Senior Research Computing Applications Data Specialist IST Research Computing

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time Off

Retirement

Tuition Assistance Program

Job summary

Boston University IS&T is seeking a Senior Research Comp Apps & Data Specialist to partner with researchers and co-create advanced computing capabilities for interdisciplinary work. You will work with BU’s College of Engineering, CS Dept., and related communities on projects leveraging ML/DL, frameworks, and accelerator tech.

You will provide in-depth consulting, training, and mentoring to maximize use of BU’s HPC resources, including the MGHPCC AI Computing Resource and BU’s open-source cloud

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 3 years supporting research computing/HPC environments.
• Experience in Linux environments with shell scripting, package management, and system-level troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, Hugging Face).
• Understanding of ML/DL concepts (RF, SVM, RNNs, CNNs, LSTMs, transformers) and numerical analysis.
• Experience with containerization for scalable workloads; strong communication for user support.

Responsibilities

• Engage researchers to co-create and apply advanced computing capabilities for interdisciplinary research.
• Collaborate with BU College of Engineering, CS Dept., and related communities on complex projects requiring ML/DL expertise.
• Provide consulting, training, and mentoring to maximize use of BU HPC resources (Shared Computing Cluster, AICR, MOC Alliance).
• Install, document, validate researcher-facing software, and deliver tutorials/workshops to build AI/ML capability across the university.

Skills

Python

ML/DL concepts

Linux shell

Algorithms & numerical analysis

Communication & training

Education

PhD in CS/DS/Engineering

3+ years in research computing/HPC

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

scikit-learn

Hugging Face

Linux

Containerization

Job description

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.

Boston University offers an excellent benefits package including:

• 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.

Required Experience

Qualifications:

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.

Boston University offers an excellent benefits package including:

• 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.