Senior Research Computing Applications & Data Specialist, IS&T Research Computing

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time Off and Holidays

Retirement plan

Tuition Assistance Program

Job summary

Boston University IS&T invites applicants for a Senior Research Computing Applications & Data Specialist role. The position partners with researchers to co-create advanced computing capabilities for interdisciplinary work across BU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Ideal candidates have a PhD or equivalent and extensive experience in ML/DL, Linux, Python, and HPC environments, with a track record mentoring others and delivering workshops on AI/ML topics.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with relevant experience in research computing, ML, or HPC.
• Proficiency in Linux, shell scripting, and package management.
• Strong Python programming and ML frameworks experience (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit‑learn, Hugging Face).
• Understanding of ML/DL concepts (RNNs, CNNs, LSTMs, transformers).
• Experience with containerization technologies for scalable workloads and HPC ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Engage researchers as partners to co-create and co-learn research activities.
• Collaborate across Engineering, CS, and research communities on ML/DL projects.
• Provide in-depth consulting, training, and mentoring for BU HPC resources and AI computing clusters.
• Install, document, validate researcher-facing software, and deliver tutorials/workshops.
• Collaborate with regional and national HPC peers to stay current and grow the workforce.

Skills

Python

Linux shell scripting

ML frameworks

Transformer architectures

Containerization

HPC environments

Communication skills

Mentoring/Training

GPU computing in HPC

Education

PhD in Computer Science / Data Science / Engineering

Master's + 5+ years relevant experience

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Senior Research Computing Applications & Data Specialist, IS&T Research Computing

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

Boston University Information Services & Technology (IS&T) is seeking applicants with diverse skills and experience to join our innovative and inclusive community.

Join us as a Senior Research Comp Apps & Data Specialist where you will engage researchers as partners to co-create and co-learn research activities and relevant advanced computing capabilities that facilitate and transform collaborative, interdisciplinary research.

You will also work directly with faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students across the College of Engineering, the Computer Science Department, and related research communities on complex projects requiring advanced knowledge of machine learning and deep learning algorithms, frameworks, and accelerator technologies.

As part of the Research Computing Applications team, you will report to the Director of Research Computing & Digital Strategy and work with faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students across the College of Engineering, the Computer Science Department, and related research communities.

You Will:

• Engage researchers as partners to co-create and co-learn research activities and relevant advanced computing capabilities that facilitate and transform collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
• Work directly with faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students across the College of Engineering, the Computer Science Department, and related research communities on complex projects requiring advanced knowledge of machine learning and deep learning algorithms, frameworks, and accelerator technologies.
• Provide in-depth consulting, training, and mentoring to support efficient use of Boston University's High-Performance Computing resources, including the Shared Computing Cluster, the MGHPCC AI Computing Resource (AICR) — a landmark multi-institution AI computing cluster at the Massachusetts Green High-Performance Computing Center — and the MOC Alliance, BU's open‑source public cloud initiative.
• Install, document, and validate researcher-facing software packages, and deliver outreach, tutorials, and workshops that build AI and ML capability across the university research community.
• Collaborate with regional and national research computing peers to stay current with the field's landscape and best practices and contribute to workforce development efforts that grow the pipeline of skilled research computing and AI consultants.

Required Skills

You Will Have:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience supporting research computing, machine learning, or HPC environments; equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g., a Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience) will be considered.
• Demonstrated professional experience working natively in a Linux environment, including shell scripting, package management, and system‑level troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in multiple programming languages, particularly Python, and hands‑on experience with machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit‑learn, Hugging Face, etc.), along with strong competencies in algorithms and numerical analysis.
• Proven, professional‑level understanding of machine learning and deep learning concepts and techniques, such as random forests, support vector machines, RNNs, CNNs, LSTMs, and transformer‑based architectures.
• Experience with containerization technologies for deploying scalable workloads. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide direct, in‑person and remote user support.

Bonus Qualifications:

• If you do not meet these, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.
• Experience deploying and managing large language models (LLMs) in production, including GPU computing in HPC environments.
• Experience using or building AI‑driven applications and agent workflows (e.g., tool‑calling, orchestration, integration into existing services).
• Experience with large‑scale, multi‑institution, or shared computing environments (such as regional HPC or AI compute clusters) and HPC cloud solutions.
• Experience developing data analysis and/or data management pipelines in high‑level scripting languages.
• Experience mentoring, teaching, or training others — including developing and delivering workshops, tutorials, or workforce development content related to AI/ML or research computing.
• Experience with proposal development and/or coordination in a research or grant‑funded context.

Benefits

• Time Off: In addition to PTO and leave policy, BU employees have a paid intersession break and 13 paid holidays.
• Retirement: University‑funded retirement plan with full vesting after 2 years of eligible service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program for yourself and family members. Check out https://www.bu.edu/wellness/ and https://www.bu.edu/hr/part-time-employee-perks/ for more information!

Boston University IS&T invests in our staff and their personal and professional growth. We promote staff learning including lunch and learn sessions, an extensive library of online courses, Fun Advisory Board (FAB) arranges a number of events throughout the year and opportunities to engage with peers at NERCOMP and EDUCAUSE events.

If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-353-6474.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We, at IS&T, appreciate each individual's knowledge, experiences and insights which enhance who we are, and as our DEIA knowledge and practice grows, we will ensure that our Mission, Vision, & Practices remain equitable and w

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.