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Job Standard for CyberInfrastructure Engineer, Senior

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How to use this Job Standard:

  1. The Purpose, Scope, Qualifications and Job Functions are specific to this job title and can not be edited.
  2. Click “View in Google Docs/Download” and download to Word.
  3. Under Essential Functions you may add an additional 35%, specific to your department needs.
  4. Complete this standard before creating the job announcement and posting the position.
  5. This standard will be used as the new Job Description for the prospective employee.
  6. After hire is complete, insert Employee Name, ID# and PCN#.

CyberInfrastructure Engineer, Senior Overview

  • Person Group: Professional
  • Job Code: 75541
  • Pay Grade: P13
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
  • Career Level: Senior
  • Family: Information Technology
  • Function: Cloud Infrastructure Services

Purpose

CyberInfrastructure (CI) Engineer provides direct centralized support on scientific computing to campus researchers to enhance computational thinking and modern computational methods to include:

  • Modeling, Algorithms and Simulations (e.g. numerical and non-numerical, discrete and continuous).
  • Software developed to solve science (e.g., biological, physical and social), engineering, medicine and humanities problems.
  • Computer and information science that develops and optimizes the advanced system hardware, software, networking and data management components (e.g. problem solving environments).

Level Scope

Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience. Manages large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of experience in computational science support or equivalent. BS or MS in Computational Science or Computer Science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Experience in scientific applications on large scale computers.
  • Expertise in programming with Fortran, C, MPI and parallel methods.
  • Experience with developing and optimizing applications on LINUX-based systems.
  • Good understanding of high performance computing architectures.
  • Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in project management for research systems (hardware, software and processes).
  • Experience working with users to ensure their scientific applications execute efficiently and utilize the HPC system to advance their scientific work.
  • Experience in the preparation of training material and offering of training courses.
  • Experience in organizing and coordinating training courses, and computational center helpdesks.
  • Experience in providing support for scientific applications development and optimization.
  • Proficient in computer languages (for example):
    • C++, C, C#, Java, Python and IOS and Android SDK
    • Significant experience in C++ file and folder creation
    • Proficient in creation of C++ and other files for linking together Cyberinfrastructure tools and systems
    • Experience with a broad range of software tools
  • Computer architecture knowledge (Memory hierarchy, vector processors, etc.).
  • Strong mathematical and linear algebra background (solvers, finite differences, etc.).

Essential Functions

Key Responsibilities

60 % of Time CyberInfrastructure Engineer, Senior will:

  • Take a lead role in implementing Boise State University’s CI Plan and work with OIT on executing the Science DMZ and SDN Plan. Expected to act as a project manager for Research Computing projects. Ensure all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget.
  • Consult and collaborate with researchers on project design, solutions for big data transfer, storage and retrieval and data management. Work with faculty, vendors and OIT to design and specify networking components, configuration and software to improve the University’s network and to meet anticipated research-related data needs. CI Engineer will establish a regular training program for introduction to HPC and parallel programming at Boise State and other training for students and faculty.
  • Work with faculty and graduate students to develop customized and open source software. CI Engineer will work with graduate students to convert software applications to utilize parallel processing.
  • Host workshops, technical talks and events to educate the campus community about big data opportunities and challenges and strengthen Boise State’s role within the research community in sharing scientific data, networking and software development.
  • Serve as a member of the Cyberinfrastructure Technical Advisory group.
  • The CI Engineer will participate in and attend the following:
  • Rocky Mountain Advanced Computer Consortium (RMACC) annual symposium/training conference. Work with the RMACC Symposium Committee to expand the scope of HPC training.
  • XSEDE Regional and/or National conferences. XSEDE is the NSF funded Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment that supports 16 supercomputers and high-end visualization and data analysis resources across the country.
  • Westnet bi-annual meetings that include technical presentations from members and vendors that that share common concerns.
  • Gatherings as suggested by NSF to help establish a national community of campus level CI engineering. The CI engineer will share lessons learned and best practices to help establish a cross-institutional CI engineering community.

35% of Time CyberInfrastructure Engineer, Senior:

  • Can be determined by department needs

5% of Time CyberInfrastructure Engineer, Senior:

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Work Environment and Physical Demands

General Office – Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. General office work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

Travel Requirement

May be required to travel with overnight stays.

Career Path

Additional training/education or equivalent experience, as well as business need, are required for movement into higher level jobs.

Disclaimer

Incumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. Final employment offers are contingent upon a Final Candidate’s successful completion of a Background Verification and a determination by the University that the information derived from the Background Verification does not disqualify the individual. In addition, a Financial History Check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check may be required.