Research Computing System Administrator

Euraxess; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled IT professional to join their enthusiastic team at the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI. This role focuses on systems automation and managing high-performance computing resources, with a strong emphasis on Linux-based systems. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, contributing to innovative research infrastructures. With a commitment to professional development, this position offers flexible hybrid working, a competitive pension scheme, and generous holiday allowances. If you're passionate about advancing your career while making a meaningful impact in the AI field, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid remote working

Market-leading pension up to 30%

32 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays

Salary Sacrifice Benefits

Discounted access to fitness facilities

Qualifications

• Experience in a scientific computing environment with a focus on problem-solving.
• Enthusiasm for learning and improving in a dynamic IT role.

Responsibilities

• Provisioning, configuring, and securing research-critical hardware and virtual platforms.
• Managing CoSTAR AI compute facilities as part of the UKRI-AHRC CoSTAR National Lab.

Skills

Full system administration skills

Ansible automation

Git for version control

Linux Systems knowledge

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Effective communication skills

Job description

Organisation/Company: UNIVERSITY OF SURREY

Research Field: Computer science, Mathematics

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2), First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country: United Kingdom

Application Deadline: 21 May 2025 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract: Other

Job Status: Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI (PAI) is the founding pan-university institute, bringing together core AI-related expertise in audio-visual and signal processing, computer science, and mathematics. Our multidisciplinary approach puts people at the heart of AI. Our research focuses on problems impacting individuals, communities, and society, aiming to address these challenges safely, responsibly, and inclusively. PAI’s success is built on the strength of the University in foundational AI over the past 38 years through the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP), ranked 1st in the UK for Computer Vision and in the top 5 for Audio-Visual AI and Robotics.

The UKRI-AHRC CoSTAR National Lab for Creative Industries Research and Development, led by Royal Holloway University of London, is a £51m investment by the UK Government to enhance the UK's screen and performance industries with research infrastructure and innovation skills. PAI is the lead partner for Creative AI research within the CoSTAR National Lab.

The Role

You will be part of an enthusiastic IT team adopting the “infrastructure as code” approach to systems automation. Your work will span a range of predominantly Linux-based systems, including HPC and GPU-accelerated compute, large-scale high-performance storage, and research IT infrastructure. You will contribute to managing CoSTAR AI compute facilities, led by IT Services, as part of the UKRI-AHRC CoSTAR National Lab and other PAI programmes.

Your responsibilities include provisioning, configuring, securing, operating, monitoring, and continuously improving research-critical hardware and virtual platforms across on-premises and cloud environments.

About you

The ideal candidate has experience in a scientific computing environment, enthusiasm for problem-solving, and a desire to learn and improve. We offer training, development, and career progression opportunities.

Required skills and experience

• Full system administration skills: user management, deployment, scientific software installation, performance benchmarking, resource monitoring, incident response.
• Experience automating tasks with Ansible playbooks and roles.
• Proficiency with git for version control and collaboration.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve faults and performance issues across research platforms.
• Effective communication skills for providing guidance and support.
• Practical knowledge of Linux Systems and High-Performance Computing (HPC).

What’s in it for you?

• Flexible hybrid remote working
• Market-leading pension up to 30%
• 32 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits: subsidised rail fare, cycle to work, on-site childcare
• Discounted access to fitness facilities

How to apply

Please apply through the University website with your CV and answer the criteria questions.