Research Computing Specialist

Smith College; United States; On-site; USD 77,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, MA is seeking a Research Computing Specialist to provide technical support across macOS, Windows, and Linux in Science Center labs, classrooms, and offices. You will help with scientific software environments, HPC resources, data storage, and AI/ML tools.

Reporting to the Director of CATS, you will deploy and maintain computing environments, manage software deployment, endpoints, and lifecycle, and assist faculty, staff, and students with research workflows and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline or related field.
• 5+ years in cross-platform client systems support in higher education, research, or enterprise environments.
• Experience supporting macOS and Windows systems; Linux familiarity preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and customer support in an academic environment.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, maintain, and support computing environments across macOS, Windows, and Linux.
• Support software deployment, OS management, patching, and lifecycle management; inventory in Science Center computing devices.
• Assist with HPC resources, AI/ML computing, and research data storage.
• Provide user training, tutorials, and documentation; develop knowledge base materials.

Skills

Cross-platform support

Desktop & network computing

Troubleshooting

Scripting/Automation

Communication skills

Customer support

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline or related field

Tools

Endpoint security tools

Software deployment platforms

Scripting languages

Command-line tools

Google Workspace administration

WordPress administration

Job description

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [e-mail].

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of the Computing and Technical Services (CATS) group, the Research Computing Specialist provides technical support for research, teaching, and administrative computing across the Science Center. This position supports faculty, students, and staff using macOS, Windows, and Linux systems in research labs, classrooms, and offices. The position supports scientific computing workflows, research software environments, high-performance computing (HPC) resources, research data storage, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).

Responsibilities and Duties

Essential Functions

Research and Academic Computing Support (50%)

As part of the CATS team, assist in the deployment, maintenance, and support of Science Center classroom, laboratory, research, and faculty computing environments across macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms. Provide support for centralized software deployment, operating system management, endpoint security, patching, and lifecycle management for Science Center computing devices. Manage and support research and laboratory workstations, printers, and mobile devices including macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and related platforms. Support 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. Assist faculty, students, and research groups with software and hardware selection, storage requirements, data workflows, and research computing technologies. Maintain hardware and software inventory records and technical documentation, and assist with lifecycle replacement planning. Participate in the development and implementation of standards and practices that support research and instructional computing within the Science Center.

Research Computing Infrastructure and Systems Administration (25%)

Serve as part of the CATS team supporting Linux and Windows servers and infrastructure critical to Science Center operations and research. Under the guidance of senior CATS staff, assist with the operation and support of research computing infrastructure including HPC resources, research data storage systems, AI/ML computing resources, backups, and related services. Support scientific computing services including shared storage, databases, remote access systems, web applications, research collaboration tools, and related infrastructure. Assist with monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, documentation, and security of server, storage, and network infrastructure. Work with CATS staff and central ITS to support system reliability, patching, backups, security, and disaster recovery. Participate in the testing and implementation of new research computing technologies and infrastructure upgrades.

User Training, Documentation, and Consulting (20%)

Working with other CATS staff, develop and provide technical training, tutorials, workshops, and documentation related to research computing, scientific software, AI/ML tools, and academic technology. Assist faculty, staff, and students in adopting technologies and computational methods that support teaching and research. Create and maintain technical documentation and knowledge base materials for supported systems and services. Continue professional development through coursework, conferences, workshops, and independent study to develop expertise and remain current with evolving research computing technologies and best practices.

Web and Digital Services Support (5%)

Assist with maintenance of Science Center web services and online tools as needed, including technical support for departmental websites, online forms, Google Groups management, and related infrastructure. Provide limited support for Science Center digital signage and related communication systems.

Minimum Required 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Position Type

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student‑faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross‑enroll and faculty cross‑teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination. Smith College seeks to attract individuals who are committed to our mission of providing the highest quality education to women.

Smith College enjoys the reputation as one of the finest colleges in the country. This reputation, tempered by time and challenged by change, holds strong because of the dedicated work of our staff, faculty and administration. We are a diverse group bringing to our community different talents, perspectives and experiences. Our strength arises from this diversity and is sustained by a community value of providing an outstanding educational environment for our nearly 2,700 students.

Smith at a Glance https://www.smith.edu/about-smith/smith-glance