Senior Research Computing Administrator

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Research Computing Administrator to join
the Biomedical Research Computing (BMRC) team, working under the direction of
the Big Data Institute (BDI) Research Computing Manager and along with the
rest of the BMRC team.





You will be working with the BMRC team to deliver and maintain the high-
performance research computing infrastructure for the NDM and the wider
biomedical research community in Oxford. You will also work under the line
management of the BDI Research Computing Manager to support directly the work
of BDI researchers. This includes configuration of new equipment, day-to-day
system management, performing upgrades and planning to meet future needs. You
will lead on the training and teaching of research computing to researchers
and students who may be new to the field, and to organise and lead an
effective user-group network. You will also represent the NDM at both internal
and external conferences and meetings to help further the aims of the BMRC
facility and advance biomedical research in Oxford.





You will hold a degree involving significant use of computing platforms, have
substantial experience of administering computers running Linux/Unix operating
systems and knowledge of relevant scripting languages such as bash and Python.
You will have experience of cluster, virtualization and/or containerization
technologies. Particular weight will be given to experience in OpenStack cloud
implementation and administration. A good knowledge of applying the basic
principles of computer security to, for example, configuration of firewalls,
networking, identity management, authentication and authorization, encryption
and isolation of compute processes is essential for this position. You will
have experience with directly supporting researchers or other non-specialists
in computing, such as giving presentations, running training courses, running
user groups, compiling software, troubleshooting problems and/or software
pipeline optimization.





While the criteria above define an ideal range of skills, we do not expect to
find a candidate who can satisfy all of them without significant training once
in post. The NDM’s research aims and the plans for BMRC are ambitious, and
this extends to identifying and training promising candidates for careers in
research computing roles from a variety of backgrounds. In particular, we will
consider ambitious but responsible candidates with a strong background in
Linux and a passion to learn where their current roles are limiting their
scope for specialisation and career development.





We welcome applications from those with no formal system administration
experience, but with a strong computer programming or computer-literate
research background who would consider research computing as a direction for
continuing and developing their research careers. In these cases, the role may
be offered to a suitable promising candidate at a lower grade initially, with
an appropriate adjustment of responsibilities and a clear plan for training
and career progression.





Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required
to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.
Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection
criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.





This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 July
2024, with possibility of extension and is funded by the Department.





Only applications received before 12 midday on Monday 9 October 2023 will be
considered. Please quote **167996** on all correspondence.