Research Computing & HPC Specialist

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, MA seeks a Research Computing Specialist to provide technical support for research, teaching, and administrative computing across macOS, Windows, and Linux. This role supports HPC resources, research data storage, and AI/ML computing, deploying and maintaining laboratory and classroom systems.

You will train users, create documentation, assist with software and instrumentation, and help standards for research and instructional computing within the Clark Science

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 5 years experience with a focus on supporting cross-platform client systems and computing technologies in a higher education, research, or enterprise environment, including experience supporting macOS and Windows systems. Familiarity with Linux systems preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of desktop, endpoint, and network computing, especially macOS and Windows systems administration and support in a managed environment. Familiarity with Linux support and administration is desirable.
• Familiarity with centralized workstation management systems, endpoint security tools, software deployment platforms, scripting, automation, and command-line tools.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly learn and support new technologies. Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences and provide high-quality customer support in a collaborative academic environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, interpersonal, and teamwork skills required.
• Experience or familiarity with scientific or research computing environments, HPC resources, research data storage systems, AI/ML computing, or centralized endpoint management systems preferred.
• Familiarity with scripting, automation, software packaging, and command-line administration desirable.
• Experience supporting scientific instrumentation, analytical software, or data-intensive research environments is a plus. Familiarity with web platforms and collaboration tools, including WordPress and Google Workspace administration, is desirable.
• Compensation: In addition to a competitive benefits package, annualized pay for this role is typically between $76,535.64 - $103,548.21 covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications and work schedule if less than full-time.

Responsibilities

• Assists in deployment, maintenance, and support of Science Center classroom, laboratory, research, and faculty computing environments across macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms.
• Provides support for centralized software deployment, operating system management, endpoint security, patching, and lifecycle management for Science Center computing devices.
• Manages and supports research and laboratory workstations, printers, and mobile devices including macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and related platforms.
• Supports faculty and student research computing workflows, including installation and troubleshooting of scientific software, programming environments, analytical applications, AI/ML tools, and software associated with laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Assists with software and hardware selection, storage requirements, data workflows, and research computing technologies; maintains inventory and documentation; helps with lifecycle replacement planning.
• Participates in development and implementation of standards and practices for research and instructional computing within the Science Center.
• Supports Linux and Windows servers and infrastructure; assists with HPC resources, data storage systems, backups, and related services.
• Monitors, troubleshoots, maintains, documents, and secures server, storage, and network infrastructure; supports system reliability and disaster recovery.
• Develops technical training, tutorials, workshops, and documentation; assists with adoption of technologies supporting teaching and research.
• Maintains technical documentation and knowledge bases; pursues professional development to stay current with evolving research computing technologies.

Skills

Cross-platform support

macOS

Windows

Linux

Scripting & automation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline or related field

Tools

WordPress

Google Workspace

Job description

Smith College in Northampton, MA seeks a Research Computing Specialist to provide technical support for research, teaching, and administrative computing across macOS, Windows, and Linux. This role supports HPC resources, research data storage, and AI/ML computing, deploying and maintaining laboratory and classroom systems.

You will train users, create documentation, assist with software and instrumentation, and help standards for research and instructional computing within the Clark Science