Computing and Software Support Specialist in Reading

Your role at ECMWF is to contribute to the Destination Earth initiative as a Computing and Software Support Specialist in the User Services Section of the Forecast and Services Department. The Computing and Software Support Team provides technical advice and support to all users of ECMWF software and computing, including Member and Co-operating States, ECMWF and public users.

As part of a team of ten staff, you will provide day-to-day second-line support to users and work on continuous improvements of our services, processes and documentation, with a specific focus on operational support to DestinE workflows across HPC platforms. Dedicated user support is required for managing compute resources as Digital Twins are being operationalised on ECMWF HPCF and EuroHPC systems. In this role, you will manage compute resources allocated to users on ECMWF HPCF and EuroHPC, setting up and supporting users of the systems. You will liaise with EuroHPC sites and other partners regarding disruptions, scheduled maintenance or quotas on HPC and cloud platforms.

We are looking for a highly organised individual, with a keen interest in the latest technological developments, who enjoys managing competing priorities and a variety of tasks. You will have a direct impact on our user community by solving technical issues and shaping our client services and technologies. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are equally important in this role.

About ECMWF: The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world leader in Numerical Weather Predictions providing high-quality data for weather forecasts and environmental monitoring. As an intergovernmental organisation, we collaborate internationally to serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions, data and training activities that are critical to contribute to safe and thriving societies.

Our vision is the strength of a common goal, and our mission is to deliver global numerical weather predictions focusing on the medium-range and monitoring of the Earth system to and with our Member States. ECMWF is a multi-site organisation, with its headquarters in Reading, UK, a data centre in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany.

About DestinE | Destination Earth: ECMWF is one of the entities entrusted with implementing the European Commission's DestinE initiative, alongside ESA and EUMETSAT, and works closely with over 100 partner institutions across Europe. DestinE delivers high-resolution, configurable digital twins of the Earth system that simulate past, present and plausible future environmental conditions and enable "what-if" scenario exploration.

Your responsibilities include:

• Manage compute and file space resources allocated to users on ECMWF HPCF and EuroHPC.
• Provide technical advice on best use, and liaise with colleagues and contractors in Destination Earth on managing and monitoring the EuroHPC allocated resources.
• Manage user access to resources, including EuroHPC portal interactions, user registrations, access to IFS software, data access and data policy questions.
• Manage/support the implementation of cybersecurity requirements at HPC sites.
• Communicate system availability and downtimes, planned upgrades preparation, and any other news regarding the individual EuroHPC or ECMWF's HPC facilities that may affect use.
• Provide annual summary reports on the use of the different systems.
• Provide training on the use of ECMWF's computing platforms and software to users.
• Contribute to the creation of documentation to support users of our systems and services.
• Review, improve and develop processes and workflows to effectively support users.

What we are looking for:

• Strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach.
• Flexibility with the ability to adapt to changing requirements or priorities, user needs and services.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a supportive and user-focused approach.
• Genuine passion for helping others.

Your profile includes an advanced university degree or equivalent experience in computer science or engineering, computational science, physics or natural sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline. Required experience includes:

• Experience in providing support for computing services in a Linux or Unix environment.
• Experience in handling user queries and incidents with professionalism leading to successful resolution.
• Experience with HPC technologies.
• Knowledge of software management and scripting in Linux environments.
• Knowledge of a modern scripting language such as Python.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including the writing of technical documentation.

Desirable experience includes:

• Relevant experience in providing technical training to users.
• Experience in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) domain.
• Knowledge of compiling and running scientific codes on high-performance computing facilities.
• Knowledge of data formats commonly used in meteorology (e.g. GRIB, BUFR, NetCDF).
• Knowledge of a high-level programming language, such as Fortran or C/C++.

Candidates must be able to work effectively in English; knowledge of one of the Centre's other working languages (French or German) would be advantageous. If you feel that you have the relevant profile and motivation to join us but don’t meet precisely all of the skills above, we still encourage you to apply.

Other information: The successful candidates will be recruited according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. Candidates are expected to relocate to the duty station, either Bonn, Germany, or Reading, UK. As a multi-site organisation, ECMWF has adopted a hybrid organisation model which allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking. Interviews by videoconference are expected to take place shortly after the vacancy closing date.

Who can apply: Applicants are invited to complete the online application form. At ECMWF, we consider an inclusive environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all.