Scientific Computing Coordinator

Job Level
Mid-level position
Job Category
Coordinator
Sector
  • Technology
Job Status
Areas of Responsibility
  • Systems / Operations

POSITION VACANCY

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America’s most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby’s rigorous academic program is rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 58 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of 2,000 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Maine location provides easy access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.

Under the leadership of its president, David A. Greene, Colby is building on this strong foundation while remaining committed to excellence, to supporting students and faculty at the highest levels, and to the College’s deep liberal arts traditions. This chapter includes plans for creating innovative academic initiatives and partnerships, strengthening the connections between the liberal arts and the professional world, revitalizing downtown Waterville, and pursuing significant capital projects for performing arts and athletics. Colby invites applicants to apply for the position of:

SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING COORDINATOR

Office of Information Technology Services (ITS)

Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

 

The scientific computing coordinator manages the academic computing initiatives of faculty and students in the Natural Sciences division of the College. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide broad technology support for operational issues, research, and teaching. As a member of the academic ITS office, this position also assists in coordinating and facilitating overall IT guidance for the division with other groups in ITS.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Consult with faculty in the Natural Sciences division of the College to evaluate their academic computing needs
  • Collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide broad technology support for operational issues, research, and teaching
  • Evaluate and recommend procurement of hardware and software and provide guidance to end users for the design of their computing environments and technical areas
  • Operate, maintain, and update software and computing systems associated with scientific instruments
  • Create instruction manuals and keep records of instrument users and maintenance
  • Coordinate instrument and co-managed facility usage schedules as required
  • Perform routine adjustments, calibrations, and maintenance of computer systems connected to scientific instruments
  • Coordinate scientific computing instrument interface maintenance and upgrades closely with the instrument maintenance technician
  • Design, implement, and test scientific computing systems as required to serve needs of faculty and students
  • Document ever-changing scientific computing environment
  • Install, upgrade, configure, and troubleshoot computing devices and peripherals
  • Apply security best practices
  • Participate in academic department and committee meetings and activities as required
  • Work with others in ITS and at partner institutions to continuously review the scientific computing support strategies and the degree to which they are meeting the needs of those receiving the services; initiate change continuously to improve the quality of service
  • Participate with peers and supervisor in setting priorities of various projects and initiatives
  • Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; advanced degree in the sciences - especially physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, mathematics, biology, or computer science - a plus
  • Two years of relevant experience; prior experience in a higher education environment is ideal
  • Experience in the configuration, system administration, and operation of scientific computing facilities, including dedicated workstations, computer/instrument interfaces for data capture and storage, servers, clusters, and applications based on the Linux, Mac OS, and Windows operating systems
  • Ability to script and automate tasks
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills with a high level of motivation
  • Ability to work with people of varying levels of technical experience and translate complex technical information appropriately
  • Talent to acquire technical and conceptual knowledge quickly
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team effectively, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Reporting to high performance computing manager, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and students.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply Now" button on the Colby College website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

 
 

Scientific Computing Coordinator - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855