IT Science Computing Engineer

IT Science Computing Engineer

Lancaster Full-Time 32900 - 41000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and develop high-performance scientific computing infrastructure for environmental research.
  • Company: Join UKCEH, a leading not-for-profit research institute dedicated to environmental science.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and wellness perks like gym discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental challenges while growing your IT skills in a collaborative team.
  • Qualifications: Experience with Linux systems, automation tools, and high-performance computing is essential.
  • Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer support throughout the hiring process.

The predicted salary is between 32900 - 41000 £ per year.

Salary – £38,989 to £41,321Hybrid working (50/50)PermanentLocation: Lancaster, Wallingford or Edinburgh

We will review applications upon receipt. We reserve the right to close this advert if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

UKCEH is looking for an IT Science Computing Engineer 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.

You\’ll be joining a small, specialist team within the IT department, dedicated to enabling UKCEH to continue delivering world-leading environmental science. We work closely with our scientists, providing high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud-based systems across both on-premises and public platforms.

In this role, your primary focus will be the ongoing development and support of reliable, high-performance scientific computing infrastructure and services. You\’ll play a key part in driving improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, and adaptability within a fast-evolving operational environment.

We\’re looking for someone confident working in Linux environments, with solid experience in configuration management systems and/or event-driven automation. As part of our close-knit team, you\’ll also bring experience in project delivery—gathering user and operational requirements, building robust, production-ready solutions, and producing clear, comprehensive documentation.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Routine maintenance and monitoring – patch management, configuration coding, system hardening, auditing.

Ansible automation – building modules, supporting DevOps, implementing CIS standards and policies

Providing crucial support for production Linux systems across various distributions, including Redhat, Centos, Rocky, and Ubuntu

Confidence in server and storage management within a Linux environment, utilising a range of infrastructures.

Experience of HPC with Linux servers, virtual machines, containers, networking, software development environments, public cloud computing services (Azure, AWS), an advantage.

Using hypervisor and container technologies such as VMware, KVM, LXC, Docker, and Kubernetes

You\’ll be working with tools like Netbox, Service Desk Plus, Ansible, Proxmox, Ceph and Kubernetes.

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

Relevant work experience or degree in an IT-related subject

Linux systems across multiple distributions

management systems such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or Salt

Experience with container technologies, such as LXC, Docker, and Kubernetes

Experience with high-performance computing (HPC)

Excellent written and spoken communication skills, able to build good working relationships, demonstrating good listening skills and the ability to steer a conversation towards finding solutions, using a collaborative and inclusive approach

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 rewardingWe 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…

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.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self‐sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.

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IT Science Computing Engineer employer: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

UKCEH is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to professional development, you'll thrive in a role that contributes to meaningful environmental research. Located in Wallingford, you will be part of a dedicated team driving scientific discovery and making a real difference in society.
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Contact Detail:

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land IT Science Computing Engineer

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as Ansible, Kubernetes, and Docker. Having hands-on experience or projects showcasing your skills with these technologies can set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of UKCEH on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and the team dynamics, which can be beneficial during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with high-performance computing (HPC) and Linux systems in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects or environments in the past.

Tip Number 4

Showcase your soft skills, particularly your communication and collaboration abilities. Since the role involves working closely with scientists, demonstrating your capacity to build relationships and work in a team will be crucial.

We think you need these skills to ace IT Science Computing Engineer

Linux System Administration
Configuration Management (Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Salt)
Event-Driven Automation
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
Cloud Computing Services (Azure, AWS)
Container Technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, LXC)
Virtualisation Technologies (VMware, KVM)
Server and Storage Management
Patch Management
System Hardening
Auditing Skills
Excellent Communication Skills
Project Delivery Experience
Documentation Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Linux environments, configuration management systems, and high-performance computing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements related to the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the role of IT Science Computing Engineer. Emphasise your experience with automation tools like Ansible and your ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to build relationships and steer conversations towards solutions. This could be through past project experiences or teamwork scenarios.

Highlight Relevant Projects: If you have worked on projects involving HPC, container technologies, or cloud computing services, make sure to detail these in your application. Discuss your role, the technologies used, and the outcomes achieved to demonstrate your hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Showcase Your Linux Expertise

Since the role requires confidence in Linux environments, be prepared to discuss your experience with various distributions like Redhat, Centos, and Ubuntu. Highlight specific projects where you managed Linux systems and any challenges you overcame.

Demonstrate Your Automation Skills

Familiarity with configuration management systems such as Ansible is crucial. Be ready to explain how you've used automation tools to improve efficiency in past roles, and consider sharing examples of modules you've built or supported.

Communicate Clearly and Collaboratively

Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with teams to gather requirements and deliver solutions.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to high-performance computing (HPC) and container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and any relevant projects you've worked on.

IT Science Computing Engineer
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Location: Lancaster

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