Systems Engineer (CBDS/HPC)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Duke-NUS Centre for Biomedical Data Science (CBDS) invites applications for a Linux HPC Systems Administrator. The role focuses on maintaining and upgrading the Centre’s servers, backing up research data, and collaborating with the Duke-NUS IT Department to keep systems secure and reliable.

You will install and configure HPC clusters, stand‑alone servers, and workstations; manage Linux distributions; deploy software; maintain documentation and inventories; and provide technical support to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in IT/Computer Engineering/Computer Science or equivalent. Candidates with higher credentials may be considered for more senior appointments.
• Ability to work extensively in Linux operating system environments such as Fedora/Red Hat/Rocky Linux and Ubuntu/Debian, or equivalent distributions.
• Proficiency in Bash, R, and Python.
• Experience with OS-level virtualization tech such as Apptainer/Singularity and Docker is an advantage.
• Familiarity with HPC cluster management tools such as NVIDIA Base Command Manager or Warewulf is an advantage.
• Knowledge of job scheduling in HPC environments (Slurm or PBS) is an advantage.
• Experience with Open OnDemand HPC web portal installation and configuration is an advantage.
• Experience integrating Linux with Microsoft Azure AD (Entra ID) is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure and maintain server hardware for HPC clusters, stand‑alone servers, and workstations.
• Implement and manage Linux operating systems such as Fedora/Red Hat/Rocky Linux and Ubuntu/Debian, or equivalent.
• Configure, deploy, and update software packages for HPC clusters, stand‑alone servers, and workstations.
• Ensure system security and perform regular data backups.
• Collaborate with Duke-NUS IT staff to discuss and implement system and network security upgrades.
• Provide technical support and software deployment for research staff.
• Troubleshoot errors and issues in clusters and servers.
• Monitor system performance and resource utilisation.
• Create and manage user/group accounts and access permissions.
• Maintain and update documentation related to IT systems, processes, and procedures.
• Keep an accurate and up-to-date inventory of assets.

Skills

Bash

Python

R

Linux

HPC

Docker

Singularity/Apptainer

Open OnDemand

Azure AD integration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in IT/Computer Engineering/Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Apptainer/Singularity

Docker

NVIDIA Base Command Manager

Warewulf

Slurm

PBS

Open OnDemand

Microsoft Entra ID/Azure AD integration

Job description

The Duke-NUS Centre for Biomedical Data Science (CBDS) serves as a central hub for Duke-NUS faculty specialising in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other quantitative and data-driven sciences. CBDS functions as a strategic platform for cutting-edge research, education, and services in data science, AI, and biomedical computation, building on existing institutional initiatives such as DAISI.

The selected candidate will work exclusively in the Linux environment and holds the responsibility for maintaining and upgrading the Centre’s servers as well as backing up the Centre’s research data sets. The role also entails working with Duke-NUS IT Department to maintain and update server network security as well as providing technical support to Duke-NUS research staff.

The selected candidate’s responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:

• Install, configure and maintain server hardware for high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, stand‑alone servers, and workstations.
• Implement and manage Linux operating systems such as Fedora/Red Hat/Rocky Linux OS and Ubuntu/ Debian OS or equivalent.
• Configure, deploy, and update software packages for HPC clusters, stand‑alone servers, and workstations.
• Ensure system security and perform regular data backups.
• Collaborate with Duke-NUS IT staff to discuss and implement system and network security upgrades.
• Provide technical support and software deployment for research staff.
• Troubleshoot errors and issues in clusters and servers.
• Monitor system performance and resource utilisation.
• Create and manage user/group accounts and access permissions.
• Maintain and update documentation related to IT systems, processes, and procedures.
• Keep an accurate and up-to-date inventory of company assets, including hardware and software.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in IT/Computer Engineering/Computer Science or equivalent. Candidates with higher credentials may be considered for more senior appointments.
• Ability to work extensively in Linux operating system environments such as Fedora/Red Hat/Rocky Linux and Ubuntu/Debian, or equivalent distributions.
• Proficiency in Bash, R, and Python.
• Experience with operating system–level virtualisation technologies such as Apptainer/Singularity and Docker is an advantage.
• Familiarity with HPC cluster management tools such as NVIDIA Base Command Manager or Warewulf is an advantage.
• Knowledge of job scheduling and workload management in HPC environments, such as Slurm or PBS, is an advantage.
• Experience with installation and configuration of the Open OnDemand HPC web portal is an advantage.
• Experience in implementing user authentication by integrating Linux systems with Microsoft Azure AD (now Microsoft Entra ID) is an advantage.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.