Why this role is different (and better)  

Forget being developer #500 at a tech company. As our Technical Officer, you'll have a direct impact on European research infrastructure that enables breakthrough social science discoveries. In our agile IT team in the Main Office with 23 member organisations around Europe, your work matters from day one.  

What makes this special:  

Accelerated learning : Certifications and conferences - build your CV on our dime  

Real responsibility : Own entire systems and projects, not just helpdesk support tickets  

European travel : Opportunities to collaborate with partners across Europe  

Cutting-edge work : Implement AI in social sciences, develop metadata standards, and architect cloud infrastructure  

Work-Life balance : 37.5-hour week, Norwegian employment benefits, flexible arrangements  

Mission-driven : Your code doesn't sell ads - it advances human knowledge  

And, yes, you might help a colleague with printer issues in the morning and optimise Kubernetes clusters in the afternoon. We're a focused, collaborative team where everyone pitches in. If you want rigid job boundaries and corporate hierarchies, this isn't for you. If you want to learn everything and grow fast, it absolutely is.  

Responsibilities  

1. Maintain the CESSDA Technical Guidelines:  

• Regularly review and update the technical guidelines to ensure they are aligned with the current state of the infrastructure.  
• Stay informed about technological advancements and best practices to incorporate them into the guidelines.  

2. Cloud-based Infrastructure Provision and Management:  

• Manage and maintain the cloud-based infrastructure, specifically using Kubernetes on Google Cloud Platform or alternatives.  
• Monitor and enhance the security of the infrastructure to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of services.  

3. Cost Optimisation:  

• Identify opportunities to reduce monthly costs by eliminating redundant deployments and optimising service deployments.  
• Manage the storage of logs, files, images, and other items with limited retention periods.  

4. Continuous Integration, Testing, and Delivery Environment:  

• Configure and manage the Continuous Integration, Testing, and Delivery Environment.  
• Maintain automated pipelines for efficient and reliable software delivery.  
• Review and improve existing pipelines to enhance performance and effectiveness.  

5. Work and engage with CESSDA Service Providers and external stakeholders:  

• Participate in internal and external projects.  

6. Contribution to Internal IT Processes and Services:  

• Contribute to CESSDA's internal IT processes and services, actively seeking opportunities for improvement.  
• Support the Main Office's IT needs and equipment, providing technical assistance and troubleshooting as required.  
• Make suggestions and recommendations to enhance internal IT processes, services, and support for the Main Office.  

Qualifications and experiences  

• Academic degree in Computer Sciences, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent self-taught expertise with portfolio)  
• Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills demonstrated through professional experience, internships, or substantial personal projects  
• Linux comfort and troubleshooting skills.  
• Experience with at least one programming/scripting language (Python, Java, Bash, or similar).  
• Version control with Git.  
• Basic Docker/Kubernetes understanding.  
• Fluency in written and spoken English.  
• Able and willing to travel when required.  

Technical skills - you should be able to:  

• Navigate Linux filesystem, manage processes, and debug logs  
• Write Python/Bash scripts for automation tasks  
• Use Git beyond GUI tools (rebase, cherry-pick, resolve conflicts)  
• Explain what containers are and why we use them  
• Read and modify YAML configurations  
• Debug basic networking issues  

Asset  

• Work with AI tools.  
• Java and Spring Framework experience.  
• Exposure to Cloud Technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, or similar)  
• Enthusiasm for working in an international research environment  
• Experience in coordinating and collaborating with a group of colleagues, external partners or projects.  
• Demonstrated learning ability through coursework, bootcamps, or self-directed projects  

Key Competencies  

• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritise work, and meet deadlines.  
• Analytical skills.  
• Proactive and result-oriented, adaptable, and a team player.  

 What we offer  

• Opportunity to make one's mark and shape the operational and technological agenda of an international research supporting infrastructure.  
• Salary in line with similar roles in the public sector; final salary dependent upon the experience of the successful candidate.   
• Additional Health insurance.   
• Public Service Pension Fund (SPK) and supplementary pension (AFP).   
• Central location in beautiful Bergen - mountains, fjords, vibrant city centre, and convenient airport access.  

Application Process  

• To apply, please send the following materials in a  single PDF (max 10MB) to  [email protected] :  
  • Cover letter (max 1 page) answering:   
    • Why CESSDA specifically, not just any IT role?  
    • Describe a technical problem you solved and your approach.  
    • What technology are you currently learning on your own time?  
  • Two reference letters OR names and contact information of two referees.  
  • Detailed CV in English, including specific technologies used.  
  • Link to GitHub/portfolio OR description of 2-3 technical projects.  
• The vacancy is open until filled.  

Selection process   

• Short-listed candidates will first be interviewed virtually.  
• Technical assessment for successful interview candidates (practical Linux tasks and collaborative coding session).  
• Final interview in Bergen, Norway, for top candidates.    
  
  For general information, please contact:  
• Nina Bakanova, Executive Assistant,  [email protected],  

phone: +47 401 00 964.  

For information on the post and requirements, please contact:  

• Alen Vodopijevec, Head of IT,  [email protected]       
• Bonnie Wolff-Boenisch, Director of CESSDA ERIC,   [email protected]  

Diversity & Inclusion  

At CESSDA ERIC, we are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We value diversity in backgrounds and experiences. This is reflected in our largely diverse and inclusive community of partners and employees. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, culture, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.