CTU Manager (Informatics)

JOB PURPOSE:

The post-holder will play a major leadership role in the establishment and expansion of the Informatics Core Technology Unit (CTU)
which provides high-level support to analyse and interpret ‘big-data’ analytics providing timely and accurate feedback. Specifically, the
informatics CTU will perform and/or provide support for generation and implementation of data analysis pipelines, data management
strategies, as well as generation of databases, contributing to publications, dissemination of results and data sharing. The post-holder
will manage and develop the CTU so that it enhances ongoing research programmes in line with the Faculty’s research strategy. The
post holder will ensure the success and sustained resourcing of the Informatics CTU by developing its ability to support generation of
grant income and contribute to high profile publications and societal impacts. They will generate internal, external and commercial
revenue and foster strategic relationships with key technology providers. It is anticipated that the Unit will, in the long term, be
financially sustainable The CTU manager will contribute to strategic planning to ensure the long term maintenance and expansion of
the unit. They will provide relevant scientific expertise with sufficient research experience to help end-users obtain the maximum
benefit from the CTU equipment and services.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Develop and manage the CTU within the context of a broad, faculty-based research strategy by managing and undertaking high
level scientific activities appropriate to the remit of the unit by maximising capability to meet the specific needs of
informatics-related research; thereby raising the output standards and grant income profile for a range of programmes within the faculty.
2. Work with key stakeholders to implement and maintain new informatics-related technologies and applications in the CTU and
contribute to the development of novel applications. Liaise closely with the other CTUs to ensure streamlined workflows
integrated for data analysis.
3. Support end-users in setting research objectives, experimental planning, devising and implementing experimental protocols and
data acquisition, analysis and presentation. This will also include supporting the development of research proposals and
publication submissions from academic leaders.
4. Responsible for all aspects of purchasing and management of budgets for both Academic and Trading accounts for internal and
external users respectively. Responsibility for creating new business opportunities and generating a profitable income for the
core business. Ensure that CTU objectives and associated research projects are completed on time and within budget.
5. Direct, mentor and develop research and technical staff in methodologies and research strategies employed within the CTU.
6. Develop strategic relationships with external technology providers aligned with the strategy of the unit and Faculty. Engage with
external stakeholders to develop revenue generating streams and negotiate CTU-linked contracts.
7. In conjunction with the Users Group, determine strategy and innovative approaches to research work with the responsibility of
evaluating and introducing new technologies and methodologies and reporting the progress and status of the CTU to the Academic Management Committee.
8. Contribute to the work of the Faculty through limited teaching and associated tasks within the areas of expertise of the CTU.
This will include assistance with the supervision of research projects of undergraduate and post-graduate students and advising
staff and students on techniques.
9. Organise educational events related to the CTU e.g. user forums, lectures, training courses, seminars, outreach events. This will
include development and delivery of CTU-specific courses to ensure users are kept up-to-date with new developments in the field.
10. Contribute to the CTUs development by establishing strong links with appropriate internal and external stakeholders and help to
establish an international reputation through presentations, webinars, open source contributions and demonstrations to visiting
companies and researchers from around the world.
11. Proactively engage and develop links with relevant research groups, industries and external bodies to encourage technology
transfer opportunities and create opportunities for future research projects.

Planning and Organising:

1. This post will have defined authority and responsibility for a significant area of work, including technical, financial and quality
aspects. Assist in establishing Faculty objectives and delegating assignments. Accountable for actions and decisions taken by
self and subordinates.
2. In unison with the Academic Management Group, plan for and set CTU objectives over a number of years.
3. Develop integrated business and marketing plan to underpin long term maintenance and expansion of the CTU.
4. Plan and oversee administration for the use of research resources, laboratories and training workshops as appropriate.
5. Develop and manage charging and resource management structures to enable appropriate costing for CTU involvement in
internal, external and commercial research project and proposals.
6. Manage service contracts to ensure that CTU equipment is adequately covered and maintained in optimal working order.
7. Ensure appropriate health and safety regulations are applied within the CTU.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

1. Provide strong scientific and technical leadership, advising on direction across a broad range of platforms and technologies.
2. Manage CTU equipment and services to ensure appropriate usage, charges/cost-recovery, and training by developing a high
quality service that delivers for all end-users of the CTU.
3. Troubleshoot problems and liaise with company/specialist engineers as required.
4. Provide mentoring and support for colleagues for whom responsible. Undertake staff appraisals, performance management and
provide advice on personal development.
5. Monitor and ensure effective management of assets and budgets allocated.
6. Contribute to the management of quality, audit and other external assessments.

Internal and External Relationships:

1. Member of the Faculty CTU Academic Management Group and such committees relevant to their administrative or teaching duties.
2. Liaise with other CTU facility managers within Queen’s to ensure common best practice.
3. Collaborate with other staff within the Faculty.
4. Participate in and develop external networks, for example to identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain consultancy
projects, or build relationships for future activities.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

1. A relevant degree with a PhD completed with informatics or statistical core.
2. Broad range of relevant research experience in informatics or statistical core that will enable development of the unit and
contribute to the faculty strategy.
3. Experience of developing new research methodologies with the aim of implementing new approaches, techniques and methods
within informatics core.
4. A high level of scientific attainment (such as quality publications commensurate with experience) and technical know-how in an
area appropriate the Informatics CTU.
5. Experience, achievement in the discipline, reflected in relevant involvement in academic or industry research programmes.
6. Ability to interact with key stakeholders independently or as a leader of a defined section in projects.
7. Ability to devise, advise on and manage research programmes.
8. Demonstrable intellectual ability and excellent scientific skills.
9. Ability to communicate complex information effectively.
10. Ability to manage resources.
11. Skills in managing and motivating staff.
12. Demonstrable intellectual ability
13. Ability to supervise work of others in research team.
14. Must be prepared to work outside of normal working hours when required.
15. Must be prepared to travel to engage with external stakeholders.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

1. Commercial/industrial experience commensurate to AC3 standing.
2. Have leadership roles in either academic or commercial experiences. Informatic knowledge within a biotech / biomedical area.
3. Experience of software application and architecture design.
4. High-level programming languages.
5. Experience of statistical packages such as STATA, R, SPSS.
6. Experience of distributed computing clusters Database experience.
7. Teaching experience using a wide range of teaching methods at UG and PG level.
8. Experience in organising and delivering workshops, seminars and publicity events.
9. Experience with service provision in a CTU setting.
10. Experience on university committees or related professional/community organisations.
11. Experience of, managing resources including people and complex budgets.
12. Involvement in contributing to research grant proposals.
13. Experience in managing a small team, including responsibilities such as performance review.
14. Ability to deliver work to agreed deadlines.
15. Knowledge of safety protocols and experience writing standard operating procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
16. Ability to communicate with a diverse range of people, individually or in groups.
17. Background interests that are compatible with the post.