Operational Director - Integrated Computing Platform (ICP)

The Integrated Computing Platform (ICP) is EPFL’s new flagship computing infrastructure and engineering support unit. Its goal is to cover the full spectrum of services needed for research and teaching in key computing areas, including High-Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), scientific computing, trusted research environments, storage, and data-intensive research. By bringing together existing research computing and supercomputing capabilities, the platform is expected to deliver state-of-the-art services, expertise in hardware engineering and software optimization, and infrastructure management to researchers across EPFL, providing full-stack integrated services to internal and external project partners, and supporting EPFL in its research, innovation and education missions.

Mission

As Operational Director, you will lead the implementation of EPFL’s strategy on operations, user-centric service delivery, and continuous development of EPFL’s integrated computing services. Working closely with the Academic Directors, Scientific Steering Committee, Schools, Research Affairs, DSI, and the broader EPFL ecosystem, you will ensure that researchers have access to reliable, scalable, and innovative computing resources that enable world-class research.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

Service & Operations

Run ICP as a responsive, service-driven platform that gives researchers rapid, reliable access to state-of-the-art computing. Oversee delivery across all scientific computing services, including HPC, AI/ML, storage, and sensitive data environments, along with the full infrastructure lifecycle. Develop the service portfolio in line with EPFL's research, teaching, and innovation priorities. Own service quality, user satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

People & Teams

Lead multidisciplinary teams (currently today more than 40 members on the existing computing platforms of EPFL) covering operations, research support, systems engineering, AI enablement, user onboarding, and service management, and enable a collaborative work environment.

Stakeholders & Partnerships

Act as the primary point of contact for faculty, labs, schools, centers, and platforms. Foster synergies across EPFL, engage industrial and technology partners on strategic initiatives, and represent EPFL in national and international HPC, AI, and research-computing initiatives.

Strategy & Governance

Drive the implementation of EPFL's computing strategy and roadmap, as defined by the Academic Co-Directors and Scientific Steering Committee.

Finance & Reporting

Manage budgets, financial planning, cost allocation, billing, and vendor relationships. Coordinate reporting, annual reviews, and strategic updates when required.

Profile

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Information Technology, etc.).
• Strong expertise (more than 10 years in IT industry or academic environments) in managing large-scale computing infrastructures and digital research platforms, such as HPC, AI/ML platforms, cloud technologies, storage systems, and scientific computing environments.
• Proven experience leading large technical teams in complex, multidisciplinary environments, with accountability for both operations and transformation initiatives.
• Ability to drive change while fostering team engagement and rally cross-functional teams around a shared vision
• Experience in budget management, procurement, service operations, and vendor negotiations.
• Strong service orientation, organizational skills, stakeholder management, agility, and strategic vision.
• Experience in a research-intensive or higher-education environment is highly desirable, as is first-hand experience with high-impact scientific projects in computational and data science.
• Outstanding communication skills in English and French are highly desirable.

A unique opportunity to shape the future of advanced computing and AI infrastructure at EPFL, one of Europe’s leading science and technology institutions. You will work with outstanding team members and researchers, cutting-edge technologies, and a highly collaborative ecosystem supporting innovation at scale.

Informations

Interested candidates are invited to apply through EPFL’s recruitment platform. Applications should include a CV, a motivation letter, and relevant supporting documents.

Please note this position will be published exclusively internally for 2 weeks until July 17.

Contract Start Date :01/09/2026

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: CDI

Reference: 2334