Scientific Computing Officer - Structural Studies - Scientific Computing - LMB 2765

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK, invites applications for a Scientific Computing Officer to help expand the Linux computing systems supporting a 200+-node cluster and over 40 petabytes of storage.

You will configure Windows and Mac computers in a Linux-based environment, work with Ceph storage and Slurm scheduling, and develop automation scripts. This is a fixed-term role to 30 September 2026 with opportunities to lead projects and build skills.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting or developing IT systems in academic, commercial or research settings.
• Experience configuring Windows and Mac computers within a Linux-based environment.
• Knowledge of clustered storage systems (Ceph) and job scheduling software (Slurm) would be helpful but not required.
• Strong scripting skills (Bash or Perl) are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support and expand the LMB Linux computing systems and cluster environment.
• Contribute to storage and scheduling setups (Ceph, Slurm) and assist with administration.
• Configure Windows and Mac machines in a Linux-based environment.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts (Bash/Perl).
• Collaborate across teams and lead projects across multiple platforms.

Skills

Linux

Scripting (Bash/Perl)

Teamwork & communication

Problem solving

Open source software

Tools

Ceph

Slurm

Windows

Mac management

Job description

Scientific Computing Officer

Starting Salary £45,869 - £51,547 per annum pro rata

Fixed term to 30 September 2026

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

We are looking for a Scientific Computing Officer to join and help expand the small team that supports the LMB's Linux computing systems. These systems include a computing cluster with more than 200 nodes and over 40 petabytes of data storage.

You should have experience supporting or developing IT systems in a commercial, academic, or research setting. Experience configuring Windows and Mac computers, ideally within a Linux-based environment, is important. Knowledge of clustered storage systems (such as Ceph) and job scheduling software (such as Slurm) would be helpful but is not required.

Most of the software we use is free and open source, with little or no external support. As a result, strong problem-solving skills are essential. Experience with scripting languages such as Bash or Perl would also be an advantage.

Many of our systems are designed and built in-house, giving you the opportunity to work with every layer of the scientific computing environment, from hardware to software.

You should have strong creative, team working and communication skills, and be able to organise and prioritise work independently. This position will suit an inquiring person, wishing to lead projects and build skills on a large number of platforms and systems.

This is fixed-term position to 30 September 2030 due to time-limited funding from an external grant.

The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have excellent public transport on site including the Cambridge South train station (a two-minute walk from the lab), cycle enclosures and on-site parking. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days) and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing training and development opportunities including support towards role-related qualifications. Further information about the benefits available can be found athttp://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri.

The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors. More information can be found at www.ukri.organdhttps://mrclmb.ac.uk/.

Closing date: 17 September 2026

Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.

We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society. The LMB particularly welcomes women, minority ethnic and disabled candidates to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require; [e-mail].