Senior AI Research Computing Engineer

22-Feb-2024

University Administration

65110BR

Position Description

The Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence, a recently established research institute at Harvard University, is a dynamic and diverse community of students, scientists, and engineers dedicated to unraveling the basis of intelligence in both natural and artificial contexts. To support this growing community of scientists and students, the Kempner Institute is establishing one of the largest academic AI supercomputers in the world. Additionally, the institute is hiring senior engineers with deep experience in research computing to facilitate cutting-edge research.

We are hiring a Senior AI Research Computing Engineer to enhance our engineering team at the Kempner Institute and advance our AI research capabilities. This position involves a comprehensive approach to supporting high-performance computing (HPC) for AI research. Primary responsibilities include developing tools to enhance AI research efficiency on HPC clusters, facilitating complex AI workflows and their optimization, and providing research facilitation through direct consultation and office hours.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for pushing the boundaries of research computing technologies for AI research and an enthusiasm to contribute to a collaborative and innovative environment. Harvard University encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives to join the Kempner Institute.

Position Description
Summary

Advise researchers in the best use of a broad set of state-of-the-art research computing systems, tools, and software to enable research productivity. Partner with researchers to co-create and co-learn research activities and relevant advanced computing and data capabilities both locally and nationally.

• Advise a wide range of researchers through support requests (i.e. email, ticketing systems, chats) and in-person consultations during office hours
• Build a deep understanding with specific research activities through regular engagements
• Facilitate the design, debugging, and automating/scripting of complex research workflows alongside researchers
• Connect and coordinate interactions between researchers and technology providers
• Provide regular communications to systems and software/data professionals
• Enhance learning with full awareness of the local and larger research computing and data landscape
• Build advanced curriculum and teach workshops for researchers to maximize their use of RC
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strong experience in providing research computing support through consultation and office hours.
• Proven ability to facilitate computational workflows on HPC environments.
• Demonstrated experience in building software tools on HPC clusters.
• Hands-on experience with HPC systems, including storage, cluster computing, network, database.
• Experience with GPU computing platforms for AI/ML workflows.
• Experience in facilitating computing in the cloud, including cloud-bursting workflows is a plus.
• Proficient with git and version control systems.
• Demonstrated team performance skills with a service mindset and clear communication abilities
• Proficient in Agile methodologies to enhance collaboration in engineering projects.
• Detail-oriented expertise, with strong problem-solving skills to support research.
• Quick learner, stays updated on new research computing technologies.

Certificates and Licenses

Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred

Additional Information

• This is a full-time position with a hybrid schedule (in-person and remote work). Harvard University supports a hybrid workplace model which will actively support some remote work. Specific days and schedules for on-site work and remote work will be discussed during the interview process. Please note hybrid workers must reside in a state where Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA).  
• Work is performed in an office setting primarily in Allston, MA.
• We are unable to provide visa sponsorships for these positions.
• This position has a 180 day orientation and review period.
• During the interview process, candidates will be notified of any additional exercises or presentations that may be required for this position. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to 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

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Allston

Job Code

I1158P IT RC Facilitation Prof IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Interfaculty Initiatives

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.

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.

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