Head of IT and Research Computing (Berkeley)

ABOUT ICSI - International Computer Science Institute

The International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) is an independent non-profit research institute in the heart of Berkeley, California. ICSI is a place where researchers solve hard problems and help change the world. We pioneer interdisciplinary research across all areas of computer science and data science to generate fundamental insights, address societal challenges, and catalyze entrepreneurial opportunity.

We foster a uniquely flexible and collaborative intellectual environment.

• Its about big ideas. ICSI is a place for taking on daunting challengesnot playing it safe. Our researchers pursue questions they feel are in the public interest and advance technologies that address important societal needs. This transformative work often spans disciplines, sectors, and borders.
• Its about solving problems , not submitting papers. Unlike industry or academia, ICSI does not have strict expectations on research output. We may write traditional research papers, but we also release software, curate datasets, build research communities, and spin out startup companies. Our researchers leverage strong ties with UC Berkeley and the Silicon Valley ecosystem to bring great ideas to fruition in whatever way is best suited to the problem at hand.
• Its about inclusion. Visitors come from all over the world to pursue research at ICSI. Weve hosted scientists and more than 620 postdocs from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Holland, Israel, China, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Brazil, Canada, and more. We believe diverse perspectives create the best ideas.

We are seeking applicants who bring professionalism, collaboration, and respect for colleagues from all backgrounds. At ICSI, you will be part of a team-oriented research community that values excellence, integrity, and cooperation across disciplines.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking to hire a Head of IT and Research Computing to manage and oversee ICSIs operational IT and research cyberinfrastructure and related partnerships. We are looking for an individual who can balance technology proficiency with project management expertise, and who will be recognized across the organization as a trusted advisor and collaborative problem-solver. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with GPU, AI, cloud computing, and virtualization technologies, and have experience with modern research computing as well as engaging Managed Service Providers and IT outsourcing services. In addition, they will bring strong communication skills and the ability to lead change across technical and non-technical teams.

This role is essential to enabling ICSIs mission-driven research. By designing and maintaining the technical infrastructure that supports our researchers, this position ensures ICSIs ability to tackle complex challenges through interdisciplinary, open, and globally engaged science.

ICSIs IT environment supports a vibrant research community of approximately 50 staff, visiting scholars, students, and postdocs. The Head of IT and Research Computing reports directly to the CEO, and works in close coordination with the Head of Research Administration and Innovation. This person collaborates with the ICSI Technical Advisory Council and research community to develop a strategic IT roadmap, and to build and maintain the cyberinfrastructure, software, data, and tools that power our computing and AI research. The position supervises one full-time staff member, 12 student interns from UC Berkeleys computing and data science programs, and managed services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Team Leadership

• Manage ICSIs IT infrastructure for both administrative operations and research computing
• Supervise the IT team and oversee day-to-day IT operations
• Manage technology projects using modern project methodologies and tools like Jira and Trello
• Oversee vendor relationships and technology service providers
• Participate in IT and research computing budget planning and capital allocation decisions, ensuring optimal ROI on infrastructure investments
• Develop and implement policies for IT, research computing, and data management
• Prepare memos and presentations to inform leadership decisions on technology priorities

Technology Strategy & Infrastructure

• Develop and implement an IT and research computing strategic roadmap for ICSI
• Align IT architecture and services with evolving research and administrative needs
• Promote the transition away from obsolete technologies
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend new technology services and solutions
• Maintain and promote a catalog of IT services available to researchers
• Ensure the security and integrity of all data and information technology assets

Collaboration & Research Support

• Partner with researchers and vendors to deliver tailored technology solutions
• Work with administrators and leadership to streamline internal processes through technology
• Collaborate with external partners (e.g., UC Berkeley, SDSC/UC San Diego, national labs, and industry partners) to expand access to advanced scientific computing tools, data, and infrastructure in support of ICSIs mission

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ICSIs research mission necessitates a comprehensive set of technologies and platforms.

A bachelors degree in Computer Science or related STEM field and experience in academic or scientific research environments is strongly preferred. In addition to demonstrating team, vendor, and project management skills and possessing excellent written and communication skills, candidates should also demonstrate expertise across multiple technical areas listed below, though mastery of all technologies is not required. We recognize that no candidate will meet every requirement listed. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Cloud & Infrastructure

• Commercial cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
• Container technologies (Kubernetes, Docker)
• Enterprise Linux systems (SUSE preferred)
• Windows environments (GPO, Active Directory)
• Virtualization platforms (KVM, VMware)

Systems & Security

• Network infrastructure (Juniper preferred)
• Network security (firewalls, VPNs, IDS, Palo Alto Networks, Barracuda)
• Wireless systems (Mist preferred)
• Core networking (DNS, DHCP, routing, PoE)
• Backup solutions (Cohesity)
• Database systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL)

Automation & Scripting

• Configuration management (Ansible, Puppet)
• Scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash, Python, Perl)

LOCATION

Downtown Berkeley, CA.

Hybrid/remote work-friendly, with occasional on-site work required (server room, colo).

Note: ICSI requires employees working on-site to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including recommended boosters. Reasonable accommodations may be considered for medical or legally protected reasons. Our safety protocols include enhanced ventilation, masking during periods of elevated risk, and adherence to public health guidance.

To Apply

ICSI has retained Next Generation Leadership Partners to support this search. Candidates may submit, in confidence, resumes and cover letters through the Next Gen portal at For full consideration, applicants should submit their materials to Next Generation by September 26th. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Mary Beth Baker at [email protected] and Phi Goldstein at [email protected].

For more information, please see

ICSI is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. The Institute is committed to having the best available persons in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.