Head of IT (Ref 05/2025)

CRAG is an independent research institution engaged in leading-edge basic and applied plant and farm animal sciences. CRAG is established as a Consortium of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and University of Barcelona (UB). The Center is located at the UAB Campus, and currently hosts 200 members from across the world.

Research Programs at CRAG (from basic science to applied research using plant experimental model systems, crops and farm animals) make extensive use of genomic technologies and large sets of genetic and genomic data (https://www.cragenomica.es/sites/default/files/2022-07/crag-summary-2020-2021_0.pdf).

CRAG is seeking a proactive IT Lead to head our IT department. In this role, you will manage and develop the IT team, which includes a Senior IT Specialist and a Helpdesk Technician, and oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of IT services and infrastructure. Your mission will be to ensure that CRAG’s IT environment aligns with and supports the center’s research and administrative objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and coordinate the IT team to deliver efficient and reliable services (2 members, one of them IT administrator role)
- Develop and maintain IT infrastructures, including physical and logical security systems.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (GDPR and LOPDGDD), implementing and overseeing necessary policies and protocols.
- Manage and optimize reporting tools required by the Generalitat or other public bodies.
- Define and implement IT tools, applications, and third-party services to enhance processes.
- Oversee the IT services catalogue to support scientific and administrative activities.
- Propose and manage the IT department’s budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Act as a liaison between IT and other departments to align services with organizational needs.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or equivalent qualifications/experience.

Technical Skills:

Essential:
Proven expertise in Microsoft 365 administration.
Strong knowledge of networks, including setup, maintenance, and security.
Solid experience with Linux and Windows systems.
Valuable:
Familiarity with Drupal, PHP, and similar development frameworks.
Experience managing IT infrastructures in a research or academic/research setting.
Leadership Skills:

Experience leading and developing a team, with a strong ability to manage and coordinate tasks across team members.
Proven ability to mentor team members, ensuring the professional growth of direct reports.
Experience:

4 years in IT, ideally 2 years in a leadership role in an organization of 50+ employees.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

Contract Duration: Permanent contract

Hours/week: full time (37,5 h/week)