At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-performance computing operations and enhance research data storage services.
- Company: Join a leading biomedical research institute with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 28 days leave, health support, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work culture with excellent career growth and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research while developing your technical leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with high-performance storage systems and compute clusters is essential.
The predicted salary is between 73000 - 82000 £ per year.
Salary: From £73,000 - £82,000 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Application closing date: 07/Jun/2026 23:59 GMT.
What you will be doing:
- Understand the scientific and research requirements of the Crick’s scientific programmes to advise and deliver platforms and services appropriate to their needs.
- Take ownership of the operational effectiveness of the team, driving the smooth running and continual improvement of services.
- Act as deputy for the Head of Research Computing Platforms, taking on wider managerial responsibilities as required.
- Serve as incident manager for Research Computing Platforms in response to unplanned service outage.
- Technical lead on the design, implementation and operation of research data storage services for access by researchers and instruments inside the Crick and for external collaborations.
- Work with the Head of Research Computing Platforms and the wider Scientific Computing function to define a technology vision and roadmap for storage systems.
- Ensure Research Computing Platforms is a user‑facing service through the delivery of an engaged and supportive HPC service desk.
- Work collaboratively across ITO teams including Architecture, Security and Helpdesk in the delivery and operational management of research platforms and services.
About you:
- Experience leading the design, maintenance and optimisation of petabyte‑scale high‑performance storage systems.
- Experience leading the operation and management of high‑performance compute clusters.
- Ability to manage complex services and projects effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision, a finite pool of resources, and against deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a deeply technical engineering team, while still able to work directly with stakeholders to focus on research/business outcomes.
- Previous experience working in a biomedical research environment (desirable).
- Additional domain technology expertise such as automation and data‑centre networking (desirable).
What will you receive?
- Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom.
- Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
- Health & Well‑being: 24/7 GP consultation services, occupational health services and mental health support programmes, eye‑care vouchers and discounted health‑care plans.
- Work‑life Balance: Back‑up care for dependants, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options and Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
- Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme, shopping discounts, subsidised on‑site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
HPC Operations Lead employer: Francis Crick Institute Ltd
The Crick is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of biomedical research. With generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and comprehensive health and well-being support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The culture promotes work-life balance and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in scientific advancements while enjoying a supportive community.
Contact Details:
Francis Crick Institute Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HPC Operations Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those at the Crick or similar institutions. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the role. Understand the HPC landscape and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in high-performance computing. Real-life stories resonate more than just buzzwords.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace HPC Operations Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HPC Operations Lead role. Highlight your experience with high-performance storage systems and compute clusters, as well as any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background fits with our needs at StudySmarter. Don't forget to mention any experience in biomedical research if you have it!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working collaboratively with various teams, make sure to highlight your interpersonal and communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can bridge the gap between technical teams and stakeholders!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you'll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Francis Crick Institute Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the scientific and research requirements relevant to the role. Brush up on high-performance storage systems and compute clusters, as well as any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. Think of examples where you've driven operational effectiveness or improved services. Highlight your ability to work with minimal supervision and how you’ve successfully collaborated with technical teams and stakeholders.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent interpersonal skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. You might want to inquire about their technology vision or how they measure success in the HPC Operations Lead position. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
