IT Support Specialist – Digital Workplace, Scientific Computing & Security (ref. AD/25/05)

Created in 2005 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the University of Barcelona, IRB Barcelona is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence—a seal that was awarded in 2011.

The institute is devoted to conducting research of excellence in biomedicine and to transferring results to clinical practice, thus improving people’s quality of life, while simultaneously promoting the training of outstanding researchers, technology transfer, and public communication of science. Its 29 laboratories and seven core facilities address basic questions in biology and are orientated to diseases such as cancer, metastasis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and rare conditions.

IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 500 members and 45 nationalities. It is located in the Barcelona Science Park. IRB Barcelona forms part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the “Xarxa de Centres de Recerca de Catalunya” (CERCA).

IRB Barcelona is seeking an IT Support Specialist to join the Information Technology and Services Department, supporting a wide range of users and projects, from top scientists to administrative personnel, and ensuring both technical support and security best practices in a leading biomedical research institute.

This hybrid role combines first-line helpdesk support with project development in the security domain, focusing on our scientific computing infrastructure and other functional areas based on project demands, ensuring robust IT services, secure data management, and compliance with key regulations (NIS 2, ENS, GDPR). The selected candidate will work closely with researchers to support both day-to-day IT operations and the management of scientific computing platforms and sensitive data environments.

This position is financed by the project collaborative data platform for research institutes 4.0, financed by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, and the European Union – Next Generation UE.

Key Responsibilities

User Support & Helpdesk (Digital Workplace & Scientific Computing)

• Act as a point of contact for users seeking technical assistance via phone, email, or ticketing system.
• Provide IT support to a diverse community, including scientific personnel with specialized software and complex computational environments, as well as administrative staff using standard office tools.
• Perform remote and in-person troubleshooting using diagnostic techniques, documenting all incidents and solutions in the IT Service Management system.
• Identify and propose improvements to internal processes to enhance IT service quality.
• Support and maintain workstations (Windows, Linux, macOS), scientific software, and collaboration tools across IRB Barcelona.

Scientific Computing & Security

• Implement and manage security controls across scientific computing infrastructures, including HPC clusters, data storage systems, and cloud-based platforms.
• Administer and audit access to sensitive biomedical data, ensuring compliance with NIS 2, ENS, GDPR, and internal policies.
• Configure and monitor audit and traceability tools (e.g., log management, access monitoring) in environments such as S3 storage, HPC clusters, and scientific data platforms.
• Apply and enforce security policies for the storage, transfer, and processing of sensitive research data.
• Develop and automate security monitoring and incident response processes in Linux-based environments.
• Collaborate on the implementation of federated authentication and authorization mechanisms (LDAP, OpenID, OAuth2) for secure access to scientific resources.
• Provide technical security guidance to researchers and IT teams to ensure safe data handling and compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

You have

• BSc in Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity, or related field. Alternatively, candidates with Higher Vocational Training Degree in Systems Administration with at least 1 year of experience in scientific computing or research environments will be highly valued.
• Proven experience as an IT Support Specialist, Helpdesk Technician, or similar customer-facing IT role.
• Advanced knowledge in Windows (7/10/11) and Microsoft Office. Linux systems administration (scientific workstations, clusters). macOS support in research or corporate environments. Networking (TCP/IP), Active Directory, and printing systems.
• Knowledge of security regulations and frameworks (NIS 2, ENS, GDPR).
• Hands-on experience with: Identity and Access Management (LDAP, OpenID, OAuth2). Security monitoring and auditing (log management, traceability tools). Data protection mechanisms (encryption, access auditing). Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and data transfer security.
• Scripting and automation skills (Bash, Python, or similar) to improve security and compliance processes in Linux environments.
• High level of English, Catalan, and Spanish. Strong communication skills, with the ability to support users of varying technical expertise.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving mindset.
• Clear customer orientation with the ability to support highly specialized scientific users.
• Team player with collaborative spirit.

You might also have

• Experience providing technical support in scientific institutions.
• Familiarity with scientific software stacks (molecular dynamics, bioinformatics tools, etc.)
• Experience in biomedical data management and scientific computing infrastructures (HPC, data lakes, etc.).
• Experience supporting federated identity systems in research environments (EduGAIN, LifeScience AAI, etc.).

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENTITLEMENTS:

• Working conditions: Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leaves and injuries at work.
• International Environment:The opportunity to join a prestigious international research institution and become a member of our administration team.
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Continuous training in a high-quality environment.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Deadline for applications: 20/03/2025 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended)
• Number of positions available: 1
• Selection process:
  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience,
  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
  • Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.