Head of IT (m/f/div)
Head of IT (m/f/div)
Max Planck Society
Cologne, Germany
The Max Planck Institute of Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) is one of the world's premier sites committed to research and training in plant biology using a wide range of methods including molecular genetics, genomics, imaging, computational biology and biochemistry. The MPIPZ accommodates four science departments, several independent research groups and specialist support, totaling approx. 400 staff including externally funded positions.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated
Head of IT
for the earliest possible date and with an initial contract for two years.
Your tasks:
- Leading the IT service group (five persons) including coordination of requests and orders;
- Planning, conception and development of the Institute's central IT infrastructure;
- Responsibility for IT security at our Institute, including redundant firewall;
- Support and development of the local computer clusters and network;
- Responsibility for the efficient and proper provision of a powerful and modern IT infrastructure;
- Support and development of our central storage systems (SAN technologies);
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving for the entire server and desktop computing environment (MacOS, Linux, Windows), including the network;
- Support in the conception and planning of science-related IT and flexibility to support and enable research activity;
- Support of standard database environments;
- Optimizing high performance computing;
- Planning of our Institute's general computing environment, including the core network and cross-institute coordination of computer connections;
- Continual market observation and analysis of the IT sector in order to implement science-oriented IT concepts as well as planning and implementation of the IT budget;
- Participating in the activities within the MPGs IT community;
- Coordination of all IT procurement activities at the Institute, including applications for internal and external funding schemes to support the financing of the IT infrastructure and expert support in tendering;
- Cooperation with our bioinformaticians and the linked cluster.
Your profile:
- Advanced degree in Computer Science or related subject;
- Very good knowledge of the concept, design and operation of heterogeneous IT landscapes;
- Several years of professional experience, ideally in a scientific environment;
- Sound knowledge of current server operating systems (Windows, UNIX, Linux);
- Experience in network technologies (virtual networks, routers, firewalls);
- A high degree of security awareness and user friendliness;
- Good knowledge of the English language for communication in an international research environment and for negotiations and presentations.
We are looking for:
- An open-minded, motivated person with a high degree of service, as well as strong communication skills, can-do spirit, assertiveness and planning competence. Experience in team leadership is an advantage.
We offer:
- Possibilities to expand a modern service desk with latest IT technologies;
- A high degree of responsibility in a top-level and challenging international scientific work environment;
- A highly motivated team with modern tools and approaches.
We offer an attractive setting in a brand new and friendly work environment, an ambitious team, excellent infrastructure, as well as interesting and varied tasks. Your salary will be based on your qualification and follow recommendations of TVöD. Social benefits correspond with those of the public service.
The Max Planck Society wishes to increase the percentage of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly invited to apply. The Max Planck Society is striving to employ more severely disabled persons; they are explicitly invited to apply.
We are looking forward to receiving your full and comprehensive application by April 30th, 2021. Please send your documents via our application portal. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
