Lobos System Adminstrator

Axle • Rockville, MD

3d • $110,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Axle is seeking a Lobos System Administrator to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), in Bethesda, Maryland. The role supports the Linux-based high-performance computing infrastructure used by NHLBI’s Laboratory of Computational Biology for simulations, modeling, and scientific research.

The position maintains the LoBoS cluster and its associated systems, equipment, and services. Work includes installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Linux operating systems and related hardware; supporting scientific applications, databases, programming languages, and tools; provisioning and monitoring network storage; applying security patches; and helping track technology and plan upgrades to support the Lab’s scientific workflows. The role also contributes to operational assessments, security and Authority to Operate (ATO) efforts, infrastructure improvements, and technical guidance for management and staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• At least five years of experience in Linux System Administration and/or High-Performance Computing (HPC).
• Minimum fourteen years of progressively responsible professional experience, including experience directing a major program, division, or operational unit.
• Familiarity with one or more scripting languages.
• Expertise with the Microsoft Office Suite and other business-analysis software and applications.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct needs assessments and develop recommendations for improving current operations.
• Experience collaborating with technical and nontechnical professionals to develop recommendations for current and future initiatives.
• Ability to advise management and staff on new strategies and the resolution of sensitive or complex issues.
• Experience developing and implementing proactive programs tailored to specific audiences.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, consultative, and results-oriented environment.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including investigating and responding to inquiries about policies and operational issues.
• Advanced experience in strategy design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Proven network troubleshooting skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with LDAP.
• Experience with MPI.
• Experience with virtualization and containers.
• Experience with batch queuing systems such as Slurm.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the LoBoS cluster in good working order and support the reliable operation of associated systems, equipment, and services.
• Maintain the two physical LoBoS cluster spaces and coordinate facility, hardware, and operational requirements.
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux operating systems, desktops, servers, hardware, and related infrastructure.
• Support scientific application programs, scientific databases, programming languages, and tools.
• Provision and monitor network storage systems.
• Monitor system security, identify anomalies, conduct analysis, and recommend or implement resolutions.
• Perform system patching and corrective actions to address known vulnerabilities and operational requirements.
• Assist with technology tracking and research modernization, replacement, and upgrade requirements for the LoBoS cluster.
• Conduct needs assessments and recommend improvements to LoBoS operations, infrastructure, and support processes.
• Advise management and staff on sensitive, complex, or technically challenging issues and recommend strategies.
• Collaborate with NIH management, staff, users, and other professionals to implement improvements and resolve operational issues.
• Support LoBoS’s Authority to Operate (ATO) in collaboration with NIH staff and technical and administrative professionals.
• Assist in managing the LoBoS maintenance and upgrades budget by researching requirements, evaluating alternatives, developing recommendations, and supporting implementation.
• Develop and track project plans for prioritized initiatives and collaborate on program development, contract management, and Institute operations.
• Support strategic planning, process improvement, performance measurement, acquisition planning, program management, and governance.
• Provide advisory and staff support to executives and senior managers on administrative management and operational support issues.
• Develop recommendations for current and future technology, infrastructure, operational, and organizational initiatives.
• Help define target-state processes, tools, and technology responsive to evolving Institute needs and scientific and technological advances.
• Develop and implement proactive programs and improvements tailored to LoBoS users and scientific workflows.
• Conduct research and analysis on policies, operational issues, strategic planning, and complex inquiries; provide timely responses to inquiries concerning LoBoS.
• Provide input on data reporting and formatting and develop dynamic web-based and educational content.
• Lead or participate in working groups, meetings, and conferences; participate in audits, trainings, and site visits as needed.
• Attend national scientific conferences to provide program information, present scientific reports, and identify potential collaborators.
• Provide facilitation and training for staff and support professional development, technical documentation, and research activities related to LoBoS operations.
• Review budget spreadsheets and answer related questions.
• Complete weekly run validation and equipment inspections, and meet with lab members to present updates bi-weekly.

Benefits

• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) match up to 5%.
• Educational benefits for career growth.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Flexible spending accounts, including healthcare FSA, parking reimbursement account, dependent care assistance program, and transportation reimbursement account.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior