The University of Manchester is seeking an outstanding Enterprise Architect - Research to play a pivotal role in shaping the digital future of our research community.
As a member of the Enterprise and Business Architecture team, you will provide architectural leadership to ensure that our research-related digital infrastructure, platforms, and services are scalable, secure, and aligned with the University’s ambitious research goals. You will work closely with academic researchers, Research and Business Engagement teams, IT Services, wider Professional Services Directorates (including Finance, Planning, People, Library, and Compliance & Risk), and external partners to design and maintain a cohesive technical estate that supports cutting-edge, data-intensive, and interdisciplinary research.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain enterprise-wide architecture strategies for the research domain, ensuring alignment with institutional research priorities and digital transformation goals.
- Lead the design and governance of robust, secure, and interoperable research IT architectures, ensuring compliance with data governance, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, UKRI, EOSC, open access).
- Collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex research requirements into future-proof technical solutions, acting as a trusted advisor to senior research and IT leaders.
- Guide technology investments and contribute to technical and service roadmaps that enable delivery of the University’s research outcomes.
- Support integration with national and international research platforms, data repositories, and federated identity solutions.
- Provide architectural oversight for major research projects, ensuring solutions are fit for purpose and support advanced computational research and analytics.
- Contribute to business continuity planning and disaster recovery strategies for critical research systems.
- Maintain professional know-how by keeping abreast of developments and trends in research technology and digital infrastructure.
Key Research Areas and Strategic Focus
We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate expertise and vision in:
- High-Performance and Data-Intensive Research Computing: Architecting solutions for HPC, cloud-based research platforms, and large-scale data management.
- Research Data Lifecycle and FAIR Principles: Deep understanding of research data management, open science, and compliance with funder mandates.
- Integration with National and International Research Platforms: Designing architectures for seamless integration with external data repositories and collaborative research environments.
- Digital Transformation for Research: Leading or contributing to digital transformation initiatives in research IT, including adoption of emerging technologies (AI, automation, advanced analytics).
- Cybersecurity and Data Governance: Strong grasp of regulatory frameworks, data privacy, and security best practices relevant to research environments.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Leadership: Acting as a trusted advisor, translating complex requirements into robust, future-proof architectural solutions.
Person Specification
- Extensive experience in developing and implementing enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) within large, complex organisations.
- Demonstrable understanding of research computing environments, including HPC, data-intensive research, and digital research infrastructure.
- Experience working with academic researchers, IT professionals, and external partners to co-design and deliver technology solutions.
- Strong understanding of infrastructure, cloud platforms, data management, integration technologies, and software development practices.
- Track record of contributing to or leading large-scale digital transformation or research IT programmes.
- Knowledge of data governance, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks relevant to research (e.g., GDPR, JISC, UKRI policies, EOSC, open access mandates, Export Control).
- Proficient in architecture modelling tools and techniques (e.g., ArchiMate, UML, BPMN).
- Familiarity with FAIR data principles and research data lifecycle management.
- Desirable: TOGAF or other certification in Enterprise Architecture; cloud architecture certification (e.g., AWS, Azure)
What We Offer
- The opportunity to shape the University’s research technology strategy and make a tangible impact on world-leading research.
- A collaborative environment working with diverse teams across IT, research, and professional services.
- Support for professional development and engagement with the latest trends in research technology.
If you are passionate about enabling research excellence through innovative digital architecture and want to be at the forefront of research IT strategy, we encourage you to apply.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: It Resource Team
Email: it.resource@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
