THE WALTER AND ELIZA HALL INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH POSITION DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 THE WALTER AND ELIZA HALL INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE: Head, Information Technology Services DIVISION / DEPARTMENT: Information Technology Services DATE: 2 June 2009 REPORTS TO: General Manager POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS ONE: 12 professional and 4 Computer Technicians PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: The position is responsible for provision and maintenance of information, communication and audio-visual conferencing technology services (IT), including planning and controlling IT operational activities, providing direction, and coordinating effective design and implementation of IT systems and applications for a laboratory research environment. The Head of ITS will work closely with Divisions and Departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions for all aspects of the Institute. The position develops and implements IT policies, procedures, and best practices. The position represents the Institute on external bodies on matters relating to IT in biomedical science. KEY RELATIONSHIPS / INTERACTIONS: General Manager to receive direction and provide information, advice, and recommendations ITS Managers to provide guidance and advice, coordinate activities, and monitor progress Senior Institute staff to review requirements, provide advice, and liaise on modifications and implementation issues Engineering to coordinate modifications and provide advice on design and regulatory requirements Service providers to maintain quality of related technical and professional support provided to Institute External bodies to provide IT technical and policy advice related to IT in a biomedical science environment KEY CHALLENGES: Understanding the specialised requirements of medical research laboratories and support functions, adapting to frequent new initiatives and demands coming from a dynamic research environment. A significant challenge in the next two years is in relation to the major building expansion, including planning and change management of a computer centre move and IT requirements in research laboratory relocations.

2 FREEDOM TO ACT: Under overall direction and guidance of the General Manager the incumbent is expected to work independently, identifying and initiating projects in conjunction with senior management. Implement Institute policies and procedures making recommendations on policy, procedures, and plans. Collaborate with heads of laboratories and departments in identifying requirements and implementing agreed solutions. Analyse requirements and establish standards of service. Operate within allocated expenditure budget, with a total staff of 17. KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Relevant computer science degree level qualification preferably to postgraduate level, and containing science sub-majors Proven abilities in an IT management role in a heterogenous technical environment across multi sites Proven organising and planning skills Proven high degree of problem solving skills at both the broad policy and technical levels Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language Extensive experience working in a team-orientated, collaborative environment with proven ability to interact and co-ordinate with a range of other groups and individuals at all levels Knowledge and experience of a research laboratory environment preferred Experience in IT infrastructure planning and development with proven understanding of issues in design and build, and operation of computer rooms and network, communications and audio-conferencing facilities Strong technical knowledge and ability with: networked personal computing across Macintosh and Windows and Unix desktop and laptop hardware and operating systems various Unix, Windows and Macintosh server environments including high-performance computing current network hardware, protocols, and standards, including a strong understanding of Cisco IOS network delivery technologies including wired, wireless and microwave, and technical ability to plan, supervise and validate installations web development, standards, and programming skills application and database support with strong programming and scripting skills control and operation of PABX communications operation of standards based audio-conferencing facilities

3 People Management Provide leadership and guidance to ITS staff to maintain quality, efficiency and productivity Be prepared to provide backup technical support for ITS staff in periods of high needs or staff absences Select, develop and manage performance of staff Discuss concerns or complaints regarding services and instigate corrective action Ensure staff are educated and kept up-to-date on technologies Ensure all ITS staff comply with policies, standards, and regulatory requirements Performance of staff reviewed and development planned Effective and flexible range of skills engaged Reference point for handling facilities related complaints effectively Implementation of Institute human resource and other Institute policies and procedures Policy and Strategy Advice Provide leadership in information, communications, and audio-visual conferencing technology (IT) advice within the Institute Provide advice and contribute to development of related Institute policy and strategic directions Benchmark, analyze, and make recommendations for the improvement and growth of IT infrastructure and IT systems Provide IT advice in a biomedical science context on external bodies on behalf of the Institute Institute IT strategies agreed on a sound basis Institute staff understand what is required for effective IT support IT implications of Institute policies and practices are considered Effective and up-to-date coordination of IT and research technologies Representation of Institute interests and contribution to broader medical research IT development Planning Prepare IT operational plans Develop and implement all IT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, and service provision Maintain up-to-date knowledge of new IT technologies and Institute research technologies In consultation with stakeholders, define systems requirements for new technologies, review IT needs, identify major deficiencies, and define standards of service Effective implementation of agreed IT strategies Timely and cost effective provision of equipment and services Up-to-date policies and procedures in use Continuous review of requirements, capacity planning, and systematic improvements Optimal practicality and efficiencies identified and included in plans Changes in the nature of the science are accommodated and supported

4 Management of operations Occupational Health and Safety service Plan and coordinate, investigations, feasibility studies and surveys of proposed and existing IT solutions Prepare operational and capital budgets for approval and monitor operation within approved budgets Ensure critical incident management and disaster recovery plans are prepared In consultation with Institute management and end users, manage technology change projects and monitor ITS services Oversee ITS activities in providing personal computer hardware and software, computer networks, servers, back-up systems, and communications and presentation hardware and software Lead the selection, installation and commissioning of major new IT equipment Ensure effective asset management practices for IT hardware, software, and equipment Ensure facilities and operations comply with regulations, standards, and codes Ensure ITS compliance with Institute health and safety policies and procedures Monitor ITS safety practices and provide technical advice Identify and respond to safety training needs of staff Participate in audits, and accident/incident investigations as required Review Safety Inspection reports and ensure required action is completed in a timely manner Identify and provide advice on control of hazards in conjunction with relevant people Effective response to emergencies and unexpected interruption of services Cooperation of responsible managers in coordinating services, meeting policies and standards, and implementing modifications and monitoring key services Equipment and services provided to meet requirements of laboratories and departments Uninterrupted, cost effective operation of facilities Effective and timely response to variations from standards Required licenses and agreements are held and complied with Maintenance of a safe working environment All staff complete an individual training needs matrix and attend training as documented Safe practices are followed Risk Assessments completed for major tasks or projects Elimination or reduction of risks as far as is reasonably practicable Safety Inspection Reports completed and signed off

5 Ensure all incidents and injuries are reported Lead by example