Job Description

The Department of Physics is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to design, manage, and maintain the department’s hardware and software support infrastructure, focusing on Linux-based systems and high-performance computing (HPC) clusters necessary to meet the goals of the department’s research and teaching mission. The scope of the work currently includes two high performance Linux computer clusters (~ 70 and ~27 nodes) and a networked system of ~ 70 Linux desktops and servers. The individual will work with the other member of the Physics Department IT team to ensure that all computing and electronic communication needs of the department are met.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced computer knowledge for a variety of computer platforms with particular focus on
Linux and high performance computing (HPC) systems.
• Ability to understand computer software, hardware, networks, and operating systems and
ability to configure systems to work effectively and reliably.
• Ability to analyze computer needs and suggest requirements for future computing needs.
• Ability to communicate and work well with faculty, students, and staff on computing needs.
• Willingness to share the responsibility with the other IT team member to monitor systems
after hours and be on call, including onsite response, to respond to major incidents that
may include physical hardware issues.
• Demonstrated experience with administration and support of Linux operating systems
including ability to install, configure, and maintain Linux systems and supporting users in a
Linux environment.
• Demonstrated experience with building, managing, and maintaining high performance
computing (HPC) clusters.
• Knowledge of IT security issues and ability to respond to satisfy university requirements
and best practices in this area.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Windows and Mac systems.
• Willingness to become knowledgeable about AI and machine learning tools to help advise
physics department members in this area.
• Ability to advise faculty and students on the optimal way to meet their high performance
computing (HPC) needs between department maintained resources and those provided by
Virginia Tech’s Advanced Research Computing.
• Experience with GPU computing.