This position is filled

Open Position High-Performance Scientific Data Processing Systems Administrator within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – Funded by the European Union – Next Generation

Opening Date:
Closing Date:
Ref:2024-36_PIC2024-PCMM-L8-5

Port d’Informació Científica (PIC) is a scientific-technological center specialized in developing advanced tools and methods for scientific data analysis. We participate in research projects across multiple disciplines with challenging data environments, including particle physics, astrophysics, biology, materials science, and others. Our main objective is to accelerate research by making data analysis more effective through the use of Machine Learning, High-Throughput Computing, and Big Data techniques, using distributed computing to support collaborative research.

PIC is operated through a collaboration agreement between CIEMAT and IFAE research centers. PIC was initially established to participate at the highest level in the data system of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider in Geneva. It is one of the 14 Tier-1 centers worldwide. Moreover, PIC collaborates in research projects in optical galaxy surveys (DES, PAU, Euclid, DESI, DESC-LSST), gamma-ray astronomy (MAGIC, CTA) and gravitational wave astronomy (LIGO, Virgo, Einstein Telescope). Multi-Messenger astronomy is based on the simultaneous recording and interpretation of various signals from space. Therefore PIC is in a unique position to exploit synergies and accelerate Multi-messenger astronomy analyses by developing tools and methods that combine the data coming from the different instruments.

PIC is looking for a highly motivated systems administrator with strong technical skills in linux and network administration and interest in scientific research.

The successful candidate will join the Operations team of the PIC data center and will work in close collaboration with scientists to develop, deploy and operate computing platforms to carry on the research data analysis.

Job Description

  • Linux system administration.
  • Managing distributed storage platforms and networks.
  • Installation and configuration of IT services using automation tools such as Puppet.
  • Monitoring and capacity planning of IT services.
  • Development and maintenance of technical documentation of services.
  • Technical procedures documentation for operators and developers

Competencies and Qualifications Required

  • Degree in computer science, telecommunications, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience in Linux system administration.
  • Experience in scripting languages such as Python or Bash.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to foster a positive working environment with team members, researchers, and supervisors.
  • Proactive approach and ability to adapt and enhance IT services to meet user needs.
  • Competence in spoken and written English

Experience in any of the following is a plus

  • Experience in computer systems administration using IT automation tools such as Puppet.
  • Working experience with research users and international research projects.
  • Knowledge of tape library systems.

You will have the support of the Operations and Services teams at PIC. Teamwork is of utmost importance for this job.

Contract characteristics

The recruiting center will be the Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE). The place of work will be the headquarters of PIC at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (https://www.pic.es )

One position with teleworking opportunities and a flexible schedule. A Full-time (40h/week) position with an “actividades científico-técnicas” contract (article 23-bis of the Spanish Act 14/2011, Ley de la ciencia, la tecnología y la innovación) linked to the project Advanced technologies for the exploration of the Universe and its components, of the area of Astrophysics and High Energy Physics, within the frame of the R&D&I Complementary Plans of the Spanish Government that are part component 17 of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. This contract is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU (MICINN/PRTR funds) and by Generalitat de Catalunya.

There will be a trial period of 3 months.

The position will correspond to “Enginyer” within the IFAE professional categories. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range. The successful candidate would start working at PIC as soon as possible.

Application and Selection process

Applications should be submitted to pic.jobs@pic.es and rrhh@ifae.es stating the job reference (2024-36_PIC2024-PCMM-L8-5) as the Subject of the message. The mail should include a cover letter and an updated CV. Sending CVs to the above address implies consent to the legal warning at the bottom of IFAE’s Home Page.

The application must contain a personal identification number (DNI, NIE or passport) in order to proceed to the verification of absence of conflict of interest required by Recovery and Resilience Mechanism of the Spanish Government.

IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and social integration of people with a disability. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. People from groups that are typically underrepresented in the labor market in general and in Science and Engineering in particular, such as women, minorities, or people with a disability, are particularly encouraged to apply.

You may contact pic.jobs@pic.es for any questions related to this job opening.

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. If more than one candidate seems equally suitable for the position, the Selection Committee will arrange an on-line interview with each one of them as part of the Selection process.

In compliance with article 121 of the Spanish Public Sector Legal Regime Act, staff with a pre-existing relationship with the Consortium administration (Generalitat de Catalunya and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) will have priority in the awarding of the position.

Funding Statement