Data Centre Network Engineer

About the Team

The Data Centre (DC) Engineer is part of the Network & DC Team that  maintains the physical and logical backbone of our IT services.

At EMBL-EBI we manage large data volumes and network traffic across multiple sites and we allow our data to be accessed on a global scale.

This role is a hybrid of DC facility operations and active campus-wide network support, requiring a proactive individual who can execute well-defined procedures with precision, maintain impeccable documentation, and escalate appropriately when issues exceed runbooks. The DC Engineer will perform hardware lifecycle tasks, enforce datacentre access and cabling standards, and deliver first-line network configuration and Layer 1-2 troubleshooting across DCs and campus environments. Working closely with senior engineers under ITSM change control, they will ensure asset accuracy in DCIM, support monitoring integrations (e.g., Smart PDUs), and act as reliable remote hands to maintain high availability and operational safety across EMBL-EBI facilities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

Data Centre Operations 

• Hardware Lifecycle: Physically install, rack, relocate, and decommission servers, storage, and network switches.

• Hardware Maintenance: Carry out firmware upgrades and supervise or perform hardware repairs, including swapping failed components like drives, motherboards, and power supplies.

• Facility Monitoring: Perform regular physical rounds to check for environmental alerts (temperature/humidity) and infrastructure health (UPS status and PDU loads).

• Asset Compliance: Ensure the Datacentre Information Management (DCIM) system is kept up to date. Conduct regular audits of assets and coordinate with Finance/Purchasing for compliant disposal.

• Security & Policy: Ensure DC access policies are followed correctly by all staff and contractors. Maintain high standards for copper and fibre cable management, including precise labeling and routing.

Campus & Core Network Operations

• Network Configuration: Carry out basic configuration such as applying management IP addresses, basic routing, and VLAN tagging to newly installed devices.

• Campus Edge Support: Manage the physical health and connectivity of network switches in campus wiring closets (IDFs) and assist in the deployment of AV or other network-connected campus infrastructure.

• Connectivity Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve Layer 1 issues, including faulty transceivers, damaged fibre patches, and incorrect patching across the DCs and campus.

• Monitoring Projects: Help integrate and monitor Smart PDUs for power and efficiency tracking.

• Remote Hands: Act as the local technical presence for senior engineers, performing power cycles, hardware inspections, and physical cable audits.

Required Skills and Experience

You will have 

• Driving License: Must possess a full, clean UK driving license. This is essential for travelling between sites.

• Physical Ability: Able to lift and carry IT equipment up to 20kg, work on raised platforms, and operate in tight spaces.

• Policy Focus: A firm approach to process enforcement and the ability to maintain accurate documentation.

• Relevant technical certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Cisco CCNA.

• Experience with ITIL frameworks or ISO 27001 standards.

• Infrastructure: Proven proficiency in working with optical fibre and Cat5e/6/6a copper patch cabling, including MPO terminated fibre. 

• Tools: Experience using cable testers, cleaning fibre terminations, and basic console tools (e.g., PuTTY/SSH).

• Networking: A basic understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, and CLI-based device management.

• Good written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate clearly in a collaborative technical environment.

Team Values 

We are an international team who  values collaboration, continuous learning, integrity and commitment. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers who actively mentor and share knowledge.

We are looking for a new colleague who:

• Is comfortable working autonomously, able to manage their own workload, and take initiative when resolving issues.

• Has a genuine interest in improving systems, not just maintaining them.

• Enjoys solving technical challenges collaboratively.

• Is a clear and confident communicator, able to document work and explain technical concepts effectively.

Other helpful information 

This role requires regular travel to our data centre and on-campus presence. A full, clean driving licence and the ability to work on site are essential.

Interviews: We plan to hold introductory virtual meetings with selected candidates in the first week of June. Virtual technical and panel interviews will follow, likely mid to late June 2026.

Contract length: 3 year fixed term contract (renewable up to 9 years)

Salary: Grade 6 monthly salary starting at £3,695 per month after tax but excluding pension and insurance contributions. Plus generous benefits.

Next Steps

This vacancy is open from Friday, 24th April with a scheduled closing date of Wednesday, 20th May and we welcome your application as soon as possible.

Please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your motivations for applying and your transferable skills and experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and in the event that we identify a suitable candidate sooner, reserve the right to close the vacancy ahead of the published closing date. 

Why join us

Do something meaningful
At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. EMBL-EBI, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, is a worldwide leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. We provide the global research community with access to publicly available databases and tools which are crucial for the advancement of healthcare, food security, and biodiversity.
 

Join a culture of innovation
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential.  Watch this video to see how EMBL-EBI makes an impact.

Enjoy lots of benefits:

• Financial incentives: Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances

• Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns 

• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)

• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition public holidays

• Relocation package including installation grant (if required)

• Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances

• Benefits for non-UK residents: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.

For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here. 

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Please take a look at our International Applicants page for further information.  

• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date