R&D IT Infrastructure Specialist

R&D IT Infrastructure Specialist

Location: Oxford (onsite)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced R&D IT Infrastructure Specialist to develop the IT environments that support research, engineering, testing, simulation and laboratory operations. This role is ideal for someone with a strong infrastructure background and proven experience supporting R&D, laboratory or engineering environments, where uptime, security and performance are business-critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and enhance IT infrastructure across R&D and laboratory facilities, including networks, servers, storage, virtualisation, cloud services and endpoint technologies.
• Partner with research, engineering and laboratory teams to deliver infrastructure solutions that support innovation and product development.
• Lead infrastructure projects for new laboratories, test facilities and specialised R&D environments.
• Support the deployment and integration of laboratory equipment, instrument control systems and scientific data platforms.
• Ensure infrastructure availability, cybersecurity, disaster recovery and operational resilience.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation, monitoring and modern infrastructure practices.
• Manage third-party suppliers, technology partners and infrastructure vendors.
• Maintain IT governance, asset management, capacity planning and documentation standards.

Essential Experience

• 8+ years' experience in IT infrastructure, enterprise IT or technical operations.
• Proven experience supporting R&D, laboratory, scientific, engineering, testing or product development environments is essential.
• Experience commissioning and supporting laboratory infrastructure, specialist equipment and associated technologies.
• Strong knowledge of networking, servers, storage, virtualisation, cloud platforms, backup and disaster recovery.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, network segmentation and access management.
• Experience delivering infrastructure projects and managing external suppliers.

Key Skills

• Infrastructure architecture and solution design
• R&D and laboratory systems support
• Project delivery and stakeholder management
• IT service management and operational excellence
• Cybersecurity and compliance
• Vendor and supplier management
• Continuous improvement and automation
• Strong communication and leadership skills

Preferred Certifications

• ITIL Foundation
• PRINCE2 or PMP
• Microsoft, Azure, VMware, Cisco or AWS certifications
• Cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM or ISO 27001

Please note: Candidates must have previous experience supporting R&D, scientific, engineering or laboratory-based environments, as this is a key requirement for the role.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.