Computational and Data Science Research Specialist

Job Function Summary:

Involves a hybrid of multiple computational / data / Cyberinfrastrcture (CI) dominated fields such as, but not limited to, bioinformatics, geological information services (GIS), data analytics, and computational chemistry. Applies computational, computer science, data science and cyber infrastructure (CI) research and development principles, with relevant domain science knowledge, to perform research and technology integration and development. Responsibilities include research, design, development, analysis, operation, and support of high performance computing (HPC) and data science research, software, tools and hardware resources. Develops data algorithms and performs computations, statistical analyses, interpretation and reporting of research. This specialty / function exists for those positions whose primary responsibility is to do research and use computational and data science technology as a tool to accomplish the research.

Generic Scope

Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.

Custom Scope

Applies skills as a seasoned, experienced IT research professional. Uses computational, computer science, data science, and CI software research and development principles, with relevant domain science knowledge where applicable, along with professional programming concepts for medium-sized projects or portions of larger projects. Develops and optimizes a variety of computational, data science, and CI research tools and components. Performs research on current and future HPC, data, and CI technologies, hardware and software projects. Works on algorithm development, optimization, programming, performance analysis and / or benchmarking assignments of moderate scope where the tasks involve knowledge of either domain / computer science research requirements and / or CI design / implementation requirements.

HPC, Data Science and Computational Software Development

• Plans, designs, develops, modifies, debugs, deploys and evaluates complex HPC (software and / or hardware) or data science or computational science or CI research software and technologies or combination thereof.
• Analyzes existing software, scientific codes, data science / analytics codes / algorithms, and HPC related hardware or works to formulate logic for new complex systems and devises complex algorithms.
• Performs complex analysis and tests / debugs complex software and hardware. Applies complex programming practices. May work with domain scientists where applicable to perform these responsibilities and uses domain science knowledge where relevant.

Research and Development

• Designs, implements, and executes complex software and hardware research and development plans. Performs complex HPC, computational and data modeling, performance and integration testing.
• Develops implements and executes complex software and hardware research and development plans. Performs complex HPC, computational and data modeling, performance and integration testing.

Documentation, Publication and Presentation

• Documents usage modes, capabilities, characteristics and performance of research codes, research HPC systems (hardware and software) and CI tools / software.
• Publishes and presents, based on research and development work, results about CI tools, HPC systems, data science techniques and tools, performance and algorithm enhancement in research venues to attract usage from domain science communities, or to promote latest technologies within the community.

Software Consultation, Training and Scientific Support

• Provide software consultation to assist imaging scientists with development and optimization of scientific research codes. This includes the parallelization of existing codes to leverage university HPC infrastructure.
• Teach classes to train lab members about software infrastructure and new scientific software packages.
• Assist in the drafting of articles for publication.
• Participates and contributes to HPC / data science / CI research proposals in collaboration with other researchers and Principal Investigator (PI) s from the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge of HPC / data science / CI.
• Advanced skills, and demonstrated experience associated with one or more of the following: HPC hardware and software power and performance analysis and research, design, modification, Implementation and deployment of HPC or data science or CI applications and tools.
• Demonstrated ability to regularly interface with management.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute research and technical content to grant proposals.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization and to external research and education audiences.
• Proven skills and experience in independently resolving broad computing / data / CI problems using introductory and / or intermediate principles.
• Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team.
• Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
• Thorough experience working in a complex computing / data / CI environment encompassing all or some of the following: HPC, data science infrastructure and tools / software, and diverse domain science application base.
• Proven ability to successfully work on multiple concurrent projects.
• Proven ability to understand research computing / data / CI needs, mapping use cases to requirements and how systems / software / infrastructure can support those needs and meet the requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement such solutions.
• Demonstrated broad experience in one or more of the following: optimizing, benchmarking, HPC performance and power modeling, analyzing hardware, software, and applications for HPC / data / CI.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of staff; technical, students, faculty and administrators.