Computational Support Specialist

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences - Racah Institute of Physics

Position Available: Computational Support Specialist

The astrophysics research group at the Racah Institute of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is seeking a research support specialist with expertise in advanced computational system management. We are looking for candidates with an interest in the group's research, who are willing to dedicate part of their time to the group's research or to independent research. Information about the research group and its members can be found at the following link:

Astrophysics and Relativity: https://phys.huji.ac.il/astrophysics-and-relativity

Job Description:

Management of Computational Research for the Group on a Server Cluster:

- Management of computational research on a server cluster: installation and implementation of both generic and specialized research software, configuration, and optimization of the computational system both in terms of software and hardware, job and computational task management, and user management.

- Specification of hardware and software for future research projects, including both complex numerical simulations and advanced data processing.

- Establishment and management of astronomical databases.

- Management of storage servers and working with servers (including Linux servers).

- Training, assistance, and support for group members in operating the computer cluster and using various research software.

Operation and Management of a Computerized Telescope System:

- Maintenance of the communication infrastructure at the observatory.

- Installation and integration of various observational software.

- Operation and maintenance of hardware components of the optical system.

- Troubleshooting computing issues.

- Maintenance of PC and/or MAC computers and updating and operating operating systems.

Operation and Management of General Computer Services for the Research Group:

- Assistance in routine maintenance of the group's website and individual members' sites.

- Responsibility for coordinating the research group's computing work with the IT department.

- Maintenance of multimedia equipment in collaboration with IT department personnel.

- Specification, consultation, and purchase of personal computing equipment (MAC and WINDOWS computers).

- Installation and configuration of dedicated research software (in Linux, MAC, or Windows environments).

Job Requirements:

- Full high school diploma and formal training in computing/computer science/physics graduate or software/computer engineering.

- Experience in user support, computer, and computer equipment installation, setting up network connections and peripheral equipment, and troubleshooting.

- Experience working with server clusters, including software installation, cluster management, user management, and job scheduling.

- Familiarity with Linux and OSX/macOS operating systems and experience in software installation on these systems.

- Basic familiarity with network protocols and software such as TCP/IP, RDP, NFS, CIFS, FTP, SSH.

- Experience in managing computational research and knowledge of advanced techniques in data analysis and numerical computations - an advantage.

- Experience in working with scientific research teams, including the computational planning and implementation of the team's research needs - an advantage.

- Knowledge of parallel computing - an advantage.

- Extensive knowledge of programming languages such as C/C++, Fortran, Python for scientific programming - an advantage.

- Native level proficiency in Hebrew and good proficiency in English.