Missouri University of Science and Technology

Hiring Department

Division of Information Technology

Job Description

The HPC System Administrator will be a part of the Research Support Solutions (RSS) team that plans, installs, and manages the hardware and software of the campus research cluster computing, storage, and networking environment. Responsibilities of this position will include installing, configuring, and maintaining multiple Linux clusters and servers in a research computing environment; creating and maintaining training materials for research computing related software and hardware; evaluating, installing, upgrading, and maintain scientific software; monitoring the operation and performance of the environment; and investigating new technologies of importance to research computing and researchers. Providing excellent technical support to both internal and external constituents is required. Staying current with emerging IT trends related to research and high performance computing and support is expected.

This position is part of a team supporting HPC clusters and related systems at multiple campuses, but is primarily based in Columbia, Missouri. While much of the daily work can be performed remotely, the nature of the work requires frequent access to the Columbia campus, and occasional travel to other campuses in Missouri.

Essential Functions (top critical functions)

• Participate as a member of a highly technical and customer-service driven team. Readily share knowledge and training with other staff members, and forge close working relationships with IT and scientific research groups across campus.
• Install, configure, and maintain multiple Linux systems in support of research computing in a scientific environment for university researchers. Responsibilities include analysis, documentation, installation, testing, evaluation and installation of new versions and authorized modifications of the solution's hardware, operating systems, application-layer, and some database administration work.
• Secure and monitor systems and consult with researchers, staff, and students on securing applications.
• Serve as a technical consultant for sponsored research projects that require research computing services.
• Serve as a liaison between scientists and IT in developing compute solutions that will increase the competitive edge of the resulting research.
• Provide documentation and training to peers, faculty, staff and students in the use of a shared high performance computing environment and associated scientific software.
• Troubleshoot hardware/software problems and system failures. Determine and initiate appropriate and immediate actions needed to restore normal services with minimal down time. Document occurrence and actions taken. Assess operating procedures followed in resolving issues for effectiveness; may recommend modifications to standard procedures found to be inadequate, unclear or ineffective.

Advise and directly supervise student workers as an integral part of the team.

Shift

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm, flexible, some nights/weekends

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required.
• Demonstrated ability and experience with the Linux operating system and utilizing the command line interface is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work with computing, storage, and networking hardware is required.
• Experience with scripting (e.g. Python, Perl, and Bash) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a collaborative and diverse environment is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with high performance cluster administration is desirable.

Experience with networking (including Infiniband) is highly desirable.

Experience in an academic research or computing setting is highly desirable.

Experience with an automated configuration management system is desired.

Ability and demonstrated use of version control management tools such as Git is desirable.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $57,000 - $90,000/year Commensurate with experience

University Title: System Administrator

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Cover letter and resume

Sponsorship Information

Visa Sponsorship Information:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Other Information

https://doit.missouri.edu/researchhttps://doit.missouri.edu/research

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.