JOB PURPOSE:

This individual will be responsible for providing robust, high-performance computing (HPC) and Linux system administration support to a scientific research facility. They will be critical in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of HROKL’s bioinformatics and data science infrastructure, which supports a range of genomics, epidemiology, and machine learning projects.

The candidate will work closely with IT, the Biosciences Sequencing laboratory lead and scientific teams to maintain a resilient, secure, and high-performing computational environment.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

HPC and Systems Administration: -

Ensure the smooth and effective operation of the research facility's HPC and data science cluster, including:

• A high-performance compute cluster (HPC) with over 250 processing cores.
• A GPU cluster comprising NVIDIA GPUs (e.g., A100, V100, Tesla V100).
• 150 terabytes of clustered file storage (GlusterFS).
• Several physical and virtual servers.

Install, configure, tune, and troubleshoot a suite of Linux storage and compute servers, including dedicated GPU servers.

Manage HPC file systems such as Ceph, Lustre, and JuiceFS.

Install, configure and administer HPC network services (SSH, Samba, Apache, rsync, NFS) and database applications (PostgreSQL, MySQL).

Perform routine Linux system audits, upgrades, and preventive maintenance to keep equipment at peak performance.

Software, Security, and Automation:

• Manage user accounts, system security, software updates, and scientific applications.
• Carry out scripting (Bash, Shell, Perl, Python, R) to support researchers' data analysis, automate tasks, and strengthen team capacity.
• Setup and deploy container-based solutions (Docker, Kubernetes, Singularity) for end-users.
• Improve server architecture, e.g., by implementing consistent configuration management tools like GNU-Guix.
• Participate in and enhance the automation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) pipelines.

Data Management and Security: -

• Perform backup and restore operations for research data and system configurations.
• Liaise with the Infrastructure team to develop and maintain resilient data storage.
• Be responsible for business continuity and disaster recovery for the Linux ecosystem.

User Support and Collaboration: -

• Provide support for Linux workstations and links from Windows desktops to Linux servers.
• Work and collaborate with the HPC user community, providing timely resolution of issues.
• Provide relevant training to scientific teams.
• Build and evolve architectural diagrams for the bioinformatics environment and provide comprehensive documentation for all processes.
• And any other assigned duties by the line managers.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & CAREER EXPERIENCE:

Mandatory:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with 3 Years’ experience at Supervisory level in Linux systems administration, preferably in a RedHat or CentOS environment.
• Expert knowledge of Linux operating systems and distributed file systems (e.g., GlusterFS, Lustre).
• Proven experience working with and supporting high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
• Experience working with multiple GPUs, including the NVIDIA series.
• Strong scripting skills in Bash or Perl/Python for automation and support.
• Working knowledge of IT environments and the ability to install and maintain computer equipment.

Desirable:

• Advanced Certification in Linux System Administration (e.g., RHCE, GCUX, Linux+, LFCE, RedHat OpenShift, or RedHat Automation with Ansible).
• Experience with GPU virtualization, Docker, Kubernetes, and Singularity.
• Knowledge of systems programming (e.g., C, C++, Rust) and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Julia, R).
• Experience in supporting a 20+ server environment.
• Short-course training in Bioinformatics packages, networking, or customer service.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics computational packages and experience working in a research establishment.

Core Competencies:

• Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, end-users, and clients.
• Good logical diagnostic skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment in problem resolution.
• Ability to multi-task, work under high pressure, meet deadlines, and follow up on pending matters with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to plan own workload and maintain accurate records in an environment with changing priorities.

• Ensure the smooth and effective operation of the research facility's HPC and data science cluster.
• Install, configure, tune, and troubleshoot a suite of Linux storage and compute servers, including dedicated GPU servers.
• Manage HPC file systems such as Ceph, Lustre, and JuiceFS.
• Install, configure and administer HPC network services (SSH, Samba, Apache, rsync, NFS) and database applications (PostgreSQL, MySQL).
• Perform routine Linux system audits, upgrades, and preventive maintenance.
• Manage user accounts, system security, software updates, and scientific applications.
• Carry out scripting (Bash, Shell, Perl, Python, R) to support researchers' data analysis, automate tasks, and strengthen team capacity.
• Setup and deploy container-based solutions (Docker, Kubernetes, Singularity) for end-users.
• Improve server architecture, e.g., by implementing consistent configuration management tools like GNU-Guix.
• Participate in and enhance the automation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) pipelines.
• Perform backup and restore operations for research data and system configurations.
• Liaise with the Infrastructure team to develop and maintain resilient data storage.
• Be responsible for business continuity and disaster recovery for the Linux ecosystem.
• Provide support for Linux workstations and links from Windows desktops to Linux servers.
• Work and collaborate with the HPC user community, providing timely resolution of issues.
• Provide relevant training to scientific teams.
• Build and evolve architectural diagrams for the bioinformatics environment and provide comprehensive documentation for all processes.
• And any other assigned duties by the line managers.

• Linux systems administration
• High-performance computing (HPC) clusters
• Distributed file systems (GlusterFS, Lustre)
• GPU management (NVIDIA series)
• Scripting (Bash, Shell, Perl, Python, R)
• Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes, Singularity)
• Configuration management (GNU-Guix)
• Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) pipelines
• Backup and restore operations
• Business continuity and disaster recovery
• Customer service
• Communication (written and oral)
• Interpersonal skills
• Logical diagnostic skills
• Problem resolution
• Multi-tasking
• Work under pressure
• Meeting deadlines
• Planning workload
• Maintaining accurate records

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with 3 Years’ experience at Supervisory level in Linux systems administration, preferably in a RedHat or CentOS environment.
• Expert knowledge of Linux operating systems and distributed file systems (e.g., GlusterFS, Lustre).
• Proven experience working with and supporting high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
• Experience working with multiple GPUs, including the NVIDIA series.
• Strong scripting skills in Bash or Perl/Python for automation and support.
• Working knowledge of IT environments and the ability to install and maintain computer equipment.
• Advanced Certification in Linux System Administration (e.g., RHCE, GCUX, Linux+, LFCE, RedHat OpenShift, or RedHat Automation with Ansible) - Desirable.
• Experience with GPU virtualization, Docker, Kubernetes, and Singularity - Desirable.
• Knowledge of systems programming (e.g., C, C++, Rust) and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Julia, R) - Desirable.
• Experience in supporting a 20+ server environment - Desirable.
• Short-course training in Bioinformatics packages, networking, or customer service - Desirable.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics computational packages and experience working in a research establishment - Desirable.