New MSD IT Services Director Mark Walker talks to us about supporting world class research, why invisibility is a positive thing, and the joy of unexpectedly discovering DJing.
Tell us a little about what attracted you to this role.
I joined as Director of Medical Sciences IT Services because, at its core, this role is about making sure world-class researchers have the technology they need to do world-changing work. That’s a compelling mission when you think about it. The University of Oxford is of course home to some of the sharpest minds in medical science - and behind pretty much every major breakthrough, there’s an IT team keeping things running. I wanted to be part of that. Also, I seem to have a habit of ending up in roles where there’s plenty to optimise - so I suppose I’m in the right place!
And why is what your team does important?
Put simply, without IT, the research wouldn’t happen. The systems we support enable everything from managing vast datasets to running high-performance computing for medical modelling. If something goes wrong, it’s not just an inconvenience, and can have a real impact on research progress and cost thousands. My team ensures that the infrastructure, applications, and support are there when they’re needed. I like to think it’s an essential but often invisible part of the process.
What’s currently at the top of your to-do list?
Right now, my focus is on embedding our Freshservice product properly so we can improve how we deliver IT services across the division. I’m also looking at how we develop the team – making sure we have the right skills, creating opportunities for growth, and making space for innovation. At the same time, we’re working on moving away from some older technologies to make things more efficient and future-ready. In the short term, I’m focused on getting some key improvements in place, including better training and development opportunities, so we’re in the best possible position for what’s ahead.
How did you get to where you are today?
A mix of curiosity, taking on interesting challenges, and probably not being very good at saying no. I’ve worked across a few different areas - IT leadership, pre-sales, consulting - and had the opportunity to build and lead high-performing teams. I spent a long time in the NHS, and then spent a while in the private sector but found myself drawn back to an environment where IT plays a critical role in something bigger than itself. The chance to support medical sciences at a place like the University felt like the right next step.
What’s life like outside work?
Outside of work, I actually DJ a lot in my spare time. It’s funny because I would have never imagined myself doing this, but it was a lockdown hobby that’s become “my thing”. I finally made it to Ibiza last year - only a couple of decades later than when you’re supposed to do that - but it lived up to expectations. There’s something about music that’s a complete contrast to the day job - no emails, no spreadsheets, just tunes! Other than that, I spend time with my 13-year-old daughter, who ensures I don’t take myself too seriously and reminds me that my music taste is, apparently, deeply questionable.
If you weren’t in IT, what would you like to be doing?
I’d like to say running a beachside bar in Ibiza but realistically my inner introvert wouldn’t allow that, so I’d probably end up as the person fixing the Wi-Fi instead!