Information Technology Specialist, Research

Job title: Information Technology Specialist, Research

Job description: Overview

Reporting to the Associate Director, Information Technology, the Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Research is an important role in support of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) as a premier quantum research and technology centre.

IQC IT Specialists are responsible for the provision, support, and management of computation and information technology systems as required by the members of the Institute. The role accomplishes this by providing the highest quality of services that enable and improve the outcomes for research, teaching, and administrative computing to the members of the Institute. The groups supported are IQC researchers (faculty, postdoctoral fellows, research associates), students, visitors, leadership, and support staff.

IT Specialists comply with and promote the University’s policies related to information systems and technology.

IT Specialists are required to maintain a competence with a broad range of information technology subject areas — consulting on hardware, software, and systems issues. The Information Technology Specialist, Research role has as their specialty the requirement to be the subject-matter expert in support of the use of computational systems, research software, and associated technologies by IQC’s quantum information researchers.

This position is contingent on funding.

Responsibilities

Client Service

• Provide excellent service to IQC members and associated individuals in their use of computing and related technology by actively accepting and responding to requests from members for support, services, guidance, and technical advice.
• Provide support and maintenance to all university-owned computing technologies under the accountability of IQC; including software installations and configurations.
• Work with IQC members to understand and resolve their computing and related technology issues where the incumbent has the required skills and resources. For those issues outside the incumbent’s skills, the incumbent is responsible for connecting IQC members to those who are best suited to resolve issues based upon their estimated expertise.
• Develop the skills (commensurate with the incumbent’s USG level) to resolve members’ issues directly.
• Communicate with IQC members and campus peers effectively, clearly, respectfully, and with empathy.
• Keep members informed of the progress toward resolution of their issues.
• Responsible for creating documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Maintain an ongoing record of work activity.
• Keep pace with developments in technology and advise the Associate Director, Information Technology on their applicability to IQC.
• Responsible for consultation and support to IQC researchers in the use of scientific software applications, such as Lumerical, OriginPro, COMSOL, MATLAB, Mathematica etc.
• Conduct training sessions for IQC researchers in areas of scientific computation.
• Responsible for consultation on the expressed software development needs of IQC researchers.
• Maintain an active knowledge of various research activities to develop and identify commonalities of information technology opportunities between IQC research groups.

Systems and Applications Management

• Design, implement, and manage solutions that support the ongoing complex computing needs of IQC researchers, such as GPU computing, simulation, automation, telemetry progressing/analysis solutions, and associated systems.
• Specify, test, and deploy systems (hardware and software) on a variety of platforms, including servers, workstations, mobile devices, and laboratory systems.
• Diagnose and resolve, system and application problems through the monitoring and analysis of performance metrics.
• Actively contribute to building and documenting institutional knowledge on an ongoing basis by documenting systems, processes, and procedures.

Services Development

• Identify, propose, and acquire or develop technological solutions to support the Institute’s research, academic missions, and administrative services.
• Manage technical projects using best practices to achieve successful outcomes.
• Lead IQC cross-functional teams in the execution of University of Waterloo Information Risk Assessments as required by the Institute, including liaising with other department personnel to facilitate desired outcomes.
• Participate in campus wide committees ensuring broader campus needs are understood as part of the analysis process.
• Recommend enhancements and improvements to systems and processes.
• Provide guidance on technological evolution.

Other Duties

• As assigned by Associate Director, Information Technology.

Qualifications

• A university degree (Masters preferred) in a computing discipline together with relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• This role requires qualified knowledge in the area of Quantum Information Science.
• Demonstrated client-facing support skills.
• Proven proficiency in using software development technologies and problem-solving abilities to support a variety of scientific problems, including data visualization, GPU computing, and machine learning.
• Significant experience using software applications such as, Lumerical, Mathematica, and/or MATLAB in a scientific research setting.
• General understanding of the software development life cycle (CI/CD).
• Significant experience working with Linux, macOS and Windows systems.
• Proficiency using version control systems such as git and subversion.
• Experience using and maintaining tools such as websites, and shared service systems.
• Exposure to network design and implementation in the support of shared services systems.
• Experience creating, using, and maintaining clustered computing systems.
• Demonstrated successful organizational, time management, and project management skills
• Strong client service skills and attitude.
• Proficiency in at least one modern programming language used in scientific research and its application in quantum information research, such as python, C, or C++.
• Ability to visualize system and data models and demonstrate critical thinking as it pertains to a particular analysis. (Feasibility, Decision, Cost/Benefit).
• Ability to communicate (verbal and written) effectively with a broad range of audiences with differing levels of technical knowledge and understanding.
• Proficient in the application of abstract thinking to solve complex problems.
• Skilled and demonstrated ability to learn quickly and adapt to change.
• The IT Specialist is expected to have advanced system administration skills in at least two of the following operating systems; macOS, linux based systems or Microsoft Windows.
• Able to work with minimal supervision and work collaboratively with IQC Researchers.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Capable of working with and technically supporting people experiencing high levels of stress.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

Company: University of Waterloo

Expected salary: $69405 – 86756 per year

Location: Waterloo, ON

Job date: Sun, 13 Nov 2022 00:14:49 GMT

Job Source: Careerjet.ca

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