We are now looking for a strategic and development-oriented IT Director who wants to take a holistic approach to the agency’s digital development and lead the organization’s IT efforts. With us, you’ll play a central role in an exciting research environment where technology, science, and public service come together.

About the Role

As IT Director at IRF, you’ll have a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with a mission of societal importance in an organization that conducts world-class research and technology development.

You will have overall responsibility for leading, coordinating, and developing IRF’s IT operations. You will provide a holistic perspective and direction in the interplay between the organization’s needs, technological developments, and the agency’s requirements for security, quality, and efficiency. You will play a key strategic role in strengthening the agency’s ability to steer, prioritize, and implement long-term sustainable development in the IT field. Through close dialogue and collaboration with the agency’s leadership and other employees, you will translate strategic goals and operational needs into concrete results.

An important part of the role is to ensure that IRF has an effective and secure IT environment that supports both daily research activities and administrative operations.

The role also includes overall responsibility for developing and coordinating the agency’s work on information security and cybersecurity. You will lead efforts to strengthen the agency’s ability to prevent, detect, and manage security threats and incidents, and ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and other requirements.

Job Responsibilities

The role includes, among other things:

• Developing and leading the agency’s overall IT efforts
• Establishing a structure and approach for cohesive, business-driven, and long-term sustainable digital development
• Having overall responsibility for the agency’s information security and cybersecurity, and developing systematic security efforts
• Ensuring a structured approach to risk management, business continuity planning, incident management, and the protection of the agency’s information and digital assets
• Ensure that IT operations comply with relevant laws, regulations, and agency requirements
• Provide strategic and operational support to the agency in matters related to IT and IT development.

You will be part of the agency’s management team and actively contribute to the agency’s overall strategic development. You are expected to be able to look beyond day-to-day IT operations and contribute perspectives on how digitalization, technological development, and security issues can strengthen IRF’s ability to fulfill its mission.

Business travel is required.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who has:

• A university or college degree, or experience that the employer deems equivalent
• The ability to lead and develop IT operations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in Swedish and English

It is advantageous if you also have:

• Experience working in leadership positions
• Experience working strategically as part of a management team
• Knowledge of information security and cybersecurity issues

Great importance will be placed on your personal qualities; you must be a strong communicator, self-motivated, and have a strategic mindset. You must be able to translate overarching goals into concrete actions and results. You must promote and uphold the government’s core values.

We offer

At IRF, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a unique research environment with international collaborations at the forefront of science.

Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles in our workplace, which means we take gender equality into account in our daily work and in all decision-making forums.

Kiruna offers a unique combination of magnificent nature, an active outdoor lifestyle, and proximity to world-leading space activities. Here, you’ll find excellent opportunities to combine a challenging career with a high quality of life.

IRF can assist with a potential relocation by offering temporary housing during the initial period.

Terms and Conditions

This is a permanent position based at IRF’s headquarters in Kiruna. IRF uses an individual salary-setting system. Start date to be agreed upon.

Your application must include a resume and a short cover letter (maximum one page).

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to sales representatives: we kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies and sales representatives regarding additional job postings.

The Institute of Space Physics (IRF) is a government agency that conducts basic research and doctoral education in space physics, atmospheric physics, and space technology. Many of IRF’s projects are large-scale international collaborations with other research institutes and space agencies. IRF has approximately 100 employees and operates in Kiruna (headquarters), Umeå, Uppsala, and Lund. More information about IRF.