Position: HPC Systems Administrator
Discipline: Intelligent Networked Systems Institute
Location: Northeastern University – London, London, UK
Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term (18 months), with potential extension
Direct Reports: Not applicable
Reports to: To be assigned
Start Date: July 1, 2026 (earlier start possible, depending on candidate availability)
Benefits
Northeastern University – London (NU London) promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering:
- Flexible working arrangements and parental leave opportunities
- An Employee Assistance Programme providing free, confidential support for work and home-related matters, as well as optional private medical insurance
- Season ticket loans for travel
- Participation in the cycle-to-work scheme
The Role
Northeastern University – London, in collaboration with Northeastern University’s Research Computing (RC) team and the Intelligent Networked Systems Institute (INSI), is seeking an experienced and driven HPC Systems Administrator. The role involves designing, maintaining, and enhancing the AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure that powers cutting-edge research and education at NU London.
The successful candidate will lead the development, deployment, and management of NU London’s research computing cluster. They will integrate the existing Northeastern University Explorer cluster and cloud resources to create a seamless computing environment for researchers and faculty.
Key goals include ensuring the reliability, scalability, performance, and security of the research computing systems through proactive monitoring and upgrades. The individual will collaborate with IT professionals, research staff, and academic faculty, combining operational execution with strategic planning. Staying updated on trends in HPC, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing is critical, as this role also informs long-term infrastructure strategy. Hands-on, on-site technical support and maintenance are integral aspects of the position.
Key Responsibilities
- System Management:
– Oversee and maintain research computing hardware and software to ensure reliability, security, and performance across NU London’s HPC infrastructure.
- Cluster Deployment:
– Implement and maintain HPC workload managers (e.g., Slurm, PBS, LSF). Tasks include queue management, fair-share resource allocation, job scheduling, and efficiency tuning.
- GPU Optimization:
– Install, support, and optimize GPU software stacks (e.g., NVIDIA drivers, CUDA, cuDNN, NCCL).
- Automation and Configuration:
– Develop and utilize automation and infrastructure-as-code tools to enhance system reliability and reduce administrative overhead.
- Scientific Software:
– Deploy and support scientific software environments using tools such as Spack, EasyBuild, Conda, or environment modules.
- Core Services Delivery:
– Design, document, and maintain critical systems, including resource management, high-performance storage, backup, and authentication/authorization frameworks.
- Access Control & Security:
– Implement robust access controls, identity federation mechanisms, and key-based authentication to comply with institutional and regulatory requirements.
- Incident Management:
– Diagnose and resolve technical issues in hardware, software, networking, storage, and distributed environments.
- User Support & Training:
– Provide hands-on technical assistance, as well as training to staff and students to support their use of HPC resources.
- Research Collaboration:
– Work with faculty and researchers to understand computational needs, and propose solutions to support ongoing research and teaching.
- Strategic Development:
– Partner with Northeastern’s Research Computing team to define strategies for scaling NU London’s computing capabilities in alignment with institutional research goals.
- Documentation:
– Produce and maintain technical documentation for both internal use and end-user guidance.
- Stakeholder Communication:
– Share updates and address challenges through reports, meetings, and presentations tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Professional Engagement:
– Attend conferences and collaborate with external entities to support professional growth, establish partnerships, and explore future funding opportunities.
The Intelligent Networked Systems Institute
The Intelligent Networked Systems Institute (INSI) at NU London is an evolving transatlantic research hub dedicated to advancing connectivity, intelligent computing, and learning systems. It acts as a research bridge between the U.S. and Europe, addressing challenges in telecommunications, AI, quantum information systems, and more. INSI strives to build a better-connected, secure, and efficient global infrastructure through interdisciplinary efforts.
About Northeastern University London
Founded in 2012 as New College of the Humanities, Northeastern University London (NU London) has grown into a distinguished academic institution located in central London. It joined Northeastern University’s Global Campus Network in 2019 and has since undergone rapid growth—achieving Taught Degree Awarding Powers in 2020 and relocating to a cutting-edge campus in 2021.
NU London offers a dynamic, collaborative academic environment, hosting innovative programs designed to meet emerging demands from employers and society, while facilitating state-of-the-art teaching technologies.
Person Specification
The role requires a balance of technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and collaborative skills. Applications are encouraged from individuals with the following qualifications and experience:
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in a computational field, with practical Linux systems experience, OR equivalent professional experience in Linux system administration.
Key Skills and Experience
- Proficiency in administering and managing HPC Linux clusters, including provisioning and lifecycle services in a research setting.
- Competence in Linux systems, including operating systems, security, networking, storage solutions, and user administration.
- Familiarity with accelerator-based technology (e.g., multi-GPU server management).
- Experience with scheduling systems like Slurm.
- Knowledge of scripting and automation languages like Bash, Python, Ruby, or C/C .
- Basic understanding of identity management systems such as LDAP or Active Directory.
- Familiarity with storage systems and file systems (e.g., GPFS, Lustre).
- Experience or interest in tools for automation and configuration (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
- Knowledge of common HPC software tools and workflows.
- Familiarity with cloud computing, virtualization, and containerization platforms (e.g., Docker, AWS, Azure).
- Basic understanding of database technologies like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities.
- Clear communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a detail-oriented manner.
- Commitment to staying current with innovations in HPC and related fields.
Application Details
Informal Inquiries
Contact: Bipin Rajendran ([email protected]) or Alexandros Koliousis ([email protected]). Note that applications must follow the formal application process described below.
How to Apply
Submit an application via the ‘Apply’ button before 23:59 GMT on May 20, 2026. Shortlisting will occur on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. Applications must include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter detailing how your qualifications meet the stated criteria
- References: Contact details of two referees (recommendation letters will only be requested for shortlisted candidates).
Note: Recruitment agency applications will not be considered.
Additional Information
- This position may require a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
- NU London is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all communities and emphasizing merit-based selection.
Visa Sponsorship
Unfortunately, this role does not provide Visa sponsorship. Applicants must verify that they are eligible to work in the UK in compliance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006