Research Computing Specialist

Smith College•College Place, WA

1d•$76,536 - $103,548•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of the Computing and Technical Services (CATS) group, the Research Computing Specialist provides technical support for research, teaching, and administrative computing across the Science Center. This position supports faculty, students, and staff using macOS, Windows, and Linux systems in research labs, classrooms, and offices. The position supports scientific computing workflows, research software environments, high-performance computing (HPC) resources, research data storage, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). Responsibilities include deployment and lifecycle management of research and laboratory desktop and laptop systems, support for specialized scientific software and instrumentation, participation in server and storage support, and assistance to faculty and students with research computing needs. The role also provides training and documentation related to scientific software, computational methods, data-intensive workflows, and evolving research technologies. Working collaboratively with other CATS staff, the position provides opportunities to develop additional expertise in research computing technologies including HPC, research data storage, Linux systems, and AI/ML computing. Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 5 years experience with a focus on supporting cross-platform client systems and computing technologies in a higher education, research, or enterprise environment, including experience supporting macOS and Windows systems.
Demonstrated knowledge of desktop, endpoint, and network computing, especially macOS and Windows systems administration and support in a managed environment.
Familiarity with centralized workstation management systems, endpoint security tools, software deployment platforms, scripting, automation, and command-line tools.
Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly learn and support new technologies.
Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences and provide high-quality customer support in a collaborative academic environment.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, interpersonal, and teamwork skills required.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Linux systems preferred.
Familiarity with Linux support and administration is desirable.
Experience or familiarity with scientific or research computing environments, HPC resources, research data storage systems, AI/ML computing, or centralized endpoint management systems preferred.
Familiarity with scripting, automation, software packaging, and command-line administration desirable.
Experience supporting scientific instrumentation, analytical software, or data-intensive research environments is a plus.
Familiarity with web platforms and collaboration tools, including WordPress and Google Workspace administration, is desirable.

Responsibilities

As part of the CATS team, assist in the deployment, maintenance, and support of Science Center classroom, laboratory, research, and faculty computing environments across macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms.
Provide support for centralized software deployment, operating system management, endpoint security, patching, and lifecycle management for Science Center computing devices.
Manage and support research and laboratory workstations, printers, and mobile devices including macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and related platforms.
Support faculty and student research computing workflows, including installation and troubleshooting of scientific software, programming environments, analytical applications, AI/ML tools, and software associated with laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
Assist faculty, students, and research groups with software and hardware selection, storage requirements, data workflows, and research computing technologies.
Maintain hardware and software inventory records and technical documentation, and assist with lifecycle replacement planning.
Participate in the development and implementation of standards and practices that support research and instructional computing within the Science Center.
Serve as part of the CATS team supporting Linux and Windows servers and infrastructure critical to Science Center operations and research.
Under the guidance of senior CATS staff, assist with the operation and support of research computing infrastructure including HPC resources, research data storage systems, AI/ML computing resources, backups, and related services.
Support scientific computing services including shared storage, databases, remote access systems, web applications, research collaboration tools, and related infrastructure.
Assist with monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, documentation, and security of server, storage, and network infrastructure.
Work with CATS staff and central ITS to support system reliability, patching, backups, security, and disaster recovery.
Participate in the testing and implementation of new research computing technologies and infrastructure upgrades.
Working with other CATS staff, develop and provide technical training, tutorials, workshops, and documentation related to research computing, scientific software, AI/ML tools, and academic technology.
Assist faculty, staff, and students in adopting technologies and computational methods that support teaching and research.
Create and maintain technical documentation and knowledge base materials for supported systems and services.
Continue professional development through coursework, conferences, workshops, and independent study to develop expertise and remain current with evolving research computing technologies and best practices.
Assist with maintenance of Science Center web services and online tools as needed, including technical support for departmental websites, online forms, Google Groups management, and related infrastructure.
Provide limited support for Science Center digital signage and related communication systems.