HPC Architect & Analyst at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues. In the cover letter describe your interest and fit for this position.

Position Summary

The Center for Research Computing (CRC) at Rice University enables faculty and researchers to effectively use on and off-premises (1) shared high-performance computing, (2) VM and cloud computing, (3) data storage infrastructure, (4) a wide range of scientific instruments, and (5) broader cyberinfrastructure and services, all to accelerate and advance world-class research and scholarship across the University.

Under general supervision, performs specialized functions for systems design, procurement, user access and applications support for the Center for Research Computing (CRC). As a highly skilled Independent Contributor, the person in this role is responsible for three core functions for HPC and related services in the CRC:

1. Lead the development, delivery, and oversight of HPC systems and services in the Center for Research Computing (CRC), including system documentation, requirements gathering, design, RFP development, gathering quotes and proposals, purchasing, deployment, health monitoring and maintenance of high-performance computing systems.

2. Expand and manage CRC outreach, consulting, training, and access to on-prem and national HPC resources; work with CRC and OIT teams, and directly with faculty, staff, and student researchers in the Rice research community to increase access to and use of computing and data resources.

3. Develop data collection processes and oversee implementation of tools and mechanisms for visibility into and tracking systems health, operations, and systems use and users; produce analysis, required reports, and other materials on systems health and use/user data to support best-in-class systems management and prediction, planning, and decision-making (including assessment of use policies).

Reporting to the Director of the Center for Research Computing, the position has significant responsibility for the technical architecture (including design and implementation) of HPC research environments (including databases; HPC & hybrid/cloud compute and storage services; security and access controls; and account management processes). This work is conducted in coordination and collaboration with various CRC and OIT service teams which are responsible for management of other systems across the Rice research computing ecosystem for delivery of relevant services. Incumbent is expected to maintain knowledge of new computing trends and technology, specifically including leading edge technologies, regional and national \"as a service\" offerings." The ideal person for this has HPC and facilitation experience role coordinates and serves as a bridge among the Systems-facing and the User-facing experts, ensuring that systems hardware, operating systems, software systems, and related procedures and services adhere to best-in-class operational standards to provide value to the research community at Rice. This team participates in planning and delivery of training for users of on-prem, regional, and national HPC systems and services.

In line with the University mission to lead world class research and OIT's aim for excellence in service, this role is designed to facilitate the expansion of advanced research computing and user capacity across the community. The incumbent will work with researchers to understand how HPC and cloud can enable and reshape their work; provide consultation; and collaborate on solving problems for use and users. Working to bridge the systems engineering and user services teams, collaborates on support and training activities, and facilitates problem-solving activities to support provisioning and use of applications, tools, computational and data resources.

This role offers opportunities to lead or participate in technical research and development to enable continuing innovation within the research computing area and expects engagement in professional communities of practice at the national level.

This is an on-campus position with the opportunity for a flexible work schedule. ( Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.)

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with a hiring range of $128,000-$135,000. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• 
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted.
  
  
• 
  4+ years of experience in HPC systems development and user services, and leading cyberinfrastructure projects from design through end-of life cycles. In-depth understanding of research cyberinfrastructure landscape and demonstrated experience with processes for procurement, deployment, and operation.
  
  
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted.
  
  
• Skills
  
  
  • Proven track record of driving and leading large-scale architectural projects throughout an entire business cycle through to completion
  • Broad knowledge of scientific applications and domain-oriented data and tools
  • Awareness of research security and evolving regulatory requirements
  • Excellent oral, written and presentation communication skills.
  • Outstanding analytical skills
  • Ability to engage senior executive/leadership
  • Ability to manage through organizational change
  • Ability to work in pressurized situations, make decisive decisions, and meet project timelines
  • Ability to review and select technical and applications architecture solutions
  • Ability to write formal Requests for Proposals, acquire quotes from vendors, and support the procurement of research computing infrastructure
  • Knowledge of Cloud Compute Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  
  

Preferences:

• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or domain science field with 10+ years of computational science
• 8 Years of experience in HPC systems development and user services, and leading cyberinfrastructure projects from design through end-of life cycles. In-depth understanding of research cyberinfrastructure landscape and demonstrated experience with processes for procurement, deployment, and operation.
• Experience developing and lead grant proposals.
• Experience leading collaborative cyberinfrastructure projects. Experience working with multi-disciplinary team science initiatives.
• ITIL knowledge
• Proven experience with third party technical and application architects

Essential Functions:

• Leads or assists the development, delivery, and oversight of HPC systems and services in the Center for Research Computing (CRC)
• Selects, deploys and maintains tools for live monitoring and analysis of computing systems functions and efficiency, support visualization tools for these data.
• Oversees / assists in the production and maintenance of detailed technical documentation for HPC systems and related services.
• Makes recommendations for and implements HPC user processes and policies; utilizes data to assess policies and their impacts on system efficiencies and usage.
• Contributes to regular OIT and CRC reports, and develops materials in response to ad hoc reporting requests as needed
• Consults with faculty to understand their research and work with external technology vendors to deliver systems to meet specific research needs within the budget allocations.
• Coordinates and contributes to training for HPC systems and related cyberinfrastructure
• Proactively researches new technologies and trends and recommends ways to utilize them
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• May be required to work nights and weekends in response to system installations, outages, disaster responses, or other circumstances that impact service delivery.
• Expected to have remote and secure access to Rice networks and cyberinfrastructure during non-business hours.
• Occasional travel for conferences and training should be expected.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

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