Head of Information Technology and Data Privacy
Calico Life Sciences · South San Francisco, CA
Who We Are:
Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.
Position Description:
Calico is seeking an experienced Head of IT and Data Security & Privacy to lead and oversee all aspects of information security and data privacy, covering end-user computing and both on-premises and cloud infrastructure. This role requires over 15 years of experience in IT and technical management, a Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, and strong knowledge of information security practices, advanced Linux system administration, networking, hybrid cloud environments, and data lifecycle management. The ideal candidate will demonstrate outstanding technical leadership, strong people-management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with partners and senior management.
Key Responsibilities:
This position encompasses comprehensive oversight of information technology, data security, and privacy, including:
- Leading and developing IT staff, establishing department goals, and managing the IT budget and expenses
- Developing and enforcing best practices in IT, data privacy, and security across the organization
- Defining and aligning IT strategies and processes with company-wide goals
- Serving as the designated System Owner for regulated workflows
- Overseeing on-premises and cloud computing infrastructure, including:
-
- Identity management
- Database administration
- Infrastructure services
- Enterprise architecture
- Google Apps domain administration
- Certificate management
- IT facilities
- Providing customer/end-user IT support
- Managing networking and telephony, and audio/visual services
- Ensuring compliance with privacy and export laws
- Managing data privacy and security incident response
- Developing and implementing privacy and security policies, training, and compliance programs
- Implementing data security and data lifecycle management for business continuity, disaster recovery, and archiving
- Managing relationships with IT vendors, contractors, and service providers
- Acting as the primary Calico interface with Alphabet on IT matters (infrastructure, networking, security, data privacy)
- Serving as the primary interface with external collaborators/partners on IT and privacy matters
Position Requirements:
- 15+ years’ experience in IT and technical management
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline
- Specific technical proficiency requirements include:
- Working knowledge of networking theory, technologies, and operations
- Design and implementation of hybrid cloud environments/platforms for research computing
- Operating knowledge of high-performance clusters, storage, and virtual machines
- Directory and naming services management
- Working knowledge of applications supporting clinical workflows
- Advanced Linux system administration
- Strong knowledge of information security practices and technology best practices
- Oversight of:
- Windows and macOS endpoint management
- Incident detection and response tools
- End-user security training
- Data lifecycle management for scientific data
- Ability to provide outstanding technical leadership
- Ability to work with leaders from partner organizations
- Ability to build constructive and collaborative business relationships
- Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills
- Strong people-management and recruitment skills
- Ability to handle multiple competing tasks in an orderly manner, prioritizing to ensure business deliverables are met
- Must be willing to work onsite at least 4 days a week
Nice to Have:
- Experience in Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry
- Experience with 21 CFR / GxP systems validation
- Familiarity with applicable regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, HIPAA)
The estimated base salary range for this role is $295,000 - $309,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.
