Head of Information Support and Resources

About Us EMBO is a not-for-profit organization of more than 2,100 leading researchers, dedicated to promoting excellence in the life sciences in Europe and beyond. We support talented researchers at all career stages, stimulate scientific exchange, and foster a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work. Funded by more than 30 countries, we run several highly competitive funding schemes and innovate in science training, policy, and publishing.

The EMBO Information Support & Resources (ISR) team is the backbone of EMBO’s digital infrastructure. This small, agile team — three core staff supported by a flexible pool of freelancers — oversees IT systems, databases, and grants administration software, using a combination of off-the-shelf and in-house solutions. The team operates a cluster of file, database, and application servers alongside EMBL's IT infrastructure, and provides training, support, and troubleshooting to EMBO's approximately 60 staff — most of whom use macOS, with a small number running specialised Windows software.

As Head of Information Support & Resources, you will lead the development and maintenance of the EMBO IT ecosystem. You will serve as a technical leader, hands‑on contributor, and strategic advisor. In this role, you will lead EMBO's ISR team and oversee EMBO's computing infrastructure while actively shaping how we work — streamlining workflows and introducing tools and approaches that make EMBO more efficient and future‑ready.

You will bring genuine technical depth, strong leadership skills, and a drive to improve how things are done, not just to maintain them. In particular, you will help our managers and programme teams reduce administrative burden through smart use of automation, including AI‑assisted tools where they genuinely help.

• Lead the EMBO ISR team and freelancers, providing both practical support and strategic technical guidance
• Advise EMBO programmes and activities on their IT needs, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and modern tooling
• Plan and develop new features for in‑house workflow and data management
• Lead software and hardware procurement, including business systems (such as CRM and finance tools) and the evaluation of automation and AI platforms relevant to EMBO's work
• Deliver training as needed, including onboarding staff to new tools and workflows
• Supervise the administration and strategic development of the EMBO web application and resource portfolio (Word Press, Django/Python, Laravel/PHP; PostgreSQL, MySQL, File Maker; Vue.js; Nginx on Linux bare metal or Docker)
• Oversee the administration of Linux and Windows/File Maker servers and cloud‑based services (Microsoft 365)
• Liaise with the IT Services team of EMBO's sister institute, EMBL, particularly on cybersecurity
• Ensure compliance with relevant IT standards, GDPR, and audit requirements
• Perform other duties as required by the EMBO Director

Education and qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field

• Extensive knowledge of IT systems, networks, and infrastructure
• Hands‑on experience in application and database development and operation
• Experience with File Maker or similar database platforms
• Familiarity with AI tools and automation platforms relevant to an organisational context
• A strong understanding of data protection and cybersecurity principles and best practices
• Experience managing a predominantly macOS environment, with some specialised Windows software

• Demonstrated team and project leadership experience
• The ability to provide practical, hands‑on support as well as strategic technical guidance
• A proven track record of implementing IT strategies and initiatives aligned with organisational goals
• A proactive mindset: you seek out new tools and approaches, and identify where automation and AI can reduce repetitive administrative work and improve efficiency, rather than simply maintaining existing processes
• A service‑oriented mindset prioritising users’ needs, understanding their…