confidentiality.
You might also have
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field;
- Practical experience with specific technologies, frameworks and platforms currently used at EMBO;
- Experience of database migration;
- GDPR training;
- Knowledge of scientific computing environments, software, and tools used in research and publishing;
- Experience working in IT within the scientific or non-profit sector;
- Experience working with colleagues and clients with a diversity of cultural and professional backgrounds.
Why join us
The EMBO offices are located on the international EMBL life science research campus in Heidelberg, Germany. Heidelberg, home to around 150,000 people, is a lively university city. EMBO is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international science organisation. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation and family-related benefits where applicable.
As a non-profit organisation, we have an informal and collegial working environment that is inspired by our dedication to working for a common greater good. This position is mostly office-based, with flexible working options available.
What else you need to know
Please note that appointments on fixed-term contracts can be renewed up to 9 years in total, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.
The Head of ITR reports to the EMBO Director.
The selection process will comprise the following elements:
- A 20-30 minute pre-screening video call, which may take place while the vacancy notice is still open;
- A technical panel interview (online), most likely in the week commencing 25 September (TBC);
- An in-person onsite interview, most likely in the week commencing 17 October (TBC).