HPC Systems Administrators
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

SSD Social Sciences Computing Services - Banotra

About the Department

Social Sciences Computing Services [SSCS] provides computational and IT support to the Social Sciences Division and Becker Friedman Institute. Services include purchasing, provisioning and deployment of software, hardware, and other services.

Job Summary

The job designs automated, scalable, and rapidly deployable solutions to infrastructure development and server configuration. Works independently to install, configure, and maintain operating systems. Uses best practices and systems knowledge to monitor and alert systems, utility software, and firewalls. Guides maintenance for production servers as well as Windows and Linux servers.

The HPC Systems Administrator is responsible for the administration of the server environment in support of Social Sciences Computing Services. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to installing, optimizing, and maintain operating systems, control programs, database management systems, and network services on a variety of Unix workstations and servers. The system administrator will develop and enhance scripts, interfaces, and programs to facilitate end user effectiveness in relation to statistical software and distributed computing. The HPC Systems Administrator will play a key role in helping to maintain a high level of reliability, security and integrity on networked Unix computers and lab equipment, in order to facilitate uninterrupted services in support of our user community.

Responsibilities

• Configuration and management of HPC Slurm and or Moab clusters.
  
• Configuration and management of RedHat Linux systems.
  
• Serves as the UNIX systems administrator in a distributed system environment.
  
• Monitors system, analyzes processes, and provides consultation to optimize available resources.
  
• Maintain integrity of the departmental computing resources and the network, including computer and network security, data integrity, backup procedures, and disaster recovery plans.
  
• Install, configure, and maintain servers, and their associated peripheral subsystems as directed by users, and the Director of Computing Services. This includes UNIX systems, Linux, some Windows personal computer systems, and Mac.
  
• Implement upgrades and enhancements of operating system software, application software, and information resources on the network as required.
  
• Consults with users (researchers) to troubleshoot and provide specific technical support.
  
• Develops interfaces and scripts to facilitate end-user access to computational resources.
  
• Provide advice and consultation on all information technology issues including computer purchasing decisions, technology advice for grant preparation, and interaction with software and hardware vendors as required.
  
• Configures, installs, upgrades, and maintains server applications and hardware. Works to safeguard the integrity of computer software. Implements operating system enhancements to improve the reliability and performance of the system.
  
• Plans and installs necessary patches and upgrades for servers and their associated storage, network, communications, and peripheral sub-systems. Installs and maintains an appropriate level of intrusion detection, monitoring, and auditing software as required.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
  

Experience:

• Experience related work experience in a higher education setting serving researchers.
  
• Experience professional knowledge of UNIX (including knowledge of internals and utilities as well as the ability to interpret diagnostic information.
  
• Experience in distributed and clustered computational environment.
  
• Experience in configuration Management experience, Ansible.
  
• Experience with demonstrated familiarity with a range of computer hardware, software and peripheral equipment.
  
• Experience with hardware architecture and networking protocols.
  
• Experience demonstrable expertise in the administration of HPC clusters.
  
• Experience with the installation, maintenance, trouble shooting of UNIX systems in a professional capacity.
  
• Oracle database administration.
  
• 1-3 years experience with Python, bash scripting, and distributed computing.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
  
• Knowledge of the configuration and management of SLURM clusters.
  
• Expertise in administering RedHat server systems.
  
• Knowledge of monitoring and automated systems management technologies.
  
• Knowledge of virtualization technologies.
  
• Knowledge of system administration issues in a large and complex client server environment.
  
• Technical knowledge of current software protocols and internet standards.
  
• Outstanding deductive and investigative skills to identify and diagnose complex, non-intuitive technical problems.
  
• Integrity and credibility to work with sensitive data.
  

Working Conditions

• Ability to bend, stoop, and crouch in confined spaces.
  
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds.
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover letter (required)
  
• References (required)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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