Research Infrastructure Specialist

Rice University

5h • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Research Computing (CRC) at Rice University enables faculty and researchers to effectively use on- and off-premise (1) shared high-performance computing, (2) VM and cloud computing, (3) data storage infrastructure, and (4) broader IT services to accelerate and advance world-class research and scholarship across the University. We are currently looking to expand our team of professionals with a Research Infrastructure Specialist who can help the CRC (1) support, develop, and manage existing Linux-based core infrastructure that supports centrally managed research environments, and (2) evaluate, deploy, develop, and operate new infrastructure to more effectively bridge Center services, extend research cyberinfrastructure, and provide best-in-class support to our research community. This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated team member to engage in a positive and creative work environment that offers the candidate the opportunity to grow and contribute to accelerating the research mission of Rice University.
Reporting to the CRC Co-Director, the ideal candidate has excellent judgment and communication skills, brings adaptability and integrity to the Linux-based infrastructure team, and utilizes best practices to improve system usability, management, and documentation.

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
• 2+ years of experience in software projects and middleware management, including experience gained while in school
• 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
• Familiarity with the principles and practice of system configuration management and networked/distributed computing environments
• Substantive experience with Linux operating systems is required; other OS experience is welcome
• Technical skills, including but not limited to Linux systems analysis, VM administration, containerization, cloud infrastructure, and storage technology administration
• Demonstrated ability with programming or scripting in SQL, Bash, Ansible, Python, and PHP
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work independently and in team settings, set priorities, and meet deadlines consistently
• Ability to explain applications and operating system fundamentals to others
• Excellent judgment, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to establish effective, ongoing relationships with colleagues and management

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field
• 2+ years of experience in managing and supporting research computing infrastructure operations
• 3 years of experience supporting Linux infrastructure related to middleware development

Responsibilities

• Develops information systems based on scope and objectives
• Monitors, tunes, and troubleshoots applications
• Participates in testing, debugging, configuring, and documenting applications and software
• Tests and implements complex software services; provides technical support and resolves systems and application problems
• Ensures data/media recovery by implementing a schedule of system backups and database archive operations
• Provides routine consultation and research computing support within the Center
• Documents and assists other technical staff as needed on production support issues, resolution, and application/utility software development and maintenance
• Provides insight and recommendations to stakeholders around potential process changes or solutions
• Develops documentation of systems and use cases, including use cases and workflow diagrams as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

What This Job Offers

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