It Systems Section Head.

Reference
2023-FIX-27

Deadline
30/10/2024

Division
Computing

Institution

ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating ten beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center, this last in partnership with other institutions. Currently constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, it sums up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges.
Located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain), it is funded by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) and the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Recerca i Universitats). The synchrotron light produced by 3 GeV electrons is used by thousands of researchers to analyse and understand the properties and functionality of matter, spanning a wide variety of fields, such as catalytic research, health, energy production/storage, environmental research, communication technologies, or cultural heritage.
Our highly motivated staff works in a multidisciplinary work environment with an atmosphere formed by lived diversity, inclusion and respect for our colleagues. One of the goals of our gender equality plan is to reach parity within the Consortium's different divisions and offices, and several actions have been taken to encourage applications from women mostly in scientific, engineer and technical job positions.
Located close to Barcelona, in a natural park and well connected by car and public transportation, with excellent connectivity to the world and an employer who understands the importance of life-work balance.
Facing an upgrade to ALBA II, a 4th generation facility, which will increase dramatically brightness and coherent flux, ALBA is in a phase of growth and dynamics. Being a part of the ALBA team will promote your career and will give you the opportunities to explore new territories.

Tasks

The successful candidate will be the Section Head of the IT Systems Section in the Computing Division.
The IT Systems Section, a team of eight system administrators and two technical support agents, manages the CELLS IT infrastructure. This involves two core functions: first, providing essential digital office services to over 300 users, including internal staff and external collaborators. Second, it provides specialized scientific IT infrastructure tailored to the unique needs of all groups, both within and outside the Computing Division. This involves managing the IT infrastructure for the accelerators and beamlines, with a central HPC cluster as a key component. The powerful cluster boasts 5PB of disk storage, 27PB of tape storage, and a processing capacity of 3,700+ CPU cores and 25+ GPU nodes.
The Section is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing new IT systems and infrastructure, as well as maintaining and supporting existing systems. This involves troubleshooting technical issues, providing user support, and ensuring all IT systems and data security and integrity. Collaboration with research groups is key to understanding and meeting their evolving IT needs.
The Section has two group heads: one for IT infrastructure and communications and another for IT systems support. Both assist the Section Head by coordinating projects, services, and maintenance tasks for a subset of the Section's client units and technology portfolio. As the Section Head, you will report directly to the Computing Division Head. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the group's performance aligns with the yearly objectives. You will be the uttermost responsible for developing projects and operating services on the IT Systems Infrastructure in ALBA.
In addition, you will be responsible for defining the future technical strategic plans and identifying management concepts that bind the Section within the ALBA support structure and client operations. You will also play a key role in guiding and mentoring the members of the Section and fulfilling the functions and tasks as Safety Controller in accordance with the Prevention plan (HS-PdP-16 SPP).
The position offers a unique opportunity for professional development in a highly collaborative, international and stimulating work environment.

Requirements

The requirements for participation must be met on the date of the deadline for the submission of applications and will be accredited by means of the CV attached to it, without prejudice to the power of the selection body to require the contribution of the originals of the certifications accrediting the qualifications, training and work experience invoked in the CV.
Applications that do not present the aforementioned or required documentation during the selection procedure will not be accepted.
Education:

- University degree in Computer Science with speciality or strong focus in Systems administration.

Alternatively, candidates holding Physics or Engineering degree with additional proven previous knowledge (additional certifications, trainings or experience), guaranteeing similar technical capacities as Computer Science university degree with specialization in Systems Administration will also be considered.

Skills and Expertise: The candidate must have 10+ years of experience in systems administration, with a strong focus on Linux/Unix environments and virtualization technologies (especially VMware) and cloud computing platforms.
In addition, the candidate must also have:
5+ years of experience in: . Delivering IT services to large user bases (100+ users) with complex infrastructures. . Working with high-performance computing (HPC) within research or scientific facilities. . Designing and implementing networking infrastructure architecture and cybersecurity best practices. . Hands-on experience with automation tools and container technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) in production environments.
2+ years of experience in: . Managing teams of system administrators, demonstrating strategic IT planning and staff development skills.
The position requires proficiency in both spoken and written English.

Selection Process Development

The selection will be carried out through the competition-opposition system.
As a first phase, an analysis of the curriculum will be carried out (assessment of previous experience and / or scientific history, degree, training and other professional information relevant to the position). Career breaks or variations in the chronological order of CVs will be regarded as an evolution of a career, and consequently, as a contribution to the professional development.
The assessment of the CV in the competition phase will be scored up to 40 points, which will consider the following aspects:

• Experience in the aforementioned technical areas above the minimum requisites for the position (20 points)

Certification in Cybersecurity (CISSP or higher) (4 points)
Certification in Prince2 and ITIL (Foundation or higher) (2 points each, total 4 points)
Experience in project and service management above the minimum requisites for the position (6 points)
Experience leading teams above the minimum requisites for the position (6 points)

The best rated candidates, at least two if possible, will be invited to an interview where the technical competence, knowledge, skills and professional experience linked to the position will be assessed, with a total score of 60 points. A minimum of 30 points must be obtained out of a total of 60 points to be eligible.
Provided they meet the minimum requirements and have ranked among the top five after the assessment of the CV phase, at least one person from the underrepresented gender in the division/office will be interviewed.

The interview will include at least:

Presentation of professional experience
Auto-assessment of soft skills
Coordination capability skills: time management, communication, organization, adaptability and teamwork.
Vision of the job position
Motivation for applying

The merits will be accredited by means of the CV attached to the application. The selection board may require accreditation by additional documentation, originals or certified copies confirming the experience invoked in the CV.
In case of a tied final score, the position will be awarded to the person who belongs to the most underrepresented gender in the corresponding Division and subsidiarily to the overall company.
If necessary, alternates of the members of the selection board will be appointed by the president of the selection process, and the change will be published in the announcement.
The resolution of the selection procedure will be carried out within a maximum period of six months from the deadline for submitting applications for participation.
The selection process may be declared vacant if the selection board considers not to have found eligible candidates for the position although they might meet the requirements to participate in the selection process specified in the offer.

Other information

Permanent contract.
The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Oscar Matilla Barceló, Montserrat Pont Montaner and Joan Casas Bullich.

#J-18808-Ljbffr