About Strand Life Sciences:

Strand is a 25-year-old spin-off from the Indian Institute of Science. We are a cutting-edge Genomics company with a global customer base. We build applications that use DNA sequencing to improve human health.

In the process, we build algorithms, data pipelines, and visualizations to handle large amounts of sequence data. We are committed to transforming complex data into actionable insights, contributing to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions in the fi eld of genomics. We anticipate that in the next few years, hundreds of millions of individuals will have their DNA sequenced, and invite you to join us in this transformative journey.

About the Position The Head of IT will lead the overall IT function at Strand Life Sciences, ensuring secure, efficient, and compliant operations across infrastructure, storage, cybersecurity, and business systems. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep technical expertise in system administration, backup management, security controls, and compliance alignment. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining a robust IT environment, implementing data protection strategies, and ensuring business continuity through effective tape backup and Veritas Backup management.

The position demands a balance between strategic leadership and technical execution, driving security, governance, and efficiency across all IT assets in line with ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, and NABL

Job Requirements:

Systems Management

- Administer and maintain JumpCloud for identity and device management across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
- Manage Google Workspace for organization-wide communication and collaboration.
- Maintain LDAP integration between JumpCloud and storage systems for secure authentication.
- Monitor performance, availability, and security of systems; ensure preventive maintenance and capacity planning.
- Drive automation and centralized monitoring initiatives using Zabbix, Prometheus, and Grafana.
- Oversee Veritas Backup and tape storage operations (LTO library) for backup, restoration, and off-site retention.

Network Management





- Manage the internal network connecting the servers, storage devices, the lab and the endpoints, ensuring optimal routing of network traffic
- Manage the external lines including VPN setup, incoming and outgoing traffic, and seamless experience for large amount of genomic data uploads and downloads

Cybersecurity & Compliance

- Implement and maintain endpoint protection, encryption, and DLP controls across all devices and platforms.
- Perform regular vulnerability scans (OpenVAS) and ensure timely remediation.
- Maintain IT security and compliance documentation for ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, and NABL
- Enforce access control, logging, and data security practices across infrastructure and user systems.

Backup & Disaster Recovery

- Oversee the complete tape backup lifecycle from daily scheduling, verifi cation, rotation, and off-site vaulting (Iron Mountain).
- Manage and optimize Veritas Backup Exec for reliable backup/restore operations across critical workloads.
- Validate restoration drills and ensure disaster recovery readiness for critical infrastructure.
- Maintain retention policies and audit trails for all backup activities.

Governance & Documentation

- Maintain IT SOPs, policies, and asset inventory aligned to compliance standards.
- Prepare audit documentation and evidence for external and internal audits.
- Perform periodic risk reviews and drive timely closure of fi ndings.
- Support business continuity and IT governance reviews.

Cloud & Automation

- Manage lightweight virtualized workloads, VMs, and hybrid storage models on different cloud platforms.
- Using Python, Bash, or PowerShell for automation and task optimization will be an advantage
- Evaluate cost optimization opportunities across IT infrastructure and services.





Team & Vendor Management

- Lead a team of IT engineers, assigning clear ownership of infrastructure and security domains.
- Manage vendor relationships for hardware, software, networking, and backup solutions.
- Oversee purchase planning, AMC renewals, and IT asset lifecycle management.

Infrastructure Management

- Manage and maintain servers, storage, virtualization (Proxmox), and NAS systems (Synology).

Required Skills & Experience: 1216 years of total IT experience with 4+ years in a leadership role.

Strong hands-on expertise in:

- Backup & Storage: Veritas Backup Exec, LTO Tape Libraries, NAS (Synology)
- System Management: Linux, Windows, macOS
- Identity Management: JumpCloud, LDAP, SSSD, SAML, SSO
- Networking: VLANs, VPNs, Firewalls, Wi-Fi, Routing, IPSEC Tunnels
- Automation & Monitoring: Python, Bash, PowerShell, Zabbix
- Security & Compliance: DLP, vulnerability scanning, ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2

Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills. Proven track record in managing IT operations under resource constraints while maintaining uptime and compliance.

Preferred Qualifi cations

Bachelors or Masters in Computer Science / Information Technology.

Certifi cations preferred

- ISO 27001 Lead Implementer / Auditor
- Veritas Certifi ed Specialist (Backup Exec)
- ITIL Foundation
- AWS or Azure Fundamentals (optional)

Ideal Candidate Persona A hands-on IT leader with deep technical expertise who can balance compliance, cost-efficiency, and operational excellence. The role suits someone comfortable with hybrid IT environments, who can maintain high availability, manage backups meticulously, and lead IT modernization with ownership and discipline.

We offer:

- An innovative and open culture in a truly multicultural environment
- An opportunity to make a fundamental impact on human health
- Vibrant multidisciplinary scientific interaction and learning oppo
- A collaborative and solution-oriented workplace where you can make a difference
- A competitive salary and generous benefits

📌 IT - Head (Bengaluru)
🏢 Strand Life Sciences
📍 Bengaluru