Head of Information Technology

We are an AI-driven startup pioneering the development of a universal foundation model for biology. Our mission is to revolutionise biological research and innovation through cutting-edge technology. As a startup, we are building our IT team from the ground up, and the robustness and scalability of our cloud and computing infrastructure are critical to our success-both in terms of innovation and long-term cost efficiency.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of IT to lead this pivotal function. This is a unique opportunity to shape the technology backbone of a fast-growing company at the intersection of AI and biology.

As the Head of IT, you will be responsible for establishing and overseeing our entire IT function, ensuring it supports our strategic goals and daily operations. This includes cloud engineering, data management, security, and essential company IT services such as hardware provisioning and employee support. You will balance high-level strategic planning with hands-on execution, serving as both a builder and leader as we scale our IT team.

This role will be reporting into the COO.

What You Will Be Doing:

Strategic IT Leadership:

• Define the vision and strategy for the company's IT infrastructure, aligning it with organizational goals.
• Build and grow the IT team across key domains: cloud engineering, data management, security, and IT services.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify technology needs and prioritize projects.

Cloud and Computing Infrastructure:

• Design, implement, and optimize scalable and cost-efficient cloud and computing solutions to support our multi-modal foundation model.
• Establish robust practices for cloud infrastructure monitoring, performance tuning, and cost management.

Security and Compliance:

• Implement comprehensive security protocols to safeguard company data, IP, and systems.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2).

Data Management:

• Develop a reliable and secure data infrastructure to support large-scale AI model training and deployment.
• Establish policies and tools for effective data storage, retrieval, and usage.

IT Operations and Support:

• Oversee company-wide IT services, including hardware procurement, employee onboarding, and IT support.
• Implement and maintain internal tools and systems to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Team Development:

• Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing IT team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the IT function.

Who we are looking for:

• 10+ years of experience in IT leadership roles, with proven ability to scale infrastructure in fast-growing organizations.
• Strong technical expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), network architecture, and large-scale computing environments.
• Experience in data management and storage solutions, particularly for machine learning or other data-intensive applications.
• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and compliance frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with IT operations, including hardware, software, and employee support.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, startup environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with a track record of building and managing high-performing teams.

Ways to Stand Out:

• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity
• AI background
• Biological background

What We Offer:

• A chance to lead the development of critical infrastructure at a cutting-edge AI startup.
• A collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
• Competitive salary and equity package.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote options.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

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