Research Computing Specialist - Structured Biology / Research Services
The University of Iowa is seeking a Research Computing Specialist to provide research support to Carver College of Medicine researchers in structural biology through an embedded role in the Research Services team within Information Technology Services (ITS). ITS Research Services is the centralized group providing high-performance computing (HPC) and storage resources across the University of Iowa campus.
The successful candidate for this role will focus on optimizing software installations, data management, scripting, and user support for the structural biology research community to streamline cryoEM workflows that utilize the University of Iowa ITS Research Services HPC and data storage resources.
Additional support will be provided to researchers with local workstation configuration challenges. The Research Computing Specialist will provide leadership by working with research and ITS colleagues to identify, implement, and communicate the best solutions while supporting and implementing services which enable and accelerate the research mission of the University of Iowa. A strong customer focus is required to be successful in the role and an ability to communicate to technical and non-technical audiences is a required skill.
Transparency and open communication are highly valued in the team. This position reports to the Director of the Protein and Crystallography Facility and the Associate Director for Research Services.
ITS values work life balance and strives to provide flexible work options where possible. This position is eligible for on-site work, with the possibility for occasional hybrid work within the state of Iowa, and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Key Job Duties (not all inclusive):
- Install and manage cryoEM software (eg. cryoSPARC and Relion) on the HPC resource as required
- Install and manage user cryoSPARC instances on the HPC resource
- Design, install, configure, administer and secure the operational integrity, and support of stand-alone and networked computer systems, including installation and maintenance of software.
- Provide base-level security, software installation, and backups for local investigator workstations. Help integrate disparate systems.
- Oversee many of the administrative functions, including but not limited to writing and amending user protocols, making decisions regarding the acquisition of equipment, software, and supplies.
- Communicate directly with any external stakeholders (funders, partners, etc.) as to progress, reporting requirements, and timetables.
- Create user documentation for usage of cryoEM software on the HPC resource.
- Assist with the support of multiple systems. Provide on-call coverage within specific areas of expertise. Assist with developing scripts to better manage and support systems.
- Field data management related questions for cryoEM workflows.
- Help setup and manage individual cryoEM user workstations as needed.
- Function as a specialist/technical expert in a specific discipline. Investigate and perform critical analysis of current literature to develop novel approaches to research in conjunction with other investigators.
For a detailed job description of either position listed above, please email Melanie Bell at melanie-bell@uiowa.edu.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a field relevant to the position or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Experience (typically 3 years or more) troubleshooting complex technical environments, using advanced diagnostic technical and tools for unusual or performance-related problems.
- Experience with user account and ACL (Access Control List) management on current Linux operating systems.
- Experience installing and maintaining Python-based applications on Linux in HPC (High Performance Computing) environments.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree in a field close to structural biology.
- Experience integrating and optimizing compute accelerators into compute workflows, such as NVIDIA GPU’s (Graphics Processing Units).
- Experience with Rocky Linux and SLURM (Simple Linux Utility for Resource Management) is highly desired.
- Experience with cryoSPARC is highly desired.
Application Details:
In order to be considered, applicants must upload the following materials and mark them as “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover letter
Information Technology Services will be hiring for one level listed within this requisition, depending on the qualifications of the successful finalist.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions or additional information, please contact melanie-bell@uiowa.edu.
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The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
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