Key Responsibilities:
Research Computing Administration
Manage and optimize ILRI's High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment, including configuration, user access, job scheduling, performance tuning, and resource allocation.
Administer and support Linux/UNIX systems that host scientific computing workloads and research applications.
Monitor performance, capacity, availability, and security of research computing platforms across ILRI's Kenya and Ethiopia campuses.
Collaborate with ICT Infrastructure teams on server hardware, virtualisation, and network requirements supporting HPC operations.
Research Repository and Platform Administration
Administer ILRI's research repository platforms (e.g., DSpace), ensuring availability, performance, backups, indexing, and secure access.
Implement software upgrades, patches, and performance enhancements for the repository and related platforms.
Support secure integration and data exchange between ILRI repository systems and CGIAR platforms using APIs or established protocols.
Systems Integration, Security, and Documentation
Ensure research computing and repository platforms comply with institutional performance, availability, and security standards.
Coordinate with ICT Infrastructure on network, firewall, and connectivity requirements for cross-campus and external system access.
Develop and maintain operational documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and user guides.
Research Support and Capacity Building
Provide technical support, training, and guidance to researchers and ICT staff on HPC usage, Linux environments, and best practices for scientific computing.
Promote efficient and responsible use of research computing resources through user education and capacity-building initiatives.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Evaluate and recommend improvements to enhance system performance, scalability, automation, and cost-effectiveness.
Explore emerging technologies that strengthen research computing, virtualisation, or repository platform capabilities.
Contribute to ICT operational standards, system monitoring tools, and disaster recovery procedures for research computing environments.
Perform any other related duties as may be required
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field.
Professional certification in Linux systems administration, virtualisation, or HPC environments (e.g., RHCE, CompTIA Linux+, or equivalent).
About Seven (7) years of relevant experience in Linux/UNIX systems administration, HPC environments, or research computing support.
Proven experience managing multi-user Linux environments, job schedulers (e.g., Slurm, PBS, Grid Engine), and data-intensive workloads.
Hands-on experience with repository or web application administration, preferably: DSpace, Tomcat, PostgreSQL, MySQL or equivalent systems.
Strong scripting skills (Bash, Python, or Perl) for automation and operational support.
Solid understanding of networking, system security, backup, and recovery strategies.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Familiarity with FAIRER or open science frameworks is an added advantage.