Digital Research Support Specialist

This new full-time (1.0 FTE) post is available from 1st October 2025 on a fixed-term basis until 30th September 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and further approvals.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

Summary of the role

Support researchers to make the most of Exeter’s advanced computing and data services.

Our researchers rely on advanced digital infrastructure to power their work. The Digital Research Support Specialist will be a key point of contact, helping them navigate our computing and data platforms, resolve issues quickly, and get the best from our services.

This is a key, hands-on role at the front line of research support, ensuring researchers can focus on their work while we provide expert assistance and guidance. You will deliver direct technical support, onboarding, and training, while contributing to service development and improvement. Your role includes analysing service usage, identifying ways to enhance user experience, and ensuring our services meet the needs of a diverse research community.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide front-line support for research computing and data platforms.
• Monitor and analyse service usage to identify improvements.
• Deliver training, onboarding, and guidance for academic and professional staff.
• Develop documentation and processes to improve user experience.
• Contribute to service development and continuous improvement initiatives.

About you
We are looking for a proactive and service-oriented professional who is motivated by helping researchers succeed. You will bring:

• Experience in research IT support or a technical service environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and user focused approach.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to non-specialists.
• Knowledge of HPC, cloud, or research data platforms (desirable).

Help Shape the Future of Research at Exeter

By joining us, you will be part of the University’s Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) programme — a major strategic investment in advanced computing, data platforms, and digital skills. This is your opportunity to help shape and deliver services that enable exceptional, world-class research across disciplines.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role.

We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so please don’t hesitate in applying, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

Further information
For an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact the DRI Recruitment Team.

For more information about our vision for shaping the future of Digital Research Infrastructure and for details of other vacancies available in this space, please see here.

This role may be subject to additional background screening.

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