Research Computing Systems Engineer

28-Feb-2024

Harvard Business School

64872BR

Position Description

Would you enjoy working with world-class faculty, researchers and the research computing organization in a class defining social sciences research computing environment at Harvard Business School (HBS)? Are you a good communicator with solid experience in on-premises and cloud research computing (RC) and high-performance computing (HPC) systems who takes pride in helping users by navigating a research computing environment and tools effectively?

HBS is seeking a Research Computing Systems Engineer to assist in the management and use of our research computing environment, as well as helping to pave the way forward as we rollout new cloud services and infrastructure for research computing activities. Working with the HBS Research Computing Services (RCS) and Information Technology (IT) staff, as well as HBS faculty and other researchers, this engineer will assist in ensuring that the design, performance, and availability of the on-premises and cloud HBS research environments are maintained to the highest standards.

This person will also provide direct support as needed to researchers utilizing these same resources in coordination with other members of the RCS and IT teams. The Research Computing Systems Engineer will provide feedback to teams and projects alongside research programs, becoming a contributor to multiple, simultaneous projects.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in building, configuring and running RC/HPC systems at scale 
• Monitor and maintain the health and integrity of RC/HPC systems, including upgrading and patching 
• Assist in implementing robust and secure IT solutions within a fast-paced research environment 
• Assist in defining and tracking performance metrics to ensure efficient current and future use of IT resources  Collaborate with RCS, and other key IT partners (e.g., network, security) in a timely manner to support researchers’ needs
• Build and maintain relationships with external vendor technicians and engineers
• Assist in training and deployment of initiatives and services for researchers via team engagement and collaboration with RCS, IT, and other HBS service partners
• Contribute to best practices, end user documentation, communications, and refining internal processes 
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following are preferred:

• Broad knowledge of the deployment and management of research computing systems (e.g. storage, cluster computing, network, database, virtualized systems)
• Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor
• Ability to manage demands with frequent changes or delays and to work in team environment
• Demonstrated drive towards automating repetitive tasks (e.g., scripting via Bash, Python, Ruby)
• Practical experience with Docker containerization and clustering (Kubernetes/ECS) Proficiency with AWS (e.g. IAM, EC2, VPC, ELB, ALB, Autoscaling, Lambda)
• Experience with:
  • Linux systems administration
  • Version control systems (e.g. Git)
  • Implementing CI/CD (e.g. Jenkins, TravisCI, CodeBuild)
  • Configuration management tools (e.g. Ansible, Chef)
  • Infrastructure-as-code (e.g. Terraform, CloudFormation)
• Familiarity with High Throughput Computing (HTC/cluster systems) and SLURM

Certificates and Licenses

The following are preferred:

• AWS and Azure certifications

Working Conditions

• Additional support outside of regularly scheduled hours, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holiday breaks, may occasionally be required
• Must be available by personal cell phone during business hours, and occasionally off-hours (stipend will be provided)
• Must participate in a shared 24x7x365 on call rotation with other IT staff

Additional Information

This position is approved for a 2-year term (with possibility of renewal/extension) which begins on the first day of employment. 

This role is offered as a hybrid position (some combination of onsite and remote) where you are required to be onsite at our Boston, MA-based campus on a weekly basis. Specific schedule will be determined by your manager. 

We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role. 

A cover letter is preferred to be considered for this opportunity. 

Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.
Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Explore more about HBS work culture here: https://www.hbs.edu/employment . 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Information Technology, Technical

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

I1057P IT RC Systems Professional III

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Information Technology

Annual Salary Range

$85,000 - $90,000, salary commensurate with experience

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

40 hours per week minimum

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.