IT Science Computing Team Lead

UKCEH is looking for an 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 role working closely with scientists and research teams across UKCEH. As the day-to-day lead for Science Computing, you will 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 will play a vital role in shaping and evolving the computing services that underpin world‑class environmental science. 

You will lead the Science Computing team, in managing and developing our Linux and High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments, working alongside experienced colleagues to ensure these systems remain robust, resilient and future ready. These critical systems are central to our scientific output, and your leadership will help ensure they remain robust, resilient and fit for the future, enabling researchers to deliver high impact science. 

This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a technically skilled professional ready to step into leadership. We are looking for someone curious, approachable, and committed to collaborative problem solving, with the ability to communicate effectively across a range of stakeholders and disciplines. You will thrive on understanding and solving problems, proposing practical solutions, and working with both IT colleagues 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 across our sites. 
• Monitoring and reporting on service requirements, assisting in developing the UKCEH science computing environment  
• Development and delivery of a stable, resilient and recoverable science computing environment for UKCEH, implementing service standards and developing common systems and processes based on industry best practice  
• Ensuring that all processes used by the Science Computing Team are thoroughly documented, consistently audited, and regularly improved  
• Implement the strategic vision for IT at UKCEH 
• Ensuring security by design in all science computing requirements 
• Build and manage relationships with the UKCEH science computing community and external Vendors. 
• Coordinate and work on multiple cross-functional initiatives and projects.  

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

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

• Experience in a Linux and/or High-Performance Computing (using Slurm)  with a strong technical background, with the willingness and ability to operate in a hands-on capacity  
• Managing and delivery technical projects – rollouts, upgrades, migrations, implementations, etc.  
• Skills in managing and supporting a wide 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, to include IP Chain firewalls, TCP/IP, subnetting and routing/switching  
• Ability to think critically about systems and procedures and to adjust consistently as needed  
• Ability to interact confidently across UKCEH combined with the ability explain complex concepts in simple to understand terms.   
• Good interpersonal skills including listening and questioning skills  
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills  
• Demonstrate commitment to the UKCEH values of excellence, integrity and teamwork  

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  

If this role excites you and fits with your career goals, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV along with responses to the questions below (in replacement of a cover letter). Your answers should highlight the qualifications, skills, and experience most relevant to this role.  

Provide up to 150 words per question, using specific examples to demonstrate your personal contribution and impact. Please do not submit a separate cover letter. 

Supporting Statement Questions (word limit: 300-450 words) 

• What technical decisions do you insist on being involved in as a team leader, and which do you delegate? 
• How do you handle user‑installed software that conflicts with system libraries or policies? 
• What HPC schedulers have you worked with (e.g. Slurm, PBS, LSF), and what challenges did you face managing them? 

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.