Head of Research Computing

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Research Computing to lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of research computing services across Newcastle University. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a strategically important service that enables world-class research, supports innovation and helps researchers make effective use of advanced computing, cloud, software and data capabilities. Working closely with the Director of IT Service Delivery and Research Computing, academic colleagues, research teams and wider IT specialists, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for research computing. You will ensure that services are secure, reliable, scalable and aligned to the evolving needs of a diverse research community.

What you will be doing

• Lead and develop the Research Computing team, creating a positive, high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Define and deliver the strategic roadmap for research computing services, including high-performance computing, cloud platforms, research software, data storage and related technologies.
• Work in partnership with researchers, faculties, professional services and external partners to understand current and future research computing needs.
• Ensure research computing infrastructure and services are secure, resilient, scalable and managed in line with institutional policies, compliance requirements and good practice.
• Provide expert advice, support and escalation for complex research computing challenges, helping to remove barriers to successful research delivery.
• Develop service standards, performance measures and reporting that demonstrate the value, impact and effectiveness of research computing.
• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and sector engagement, bringing new ideas and emerging practice into the University.

About you

You will be a credible and experienced leader with a strong technical delivery background and a good understanding of research computing, infrastructure, software, data and cloud services. You will be comfortable working in a complex organisation, able to build trusted relationships with academic and professional services colleagues, and confident translating research needs into practical, sustainable technology solutions.

You will bring experience of leading teams, managing resources and budgets, supporting service improvement and influencing stakeholders at different levels. 

Essential experience

• Leadership experience in a complex organisation, including working with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience of research computing, IT infrastructure management, research software, cloud platforms, high-performance computing or large-scale data services.
• Experience of managing, developing and motivating technical teams.
• Ability to understand technical risk, dependencies, service resilience and operational priorities.
• Experience of engaging with researchers or specialist users to understand requirements and deliver effective technology services.
• A degree in computer science, computational science, engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to lead a growing and strategically important capability at the heart of the University’s research mission. You will help shape how researchers access and use advanced computing, software and data services, while building a service that is responsive, trusted and future-focused.

Newcastle University is an inclusive global University community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from candidates who can help us build a supportive, diverse and high-performing environment for our colleagues, students and research community.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how your experience, skills and approach meet the requirements of the role. Full job description for the role can be found here.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to: Pauline.Howie@newcastle.ac.uk.

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