IT and Data Manager

Company: British Antarctic Survey
Apply for the IT and Data Manager
Location:
Job Description:

British Antarctic Survey

Contract type – Open-ended appointment

Location – Cambridge and Antarctica

Salary – £46,444-£51,088 (UKRI Band D S1)

Closing date – 10 May

Background

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are looking for an IT and Data Manager to join their IT and Data Management teams. This is a dual role, split across the two teams. Though based in Cambridge, this role will involve regular duty in the polar regions, principally at the Halley VI Research Station.

The core tasks of this role are to:

  • Develop and maintain scientific and operational IT systems at Cambridge and then deploy and maintain such systems in the polar regions.
  • Develop and maintain data systems for a suite of scientific instruments at Halley VI Research Station studying the atmosphere and geo-space.

You will also be responsible for producing maintenance plans for these systems and identifying future improvements.

We are looking for someone with a BTEC or National Diploma in Computing, or equivalent working experience. You will need to have experience with a variety of operating systems, programming languages and experience with virtualisation. This role will involve regular periods of time in the polar regions so the successful candidate will need to be comfortable with remote working and have excellent team working skills for living and working in this unique environment.

Purpose

To develop and maintain scientific and operational IT and data systems. To deploy and maintain such systems in Polar Regions.

Duties

  • To implement, maintain and enhance IT and data services in Cambridge and those deployed in Polar Regions.
  • To provide day to day end user IT support while at Halley.
  • To develop systems/solutions for Cambridge and deployment in Polar Regions.
  • To monitor deployed systems in order to produce plans for maintenance and future improvement.
  • To fully contribute to the work of IT/DM and BAS as appropriate.
  • To carry out all work in a safe and professional manner.
  • To become a member of the Halley response team and participate in training to include but not limited to: Advanced 1 st aid, Search and rescue, Aircraft fire fighting, Breathing apparatus and Major incident response.
  • To undertake other duties as required by the director.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

  • Experience with a variety of operating systems including Linux (RedHat and Debian family) and Windows (Server and Desktop)
  • Experience of systems programming languages (eg. Python, C or Shell scripting)
  • Experience with virtualisation (preferably VMWare)
  • Experience with networking both at a physical and protocol/application level
  • BTEC/National Diploma or equivalent in computing or equivalent working experience
  • Able to work safely, effectively and without direct oversight in a remote location.
  • Ability to organise own time and prioritise effectively
  • Clear, concise communication on technical issues in both written and oral form
  • Ability to problem solve on a wide range of systems, reach conclusions on appropriate courses of action.
  • Capable of being flexible to changing priorities
  • Demonstrable teamwork experience
  • You will need to pass a medical to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.

Desirable

  • Electronic hardware and microcontrollers
  • DevOps-esque concerns: configuration management, monitoring, analytics and continuous integration
  • Scientific programming environments (eg. MATLAB, R, Octave, IDL)
  • Project planning or SDLC methodologies
  • Awareness of Cyber security standards (e.g CyberEssentials)
  • Use of Helpdesk ticket management systems
  • Polar or similar experience.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: April 5th, 2026