IT Specialist – for High-Performance Computing

Job offer

IT Specialist – Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) Core Facility

IOCB Prague is a world-leading scientific institution dedicated to chemical and biological research. We place a strong emphasis on translating basic research findings into practical applications.

The Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) Core Facility studies the 3D structure of proteins and their complexes. The team provides expertise in cryo-EM data collection and analysis. In collaboration with the High-Performance Computing group (HPCg), we offer an advanced environment for cryo-EM data processing on a local parallel computing cluster featuring approximately 400 CPU nodes, 90 GPU nodes, and 3 PB of storage space.

The successful candidate will be a key member of the cryo-EM Core Facility, working closely with HPCg and the IOCB IT department (ITS). The primary responsibility is to deploy, configure, test, and maintain cryo-EM software on local hardware. In collaboration with HPCg and ITS, the candidate will help design deployment strategies, oversee software administration and monitoring, contribute to automated cryo-EM pipelines, maintain documentation, participate in operational meetings, provide usage statistics, and report on ongoing developments.

This position offers a stimulating environment alongside top-tier research scientists, access to advanced computing hardware, and hands-on experience with HPC infrastructure. The successful candidate will have opportunities for professional development within the HPC ecosystem, all within a flexible and motivating workplace at a globally recognized research institution.

Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, test, and maintain software, with a focus on cryo-EM data analysis tools
• Administer and monitor software systems to ensure optimal performance
• Prepare, maintain, and update software documentation
• Adapt the software environment to meet the evolving needs of scientific users
• Continuously improve and optimize the cryo-EM software environment for research workflows

Required:

• Advanced proficiency in Linux (current distribution: Rocky Linux 9)
• Strong experience in software installation, including package managers, compiling from source, and applying minor patches
• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructures, including compilers, MPI, and HPC tools (training on our specific cluster will be provided)
• Ability to maintain and support complex research software environments
• Proficiency in scripting and programming, particularly Bash and Python
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with end users
• Fluency in technical English, both written and spoken

Desirable:

• Experience with one or more of the following tools: Spack, EasyBuild, CMake, OpenMPI, Ansible, Nextflow
• Experience providing support in scientific computing environments
• Familiarity with infrastructure automation and monitoring tools (e.g., Ansible, Pika)
• Methodical and detail-oriented approach, with a strong willingness to adapt, learn continuously, and drive innovation

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and financial remuneration
• Support for professional training and development
• Five weeks of vacation plus four sick days per year
• Comprehensive health insurance and full benefits package, including contributions to supplementary pension insurance and sports, culture, and leisure activities
• Meal subsidies
• Financial support for parents with young children

Additional Information:

• Full-time position
• Fixed-term contract for 1 year, with anticipated extension
• Position available immediately

Applications should include:

• Cover letter (max. one page) describing motivation, interests, and experience
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for at least two references