Research Computing Systems Assistant Manager

University of Agriculture Faisalabad•Fairbanks, AK

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Computing Systems (RCS) group in the Geophysical Institute (GI) is looking for an Assistant Manager to join our team. RCS is the internal IT unit for the GI and also maintains advanced computing, large storage, data sharing solutions, and advanced cyberinfrastructure available to all University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) researchers. RCS was formed in 2016 and now has 11 people, including the manager, a three-person service desk, and seven administrator/analyst/engineer/developer positions, providing networking, workstation, and systems support for GI research and administrative offices, and supporting six core advanced cyberinfrastructure services accessible to all UAF research. The Assistant Manager will learn and be directly involved in supporting and leading RCS IT activities, service offerings, projects, and staff. They will train and work with the Manager to develop solutions for researchers, coordinate the team’s workload and performance, manage the RCS budget, interface with other campus IT units, and represent RCS/GI/UAF to external groups. When the Manager is not available, the Assistant Manager will provide group coordination and leadership. Future advancement opportunities are based on learning RCS operations, developing leadership skills, and becoming an advocate for the team and the researchers it supports. The Geophysical Institute is a research-focused organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers a competitive work environment with strong benefits, including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute values collaboration, accountability, and the exchange of ideas. We foster a professional and respectful environment dedicated to serving Alaska through applied science. Career growth and professional development are supported and encouraged. As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF welcomes applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. This position includes a defined Career Development Path (CDP) outlining the skills, competencies, and performance standards required for advancement from Assistant Manager to Manager. The selected candidate will be expected to actively participate in the CDP and demonstrate consistent progress toward meeting these requirements. Completion of the CDP does not guarantee promotion; however, it provides a clear framework for professional development and identifies the competencies needed to be considered for advancement. Applicants should be prepared to engage in ongoing training, feedback, and skill-building activities as part of this process. To thrive as the RCS Assistant Manager, an individual must have a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and business acumen. This role requires learning to effectively manage daily IT operations for research cyberinfrastructure services, to make sound business judgments and quick decisions in a higher education research environment, and to align technology solutions with the GI and UAF’s goals. Besides a broad knowledge of advanced computing and storage systems, excellent analytical, personal organization, and project management skills are necessary to have an impact on behalf of researchers. The RCS Assistant Manager will be expected to develop leadership skills and a strong understanding of team management. Future advancement is based on these abilities. Strong emotional intelligence and emotional maturity are needed to empathize with team members, perform conflict resolution, build relationships, and create a supportive work environment. The Assistant Manager should have or be able to develop the customer service skills and business process savvy to step in when the Manager is not available. They should be able to clearly and concisely explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders using strong verbal and written communication skills. They will need to collaborate effectively with researchers and other units, and represent RCS and the GI across campus. Learning to adapt to changing needs and developing confidence to advise researchers or executive leadership are also required for success in this role.

Requirements

US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, PLEASE LIST YOUR CURRENT CITIZENSHIP STATUS IN EITHER YOUR COVER LETTER OR RESUME
Bachelor's degree in information services, engineering, science, or other related field, and 5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
This role includes a structured Career Development Path (CDP) that outlines the competencies required for potential advancement to Manager. The incumbent will be expected to engage fully in the CDP. Completion of CDP requirements does not guarantee promotion but serves as the basis for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma, ITIL, or Project Management certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Learn and be directly involved in supporting and leading RCS IT activities, service offerings, projects, and staff.
Train and work with the Manager to develop solutions for researchers.
Coordinate the team’s workload and performance.
Manage the RCS budget.
Interface with other campus IT units.
Represent RCS/GI/UAF to external groups.
Provide group coordination and leadership when the Manager is not available.