Head of IT and Research Computing

Details

Posted : 20-Aug-25

Location : Berkeley, California

Type : Full Time

Categories :

Senior / Mid-Level Management

Salary Details :

ICSI offers a complete package of benefits and programs to support you and your family. Our benefits programs can help you cover health care expenses, build capital for the future, and make life a little easier. Below is a description of our benefits for employees in the United States. Health & Wellness Comprehensive medical and prescription coverage, including HSA-compatible plan options Dental and vision insurance to keep you smiling and seeing clearly Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage for peace of mind Short- and long-term disability insurance for added protection Spending & Savings Accounts Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for medical and dependent care expenses Commuter spending accounts to help with transit costs Retirement Savings 401(k) plan with a 3% automatic employer contribution—plus up to a 7% additional match on what you contribute Flexible contribution options : traditional pre-tax, Roth, or after-tax, so you can save in the way that works best for you Time Off & Balance Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave, to recharge and spend time on what matters most

Preferred Education :

4 Year Degree

Additional Information :

Hybrid / Remote is allowed.

ABOUT ICSI - International Computer Science Institute

The International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) is an independent non-profit research institute in the heart of Berkeley, California. ICSI is a place where researchers solve hard problems and help change the world. We pioneer interdisciplinary research across all areas of computer science and data science to generate fundamental insights, address societal challenges, and catalyze entrepreneurial opportunity.

We foster a uniquely flexible and collaborative intellectual environment.

• It’s about big ideas. ICSI is a place for taking on daunting challenges—not “playing it safe.” Our researchers pursue questions they feel are in the public interest and advance technologies that address important societal needs. This transformative work often spans disciplines, sectors, and borders.
• It’s about solving problems, not submitting papers. Unlike industry or academia, ICSI does not have strict expectations on research output. We may write traditional research papers, but we also release software, curate datasets, build research communities, and spin out startup companies. Our researchers leverage strong ties with UC Berkeley and the Silicon Valley ecosystem to bring great ideas to fruition in whatever way is best suited to the problem at hand.
• It’s about inclusion. Visitors come from all over the world to pursue research at ICSI. We’ve hosted scientists and more than 620 postdocs from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Holland, Israel, China, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Brazil, Canada, and more. We believe diverse perspectives create the best ideas.

We are seeking applicants who bring professionalism, collaboration, and respect for colleagues from all backgrounds. At ICSI, you will be part of a team-oriented research community that values excellence, integrity, and cooperation across disciplines.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking to hire a Head of IT and Research Computing to manage and oversee ICSI’s operational IT and research cyberinfrastructure and related partnerships. We are looking for an individual who can balance technology proficiency with project management expertise, and who will be recognized across the organization as a trusted advisor and collaborative problem-solver. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with GPU, AI, cloud computing, and virtualization technologies, and have experience with modern research computing as well as engaging Managed Service Providers and IT outsourcing services. In addition, they will bring strong communication skills and the ability to lead change across technical and non-technical teams.

This role is essential to enabling ICSI’s mission-driven research. By designing and maintaining the technical infrastructure that supports our researchers, this position ensures ICSI’s ability to tackle complex challenges through interdisciplinary, open, and globally engaged science.

ICSI’s IT environment supports a vibrant research community of approximately 50 staff, visiting scholars, students, and postdocs. The Head of IT and Research Computing reports directly to the CEO, and works in close coordination with the Head of Research Administration and Innovation. This person collaborates with the ICSI Technical Advisory Council and research community to develop a strategic IT roadmap, and to build and maintain the cyberinfrastructure, software, data, and tools that power our computing and AI research. The position supervises one full-time staff member, 1–2 student interns from UC Berkeley’s computing and data science programs, and managed services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Team Leadership

Technology Strategy & Infrastructure

Collaboration & Research Support

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ICSI’s research mission necessitates a comprehensive set of technologies and platforms.

A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related STEM field and experience in academic or scientific research environments is strongly preferred. In addition to demonstrating team, vendor, and project management skills and possessing excellent written and communication skills, candidates should also demonstrate expertise across multiple technical areas listed below, though mastery of all technologies is not required. We recognize that no candidate will meet every requirement listed. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Cloud & Infrastructure

Systems & Security

Automation & Scripting

LOCATION

Downtown Berkeley, CA.

Hybrid / remote work-friendly, with occasional on-site work required (server room, colo).

Note : ICSI requires employees working on-site to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including recommended boosters. Reasonable accommodations may be considered for medical or legally protected reasons. Our safety protocols include enhanced ventilation, masking during periods of elevated risk, and adherence to public health guidance.

To Apply

ICSI has retained Next Generation Leadership Partners to support this search. Candidates may submit, in confidence, resumes and cover letters through the Next Gen portal at For full consideration, applicants should submit their materials to Next Generation by September 26th. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Mary Beth Baker at and Phi Goldstein at

For more information, please see

ICSI is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. The Institute is committed to having the best available persons in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About International Computer Science Institute (ICSI)