IT Director (m/w/d)

Quick Facts

• Position: IT Director (m/w/d) as age-related succession

• Contract: Permanent, full-time (39 hours/week)

• Work setup: Flexible working hours, Mobile Office

• Compensation: TVöD Bund

• Work location: Beutenberg Campus, Jena

• Start: As soon as possible

Description

Lead the institute’s IT department with both technical and people leadership. Design and operate the digital infrastructure for research, covering areas such as networks, storage, backup/archiving, HPC and specialized research systems, while ensuring security, data protection, and compliance. Represent the IT function externally and in MPG committees.

Responsibilities

• Shape the institute’s digital infrastructure and create optimal technological conditions for researchers.
• Provide expert and people leadership for the IT department, including strategic and operational responsibility.
• Ensure day-to-day operation and further development of IT infrastructure: storage, backup and archiving, networks, HPC and bioinformatics, communication systems, IAM, PKI, virtualization, end devices, and media technology.
• Develop and deliver IT concepts and projects in coordination with research groups and external service providers; manage budgeting including MPG application procedures.
• Maintain and further develop the IT security concept, including data protection, compliance, and energy efficiency up to data center modernization.
• Advise researchers on HPC, data management, AI integration, and specialized software.
• Represent the institute’s IT externally and in MPG committees.

Requirements

• (Fach-)Hochschul degree in IT or a natural science field, or equivalent qualification / extensive IT technical experience.
• Several years of professional and leadership experience, ideally in a scientific environment.
• Technical expertise in networks, servers, storage, virtualization, IAM, and operating systems.
• Project experience in IT services, data center planning, security, and compliance.
• Expertise in IT security, data protection, and compliance.
• German language skills at least close to native level; professional English.
• Strong service orientation, communication skills, responsibility, resilience, and team spirit.

Benefits

• Permanent full-time position (39 hours/week) with TVöD Bund pay
• Flexible working hours and Mobile Office
• Modern IT technologies and room to shape the role
• Training and further development opportunities
• Commitment to equal opportunities, diversity, gender equality, and work-life balance