Computing Facility Engineer

The position

The Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (SCDA) section, under the Core Facilities (CF), promotes the effective use of High-Performance Computing (HPC) in OIST research environment. The SCDA manages OIST scientific computing resources and services to support computationally intensive research studies, ranging from bioinformatics to computational physics.

Under the direction of the SCDA Leader, the computing facility engineer will supervise the management, operation, maintenance, and updating of all the SCDA server rooms. Moreover, the engineer will oversee the monitoring of the facility (building, electrical, and mechanical) and the computing systems managed by SCDA. The engineer will also be tasked with keeping up-to-date documentation and asset information using facility management software, while assisting with equipment and computing systems maintenance work.

This position is funded by the J-PEAKS Grant, which was approved by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

About OIST

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.

The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.

English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.

Responsibilities
  1. Monitor and supervise all SCDA server rooms and data centers, including other server rooms hosting SCDA managed computing assets. Monitoring targets include building related, electrical power and cooling related systems, together with network, computing, and storage system
  2. Manage contents, maintain and modify (scripting, operation, etc.) facility and system monitoring tools. Work together with HPC and research cloud engineer in the design, deployment, and operation of monitoring and management tools
  3. Install, configure, and maintain physical servers, network devices and cables, and storage systems within the data center. Provide first line, and where required, second line technical troubleshooting of hardware and software issues
  4. Assist vendors, OIST Building Facilities staff, and SCDA members in the day-to-day maintenance of facilities and computing systems
  5. Perform inspections and audits to propose improvements to the facility operation. Organize, collect, produce, and maintain internal documentation on all the facilities and systems
  6. Contribute to a team culture of trust and transparency by sharing information openly, and deliberately
  7. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested by the Section Leader
Qualifications

(Required)

  1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, etc., or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  2. 3+ years of experience in a similar or related position
  3. Technical proficiency in computer engineering and computer programs
  4. Understanding of networking concepts
  5. Understanding of building and safety codes and regulations
  6. Ability to read and create blueprints
  7. Ability to develop positive working relationships and a strong rapport with team members
  8. Ability to identify and resolve problems
  9. Ability to learn and apply new concepts, methods, and practices
  10. Good organization and Japanese communication skills

(Preferred)

  1. Experience in working or managing data center or server rooms
  2. Verbal and written English communication skills
Compensation and Benefits

Expected Annual Salary: 5,000,000-9,000,000 yen
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on your experience and skills in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.

Benefits:

Submission Documents
  • Cover letter in English required.
  • Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
  • 2 reference letters will be required if the Applicant is selected as a shortlisted candidate.

* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.

Declaration
  • OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
  • Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.
  • Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
  • Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.
Job Type
Research support
Starting Date
As early as possible
Employment Term

Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.

Working Hours

9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Break: 12:00 – 13:00


Holidays:
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)

Leave:
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave

Overtime work hours:
Discretionary Working Hours System:
In the discretionary labor system for specialized work, the employee shall be deemed to have worked 7 hours 30 minutes per day.

Report To
Scientific Computing and Data Analysis Section Leader
Job Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Due Date
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
*Application will be closed once the position is filled.

If you have any question, please contact us