At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and administration of high-performance computing systems for cutting-edge AI research.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford's renowned Visual Geometry Group and Foerster Lab.
- Benefits: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Other info: Be part of a team committed to gender equality and an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on world-leading research in machine learning and visual computing.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in Linux systems and HPC environments, plus strong technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking a full-time Senior HPC Systems Administrator to join the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, working within the internationally recognised Visual Geometry Group (VGG) and the Foerster Lab for AI Research. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced systems professional to lead the development, administration, and strategic evolution of the group’s high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure supporting cutting-edge AI, computer vision, and multimodal learning research.
The successful candidate will take a leading role in the design, deployment, maintenance, and optimisation of large-scale HPC systems, including CPU and GPU clusters, high-performance storage, and advanced networking technologies. The postholder will work closely with academic researchers, software engineers, and departmental IT teams to ensure robust, scalable, and secure computational infrastructure capable of supporting world-leading research in machine learning and visual computing.
You will possess extensive experience in Linux systems administration and HPC environments, together with strong technical expertise in cluster management, storage systems, networking, scripting, and infrastructure automation. Experience with GPU computing environments, containerisation technologies, cloud platforms, and scientific software environments will be highly desirable. The role also requires excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
The role includes responsibility for:
- Designing, building, and maintaining HPC clusters and associated infrastructure
- Managing Linux compute and storage environments
- Supporting GPU-enabled research computing systems
- Maintaining high-performance storage and backup solutions
- Monitoring system performance, security, and availability
- Supporting and mentoring researchers, software engineers, and postgraduate students
- Developing documentation, training materials, and operational best practices
- Collaborating with departmental and university-wide research IT teams
- Evaluating and deploying new technologies to support evolving research requirements
Qualifications:
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Extensive experience managing HPC infrastructure in research or technical environments
- Strong Linux systems administration expertise
- Experience with GPU servers and high-performance networking technologies
- Experience with scripting and automation (e.g., Bash, Python)
- Knowledge of storage systems and backup/archive procedures
- Strong troubleshooting and systems integration skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with SLURM or other job scheduling systems
- Experience with containerisation and virtualisation technologies
- Knowledge of cloud computing platforms
- Familiarity with scientific computing tools and AI/ML research workflows
- Experience supporting research software or academic computing environments
- Knowledge of high-performance file systems such as BeeGFS or Lustre
The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award, recognising its commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting an inclusive working environment.
Key Skills:
- High Performance Computing (HPC)
- Linux Systems Administration
- GPU Computing
Senior HPC SYSTEMS administrator in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The University of Oxford offers an exceptional work environment for a Senior HPC Systems Administrator, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the prestigious Department of Engineering Science. Employees benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to inclusivity, as evidenced by the department's Athena Swan Bronze Award. Joining the Visual Geometry Group and Foerster Lab means being at the forefront of AI and computer vision research, with ample support for personal growth and impactful contributions to world-leading projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HPC SYSTEMS administrator in Oxford
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior HPC SYSTEMS administrator in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior HPC SYSTEMS administrator, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at University of Oxford a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to University of Oxford specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with University of Oxford, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
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Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like University of Oxford want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
