Computational Support Coordinator

University of Richmond · UR Main Campus

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Computational Support Coordinator supports the institution’s academic research computing enterprise. This position supports the faculty, and through the faculty, their students in their use of Linux-based high performance and workstation-based computing for research and instruction. The incumbent collaborates with faculty members and the Computational Support Specialist to design, implement, and optimize computing solutions tailored to faculty research needs. The position reports to the Computational Support Specialist.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operations & Infrastructure Management

  • Installs, configures, updates and supports end-user software including operating systems and application software on computing-intensive hardware according to best practices.

  • Performs general software troubleshooting. Identifies and assesses system-related problems. Initiates corrective actions as appropriate and reports data security issues to Information Services.

  • Installs and maintains software including batch job performance analysis tools (SLURM), troubleshooting, user training and coaching, and shell scripting.

  • Troubleshoots system/component level issues as well as system/component level performance tuning.

  • Monitors and maintains high performance computing hardware. Partners with faculty to monitor and maintain their workstation hardware.

  • Designs, implements, and maintains backups and ensures recoverability; test and repair full system recovery methods.

  • Answers user questions regarding hardware, software, and system applications. Responds to special requests and accepts trouble reports. Investigates and resolves user problems. Maintains communications with system users and other faculty and staff members to reach satisfactory resolution of problems.

Training, Consultation & User Support

  • Provide expert technical consultation to researchers, helping them leverage computing resources effectively for their projects.

  • Serve as a liaison to academic research computing for faculty, and through the faculty for their students, to promote effective use of the ARC supported computer hardware and software.

  • Collaborate with faculty and their research teams to integrate computing and data solutions into research design and workflows.

  • Provide technical expertise for research grant proposals for new or expanded computing initiatives.

  • Creates and maintains technical documentation for recommended solutions.

  • Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

  • Interest in solving operational and performance problems in the Linux environment, and ability to do so.

  • At least one year of experience with LINUX -based cluster or workstation computing.

  • Familiarity with the LINUX command line environment, using its many utilities and combining them into useful shell scripts.

  • Ability to build and install LINUX software packages.

  • Python and R are the most important languages in research computing. You need to be able to use at least one of them well. We support Jupyter and RStudio.

  • Experience using git.

  • Self-motivated, with a keen sense of responsibility and passion for problem solving.

  • Ability to perform under minimal supervision. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected; independent problem-solving ability is critical. Relies on experience and judgment to independently analyze and solve complex problems quickly and meticulously.

  • Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and instruction to faculty and staff, interact with users of varying levels of expertise, communicate technical information to non-technical users, and deal with their frustrations.

  • Ability to concentrate despite interruptions. Work under pressure on multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.

  • Ability to learn new hardware and software independently.

  • Passion for engaging our international and culturally diverse faculty via written and oral communication.

  • Thorough understanding of LINUX administration practices, including devices and drivers, filesystem concepts, security configuration and patching, performance analysis and system tuning.

  • Understanding of networking and distributed computing environment concepts, routing, and networked file systems.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in field with strong scientific computing component

  • At least one year of experience in LINUX system administration working in progressively complex environments.

  • UNIX/Linux System Administration certification preferred.

  • At least one year of experience writing shell scripts in Unix/Linux server environments.

Work Hours:

  • Full time; Non-exempt; Limited term position

  • Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. –5:00 p.m.; 7.75 hours per day; 38.75 hours per week

  • Required to work as needed and occasionally work after hours and weekends as required to meet planned project deadlines and respond to unplanned outages.

SALARY STRUCTURE:

Pay Grade 6 ($24.26 to $32.14 per hour)

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