Biosciences Computing Manager

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Information Systems and Technology, Level D

Job Title

Biosciences Computing Manager

Department

Administrative Leadership | Department of Zoology | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$8,305.08 - $12,952.33 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

May 4, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary

The Biosciences Computing Manager is responsible for the development, direction and management of the Zoology Computing Unit (ZCU) including management of server and network infrastructure, designing solutions and strategies to enhance research, teaching and administrative initiatives. The computing unit serves over 300 accounts specializing in the needs of biologists.  Major responsibilities include: analyzing and developing strategic designs for computer and network systems to ensure user requirements are met; systems and network administration; providing strategic technical direction to computing and technical staff; assisting in developing computer policies and procedures; maintaining network integrity and security; managing and purchasing hardware and software; managing user and system documentation; remaining conversant on new technologies; participating on department and university committees; training and assisting of researchers in effective use of the Computing Unit information processing resources, and performing other related duties.

 

Organizational Status

Reports to the Departmental Administrator with a dotted line to the ZCU Academic Director.  Manages other IT staff in the Computing Unit.  Works in collaboration with, and provides guidance and training to members of the department including faculty, staff, and students.

 

Work Performed

Manages all aspects of the ZCU workstations and clusters, including account management, security, and disaster-recovery. This includes computers used to: deliver departmental services, manage departmental services, control research instruments, and deliver undergraduate and graduate level computational resources for labs, courses, or research projects, managing user accounts and billing.

Manages the department network infrastructure including security and fail-over, in collaboration with UBC IT Services. Maintains core application infrastructure, including servers, networks and firewalls.

Manages a number of key department services, including printing, web services, database management systems and backup/recovery.

Responsible for the annual computing budget for the maintenance and operational costs associated with the departmental IT infrastructure.  This may include the recommendation, evaluation, and acquisition of new infrastructure.

Advises research groups regarding their workstations and computational needs, managing equipment as needed.

Provides advice and representation to groups on campus as well as within the department on IT-related issues through membership on various committees. Acts a liaison between the ZCU and other campus IT units.

Formulates policies to address IT-related issues in the department.

Provides consultation in the development, acquisition and effective use of computing systems and/or software for the research needs of biological researchers.

Provides training and orientation sessions and special topic workshops along with creating and maintaining online documentation to promote effective use of infrastructure and software.

This is a user-facing position, therefore responsiveness and collaboration with students, staff and faculty are important skills.

 

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors could result in serious damage to computing and networking equipment, loss of research time, computing and networking services, loss of secure and sensitive data, and/or loss of all data communications to/from department, as well as financial loss to departmental operating accounts and/or researcher grants.

 

Supervision Received

Works independently under administrative direction of the department Administrator with oversight from the ZCU Academic Director. Results reviewed for achievement of overall long-term objectives.  

Supervision Given

Manages two department IT personnel. Provides technical guidance and leadership, coaching, and mentoring to team members and departmental staff.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. In-depth knowledge of applications and the business requirements supporting them. Minimum of five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the following areas is preferred:
- At least a Master's degree in some field of Natural Sciences preferred (or the equivalent experience). Experience in the application of computers to the analysis of biological data. 
- Demonstrated experience in running an IT department, and hands-on experience in administration/troubleshooting of web/file/compute servers.

- Consulting experience is an asset.

- In-depth understanding of several computing environments, especially UNIX/Linux, MacOS, and Windows. The ability to write and document programs in a number of high-level languages such as R, Python, and UNIX shell is required. Effective verbal and written communication with staff and clients are essential. The ability to work productively on a large number of ongoing tasks is important.

- Extensive knowledge of Linus operating system, BSD, Windows, MacOS, server hardware and software installation and maintenance, network support and management, Content Management Systems, SQL database system, and reporting.

- Experience in network security issues, including intrusion detection, firewalls, access control, system hardening, malware and spam control based on a best-practice approach.

- Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities while working under pressure to meet critical deadlines. Strong organizational and planning skills. Self-motivated; able to learn and work independently. Demonstrated ability to explain complex concepts in plain English; skill in gaining buy-in from stakeholders. Ability to translate information, system and business needs to the appropriate technologies.