Linux Systems Specialist at Flexi-Personnel

JOB PURPOSE:

• This individual will be responsible for providing robust, high-performance computing (HPC) and Linux system administration support to a scientific research facility. They will be critical in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of HROKL’s bioinformatics and data science infrastructure, which supports a range of genomics, epidemiology, and machine learning projects.
• The candidate will work closely with IT, the Biosciences Sequencing laboratory lead and scientific teams to maintain a resilient, secure, and high-performing computational environment.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

HPC and Systems Administration: -

• Ensure the smooth and effective operation of the research facility's HPC and data science cluster, including:
• A high-performance compute cluster (HPC) with over 250 processing cores.
• A GPU cluster comprising NVIDIA GPUs (e.g., A100, V100, Tesla V100).
• 150 terabytes of clustered file storage (GlusterFS).
• Several physical and virtual servers.
• Install, configure, tune, and troubleshoot a suite of Linux storage and compute servers, including dedicated GPU servers.
• Manage HPC file systems such as Ceph, Lustre, and JuiceFS.
• Install, configure and administer HPC network services (SSH, Samba, Apache, rsync, NFS) and database applications (PostgreSQL, MySQL).
• Perform routine Linux system audits, upgrades, and preventive maintenance to keep equipment at peak performance.

Software, Security, and Automation:

• Manage user accounts, system security, software updates, and scientific applications.
• Carry out scripting (Bash, Shell, Perl, Python, R) to support researchers' data analysis, automate tasks, and strengthen team capacity.
• Setup and deploy container-based solutions (Docker, Kubernetes, Singularity) for end-users.
• Improve server architecture, e.g., by implementing consistent configuration management tools like GNU-Guix.
• Participate in and enhance the automation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) pipelines.

Data Management and Security: -

• Perform backup and restore operations for research data and system configurations.
• Liaise with the Infrastructure team to develop and maintain resilient data storage.
• Be responsible for business continuity and disaster recovery for the Linux ecosystem.

User Support and Collaboration: -

• Provide support for Linux workstations and links from Windows desktops to Linux servers.
• Work and collaborate with the HPC user community, providing timely resolution of issues.
• Provide relevant training to scientific teams.
• Build and evolve architectural diagrams for the bioinformatics environment and provide comprehensive documentation for all processes.
• And any other assigned duties by the line managers.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & CAREER EXPERIENCE:

Mandatory:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with 3 Years’ experience at Supervisory level in Linux systems administration, preferably in a RedHat or CentOS environment.
• Expert knowledge of Linux operating systems and distributed file systems (e.g., GlusterFS, Lustre).
• Proven experience working with and supporting high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
• Experience working with multiple GPUs, including the NVIDIA series.
• Strong scripting skills in Bash or Perl/Python for automation and support.
• Working knowledge of IT environments and the ability to install and maintain computer equipment.

Desirable:                          

• Advanced Certification in Linux System Administration (e.g., RHCE, GCUX, Linux+, LFCE, RedHat OpenShift, or RedHat Automation with Ansible).
• Experience with GPU virtualization, Docker, Kubernetes, and Singularity.
• Knowledge of systems programming (e.g., C, C++, Rust) and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Julia, R).
• Experience in supporting a 20+ server environment.
• Short-course training in Bioinformatics packages, networking, or customer service.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics computational packages and experience working in a research establishment.

Core Competencies:

• Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, end-users, and clients.
• Good logical diagnostic skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment in problem resolution.
• Ability to multi-task, work under high pressure, meet deadlines, and follow up on pending matters with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to plan own workload and maintain accurate records in an environment with changing priorities.