Team Leader (IT Infrastructure)

The Team Leader (IT Infrastructure) leads the IT Infrastructure Team responsible for the hardware and software network and server infrastructure at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste. The role includes supervising IT staff, planning and maintaining IT infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity, and supporting High-Performance Computing activities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the infrastructure IT staff in their day-to-day activities, including network monitoring and the management of PCs, laptops, data centres/server rooms, storage, servers, network and communications equipment, and the help-desk service.
• Set the work priorities of the members of the infrastructure team.
• Work closely with the Head of Unit, ICT and the leader of the systems/applications development team on overall priorities and synergies across the Unit; participate in the meetings of the Institute IT Committee and in the monthly meetings of the ICT Section.
• Plan, design, implement and maintain the hardware and software configuration of the Centre’s computer system, including UNIX workstations and servers, LAN and LAN devices, PCs, Macs and the Internet connection.
• Implement hardware and software projects to maintain and enhance the ICT infrastructure, including the comprehensive review and improvement of the infrastructure linked to the ongoing renovation of the Centre.
• Coordinate with colleagues in Procurement, Technical Services and Maintenance on the purchase and deployment of IT equipment, and with the University of Trieste Network Manager on shared services.
• Ensure a safe and secure computing environment (network, data, etc.), including cybersecurity and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Support the High-Performance Computing (HPC) activities of the scientific sections, the International Consortium for Scientific Computing (ICOMP) and the Master in High Performance Computing programme, and provide technical guidance to the scientific sections, the Library and Multimedia Services on projects involving data management and computing technology.
• Represent the Centre in international IT projects and in its IT-related training activities.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in computer science, information technology, telecommunications, engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in IT infrastructure management, including network and server administration.
• Proven track record in supervising and leading a technical team.
• Demonstrated experience in the planning, design, implementation and maintenance of network and server infrastructure, including UNIX/Linux systems.
• Hands-on experience supporting High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
• Solid knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices and of data protection regulations.
• Strong command of data centre, server, storage, LAN/WLAN and email systems.
• Good planning and organizational skills, with the capacity to set priorities for a team and deliver results on time.
• Effective communication with technical and non-technical users, including senior management.
• Sensitivity and respect for diversity, and the capacity to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Familiarity with the hardware and software of telephony and building security systems (desirable).
• Involvement in large-scale IT infrastructure upgrade or renewal projects, including the coordination of equipment procurement (desirable).
• Professional background gained in an academic or research institution, or in an international organization (desirable).
• Experience in IT projects or IT-related training activities, preferably in an international context (desirable).
• Experience in the use of AI tools for IT infrastructure management (desirable).
• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
• Knowledge of Italian (desirable).
• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) (desirable).

Skills

• IT Infrastructure Management
• Network Administration
• System Administration
• UNIX/Linux Systems
• High-Performance Computing Support
• Cybersecurity Principles
• Data Protection Regulations
• Data Center Management
• Storage Systems
• LAN/WAN Management
• Email Systems Administration
• Engineering Team Leadership
• IT Infrastructure Planning
• IT Infrastructure Design
• IT Infrastructure Installation
• Network Infrastructure Maintenance
• Equipment Procurement Coordination
• IT Project Management
• IT Training
• AI Tools for IT Management

Languages

English