Cardiff University, Director of Advanced Research Computing, Competitive plus USS pension, Location: Cardiff, South Wales, Wales, UK (Hybrid working)
Cardiff University has been a pioneer in the provision of supercomputing to its diverse community of researchers. The University is now seeking to appoint a forward-thinking research computing leader to shape and deliver the future of advanced research computing services to its world-class research population. The Director of Advanced Research Computing will take the lead in defining the future strategy, operating model, service offering and technology roadmap to build on Advanced Research Computing at Cardiff (ARCCA)’s reputation for high-class bespoke research computing provision.
Cardiff University is an ambitious and innovative university with a bold strategic vision, located in a beautiful and thriving capital city. Driven by creativity and curiosity, it strives to fulfil social, cultural and economic obligations to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. 90% of the University’s research has been confirmed as world-leading or internationally excellent by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, and the University ranks in the top 15 UK universities for impact and research power. With annual turnover exceeding £500 million, the University is undergoing a transformational multi-million pound investment programme, for which it has successfully raised a £300million bond.
The University provides an educationally outstanding experience for over 30,000 students across thriving undergraduate (21,500) and postgraduate (8,700) communities that include some 6,600 international students from 120 nations (including the EU).
This is a key role offering the opportunity to deliver the efficient, modern, research computing service, which could enable vital research breakthroughs. The University is seeking a strategic scientific or research computing leader with the ability to engage researchers, enable value from research and to lead the ARCCA team forward and help mature its service.
The Role
Lead High Performance Computing (HPC) [Supercomputing, AI and Machine Learning, Big Data and Cloud], Research Data Storage and relevant IT-related Research support services within the University.
Operate as a senior leader across the University and act as a trusted partner to the research community. Build positive peer-to-peer relationships with key research stakeholders. Demonstrate the ‘art of the possible’, stimulate future demand for research computing and widen the scope of services offered by ARCCA.
Craft a well-planned, computing strategy and technology roadmap for ARCCA which will take advantage of contemporary best practice in computing and data storage, likely including judicious use of Cloud-based services. Expand the ARCCA team and range of services, improving ease of engagement whilst delivering an outstanding customer experience.
Provide strategic leadership to the ARCCA team. Grow and shape a high-performing offering, improving scalability, encouraging clarity of responsibility, collaboration, and efficiency of process. Act as a beacon of best practice through the adoption of contemporary IT industry disciplines in service and project management.
The Candidate
Will likely have significant exposure to research-driven industries or institutions, and the ability to understand the needs of complex research populations and to shape tailored, high-performing research/scientific computing operations to support them.
With intellectual horsepower, gravitas and outstanding communication skills, you will have the proven ability to build relationships with a diverse and complex range of stakeholders, both within the University and with external partner organisations.
An enthusing and inspiring people leader, you will demonstrate a track record of building well-structured, cohesive teams, whilst encouraging the adoption of contemporary technology techniques and ways of working.
For a confidential discussion, contact Alex Richardson at our retained search consultants Berwick Partners on alex.richardson@berwickpartners.co.uk or on 0161 498 3409
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