Computer Officer

The Department of Chemistry wish to appoint a senior Computer Officer from 1st August or as soon after as possible. The IT team at the Department of Chemistry enjoys a reputation for delivering a highly available service that is responsive to the Department's needs. This is achieved through the implementation of effective processes underpinned by consistent configuration of the IT infrastructure. The IT team also pursues simplification of the infrastructure and the decommissioning of obsolete systems in order to minimise technical debt.

The IT support team works in an integrated fashion and takes collective responsibility for the delivery of IT services. However, there is clear delineation in the roles and responsibilities that members of the team perform. This is a senior role that requires someone to perform the following tasks:

1) Build automated solutions for the management of IT infrastructure. This is likely to include monitoring, maintenance, and installation of operating systems, applications, and networks. 2) Third line technical support. The resolution of such problems is likely to involve fixing systemic issues at source and changing the mechanisms used to manage infrastructure. 3) Development of some bespoke applications that are specific to the needs of the department.

The IT team uses a variety of technologies. Our IT infrastructure is predominantly Linux-based, although we also make use of Microsoft Active Directory, and we support desktop computers running Windows, Linux and OSX. Whilst the applicant is not expected to know all the technologies used they should be prepared to rapidly learn them. The key skills of the role holder include:

• An ability to take responsibility and work well with colleagues in the team.
• Strong technical skills including the ability to write computer programs and identify technical faults at source.
• A flexible attitude to work as some tasks may need to be performed out-of-hours, but this should not be seen as routine activity.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills so that the role holder can confidently interact with students, peers, researchers and senior members of the department.

The IT team strives to provide an enjoyable work environment. The successful candidate may have a higher degree, but other candidates who can demonstrate a strong track record of IT Infrastructure support will be seriously considered. The Department consists of roughly 60 academic staff, 135 support staff, 500 graduate students and research staff and 400 remote users. The team, which also looks after the Scott Polar Research Institute (c. 120 users), consists of 8 members and is led by the IT Manager Tim Dickens, to whom informal enquires about the role can be made.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact Dr Tim Dickens via email on tkd25@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference MA36893 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

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.