What is this Job About?

This role focuses on managing and developing the Joint Open Infrastructure for Network Research (JOINER) platform, which supports cutting-edge research across 15 nodes in the UK and one node in Ireland. The JOINER platform serves as a critical backbone for a wide variety of research activities, and its expansion is expected to grow both nationally and internationally in the future. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the platform operates efficiently, securely, and reliably, while also engaging with a diverse research community to provide technical support, user training, and onboarding. The role offers the opportunity to influence the platform’s development, implement improvements, and contribute innovative ideas to scale its operations.

As part of your work, you will manage and monitor hybrid cloud environments (such as VMware and AWS), networking infrastructure (Juniper, Fortinet), and data center systems. This is a hands-on technical position that requires expertise in system administration, security practices, DevOps tools, and cloud technologies. You’ll support JOINER’s advanced research needs while collaborating with stakeholders, including academics, professional services teams, and external vendors. The position also includes mentoring junior staff and traveling nationally and internationally to oversee JOINER node installation, maintenance, and user engagement.

Advice on How to Apply (International Education Perspective)

This role is ideal for candidates with technical expertise in systems engineering, IT infrastructure, and cloud platforms-and it offers significant opportunities for international collaboration and development. Here’s how you can make your application stand out for this position, especially if you’re coming from an international education background:

1. Highlight Relevant Skills:

Show how your academic and professional experiences align with the essential and desirable skills listed in the job description. International applicants who have gained experience with large-scale research infrastructure, hybrid cloud services (VMware, AWS), and scripting languages (Python, BASH) should emphasize these skills. For example, if you’ve worked on similar platforms or supported diverse research communities abroad, make sure to highlight these achievements.

1. Focus on Research and Collaboration:

The JOINER platform directly supports research activities, so showcase your understanding of research-driven environments. If you have collaborated with academic teams, facilitated research workflows, or contributed to international projects through cloud systems or IT platforms during your education or career, provide specific examples in your application or cover letter.

1. Emphasize International Experience:

Given the nature of this role, which includes traveling internationally, highlight any experience working across different countries or cultures. Discuss any exposure to global research collaborations, IT standards, or multinational projects during your coursework or professional experience. Make sure to demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to engage with diverse stakeholders.

1. Demonstrate Communication Skills:

The role calls for strong communication skills and engagement across varying technical levels. If you’ve worked with multicultural teams during your education or career, mention how you’ve communicated effectively in such settings, whether through presentations, cross-border collaborations, or user training.

1. Understand the Institution’s Vision and Values:

The University of Bristol emphasizes inclusivity, diversity, and global perspectives in research. Take time to explore their mission and strategy outlined in their staff blog and strategy documents (available as links). In your cover letter, align your values and professional goals to the University’s mission, particularly if you belong to an underrepresented group or have leveraged diversity to promote excellence in your past roles.

1. Tailor Your Experience to JOINER:

If you have technical experience with JOINER-related tools-networking equipment (Juniper, Fortinet), orchestration tools (Kubernetes, Docker), or Microsoft platforms such as AD/AAD-detail your expertise. Also emphasize any experience with data centers, server room operations, or automated processes in IT.

1. Explain Your Motivation for International Collaboration:

Since the role includes node installations and maintenance internationally, explain why you’re excited about working in a global context. Applicants with international education should mention how their exposure to cross-disciplinary or transnational environments has prepared them for this aspect of the job.

1. Provide Clear Evidence of the Listed Requirements:

The job description emphasizes specific technical and soft skills-make sure to provide clear evidence for each criterion in your cover letter. Highlight certifications (e.g., VMware, cloud platforms), technical training, relevant projects, or hands-on experience that demonstrate your proficiency in Linux, Windows, networking knowledge, and scripting.

Tips for Writing Your Application

• Structure Your Cover Letter: Begin with a compelling introduction explaining your interest in the role, followed by concise paragraphs that address the key criteria and desirable skills (including international experience). End with a strong closing statement expressing enthusiasm to contribute to the JOINER platform’s future.
• Be Specific and Quantify Your Achievements: Mention measurable outcomes like uptime improvements, successful user training programs, or system enhancements.
• Reflect Enthusiasm About Research: Emphasize any experience working in research-focused roles or environments.
• Mention a Willingness to Travel: State your readiness to travel internationally and domestically as the role requires.

For further understanding, explore staff testimonials through the University of Bristol’s blog, as they offer insights into the team’s working environment.

By tailoring your application to reflect technical prowess, international engagement, and an alignment with the University’s mission for diverse research excellence, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for this exciting role