Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the IT Science Computing team, managing Linux and HPC environments for impactful environmental research.
- Company: Join UKCEH, a leading not-for-profit research institute dedicated to solving environmental challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and wellness perks like gym discounts and dental insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental science while developing your leadership skills in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in Linux/HPC support, project management, and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and provide support throughout the application process.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 46000 £ per year.
Salary – £46,507 to £51,347
Hybrid working (50/50)
Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
Location: Wallingford, Edinburgh, Lancaster or Bangor
UKCEH is looking for an experienced 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, customer-facing role supporting UKCEH’s scientific mission. As the day-to-day lead for Science Computing, you’ll 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’ll play a vital role in shaping the computing services that support world-class environmental science.
You’ll lead our Science Computing team in managing and developing our Linux and High Performance Computing (HPC) environments. These are critical systems to our scientific output, and your leadership will help us ensure they remain robust, resilient, and future-proof.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a technically skilled professional ready to step into a leadership position. We’re looking for someone naturally inquisitive, approachable, and able to communicate with a range of stakeholders and disciplines. You’ll thrive in understanding and solving problems, proposing solutions, and collaborating with both IT 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
- Monitoring and reporting on service requirements, assisting in developing the UKCEH science computing environment
- Developing and delivering a stable, resilient, and recoverable science computing environment for UKCEH, implementing service standards and developing common systems and processes based on industry best practices
- Ensuring that all processes used by the Science Computing Team are thoroughly documented, consistently audited, and regularly improved
- Implementing the strategic vision for IT at UKCEH
- Ensuring security by design in all science computing requirements
- Building and managing relationships with vendors and service providers
- Coordinating and working on multiple cross-functional initiatives and projects.
UKCEH is keen to support your development. If you are ready to grow into a leadership position, we’ll work with you to develop your management skills while continuing to contribute technically.
For the role of IT Science Computing Team Lead, we’re looking for someone with:
- Experience in a Linux and/or High Performance Computing support role with a strong technical background, willing and able to operate in a hands-on capacity
- Proven ability in leading and managing change
- Experience managing and delivering technical projects – rollouts, upgrades, migrations, implementations, etc.
- Skills in managing and supporting a 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, including IP tables, TCP/IP, subnetting, and routing/switching
- Exposure to AWS is advantageous
- Ability to think critically about systems and procedures and to adapt as needed
- Ability to communicate confidently across UKCEH and explain complex concepts simply
- Good interpersonal skills, including listening and questioning skills
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
- Commitment to UKCEH values of excellence, integrity, and teamwork
You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute committed to recruiting talented individuals, progressing your career, and supporting your growth at UKCEH.
Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are custodians of a wealth of environmental data collected over more than 60 years.
Working for UKCEH is rewarding
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 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 dependent)
- Peer reward and recognition scheme
- Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discounts
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- 24-hour support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial issues
Apply today!
If this opportunity aligns with your career goals, we encourage you to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications, skills, or experiences.
UKCEH is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We support applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities and can provide adjustments or support during the application process. Please contact us if needed.
Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. If considering self-sponsorship, please mention this in your application.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
IT Science Computing Team Lead employer: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Contact Detail:
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Science Computing Team Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Linux, High Performance Computing, and automation tools like Ansible and Python. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies during the interview will demonstrate your technical capability.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed change in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to manage technical projects will be crucial, as this role requires a strong focus on team management and project delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Research UKCEH's mission and values thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to environmental science and how your role as a team lead can contribute to that mission will help you align your answers with their organisational goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Since the role involves communicating with a range of stakeholders, being able to convey your ideas clearly will showcase your interpersonal skills and make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Science Computing Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Linux and High Performance Computing. Emphasise any leadership roles or projects you've managed, as this position requires strong management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the IT Science Computing Team Lead role. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams or managed technical projects.
Showcase Technical Skills: Be explicit about your technical skills in scripting, automation tools, and networking. Use bullet points to make these stand out, ensuring they are easy to read and understand.
Demonstrate Soft Skills: Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate complex concepts simply. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, so showcasing your communication abilities is crucial.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the IT Science Computing Team Lead. Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Linux, HPC, and automation tools like Ansible and Python.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed change. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've approached complex problems in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you proposed solutions that improved processes or systems, especially in a computing environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the team's current projects, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in the role. It shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.