Job Summary

The University Research Computing Facility (URCF) is a centrally reporting core facility that provides access to high-performance computing hardware and software resources for research computing. The URCF occupies a 1,600 sq. ft., 0.6 MW, climate-controlled server room that hosts the NSF-Drexel funded Picotte shared HPC cluster, which consists of 4,224 compute cores and 48 Nvidia Tesla V100 GPUs along with a high-capacity storage system. In 2025, the University will be taking delivery of a second system designed for Deep Learning applications and large-scale data storage. The Research Computing Specialist is responsible for supporting researchers and other users of the URCF resources, the management of HPC systems, and for guiding the strategic development of the URCF. The position reports to the Operations Director of Research Core Facilities (part of the Office of Research & Innovation) and will also work closely with the Faculty Director of the URCF, who leads a Faculty Advisory Committee charged with helping the facility develop and meet its strategic, financial and operational goals. The position will work in partnership with teams from Central and Distributed IT who will provide hardware and systems administrative support for URCF equipment. URCF financial administration is provided by the Office of Research & Innovation.

Essential Functions

• System-facing activities:
  • Manage user accounts, allocations of hours and storage, and batch queuing shared HPC systems.
  • Manage software and operating systems on shared HPC systems.
  • Develop and maintain documentation relevant to the shared HPC systems.
  • Manage software for monitoring and reporting URCF activities and usage.
• User-Facing Activities:
  • Provide consultation services on the use of shared research computing resources and the use of various programming languages and analytical software.
  • Provide effective technical support for users of Drexel’s shared research computing resources.
  • Develop and/or maintain user-facing documentation and real-time system status information.
  • Develop and lead workshops on research computing and data topics designed to expand user engagement and success.
• Leadership-Facing Activities:
  • Meet regularly with the Operations Director for Research Core Facilities and URCF Faculty Director to discuss current needs, new technologies, educational and outreach activities, career development, personnel management, and operational issues.
  • Contribute to the development of metrics to evaluate the impact of the URCF on the University Research and Academic missions.
  • Contribute to the preparation of an annual report summarizing the activities, developments and impact of the URCF.
• Additional Leadership Activities for Senior-Level Position
  • Provide advisory support to faculty/users for grant and manuscript preparation.
  • Contribute to the development of a core business plan for the URCF that includes sustainability and optimization of existing services and identifies priorities and opportunities for future instrumentation and services.
  • Direct involvement in the planning, design and implementation of the next shared HPC systems at Drexel. This includes serving as Principal Investigator or Co-investigator on NSF or NIH proposals for shared cyberinfrastructure. o Lead project to develop domain-focused research facilitation program

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering Science, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • Please review the  Equivalency Chart for additional information
• 0-2 years’ of experience
• Knowledge of principles of computing and/or communications networks, and characteristics of computing hardware and software used in distributed environments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to assimilate, retain, and utilize technical and applications-oriented information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work with considerable independence and initiative.
• Knowledge of safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed.
• Basic Wiki management and webpage development.
• Working with python and bash.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in a shared HPC facility or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Experience using and administering the SLURM job scheduler.
• Experience administering academic scientific software (MATLAB, etc.).
• Experience Answering end-user questions about running software in an HPC environment.

Physical Requirements

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping

Location

• Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement – Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $54,630 - $81,940. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review. 

We encourage you to explore Drexel's Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on our compensation framework.

You can also find valuable information about our benefits in the Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

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