Diamond Light Source uses a range of computer systems for distributed control, data acquisition, data analysis and data storage. These are predominantly x86 based PCs, running the Linux operating system, with some Windows systems for special purpose applications.  Hence Linux based servers and workstations are core to supporting the operation of the accelerators and photon beamlines. In addition, to support data acquisition and analysis, there are large central computation clusters and storage servers.  The scientific computing infrastructure is provided and managed by a dedicated scientific computing systems administration team.

This position will join a dynamic and growing team to implement, develop and support the computing infrastructure and services. 

• Design and develop the Science computer systems, with an emphasis on high performance storage and clusters;
• Systems administration in compliance with Diamond policies on computer systems;
• Develop automation tools for system administration tasks;
• Commission and diagnose faults on installed Science computer systems;
• Provide operational support and analysis of installed Science computer systems;
• Interface with internal customers, including Engineers and Scientists, at all stages of the development life cycle to, for example, developing requirements, track project progress, and verify operation of Science computer systems with an emphasis on high performance storage and clusters;
• Contribute to the processes and associated software development and data management to support the design/operation of Science computer systems throughout Diamond;
• Report on progress in all areas on a periodic basis;
• Maintain a current knowledge of the computer systems and networks on other, comparable, high performance computing and supercomputing systems, including those used on synchrotron beamline and accelerator projects;
• Communicate details of computer systems and networks developments within Diamond and to other projects;
• Provide technical expertise in computer systems and skills in system management of computer systems;
• Liaise with, and supervise, contractors and suppliers of turnkey Science computer systems;
• Preparation of tenders and service level agreements for supply of services, and computer hardware; (Senior level only)
• Project planning and coordination of projects relating to computer systems for beamlines and/or the accelerators; (Senior level only)
• Line manage, mentor and train more junior system administrators as required. (Senior level only)

• Honours degree or BTEC HNC/HND + relevant experience;
• Relevant experience in the computer system administration in a Unix or Linux environment;
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written;
• Demonstrate an understanding of staff supervision; 
• Ability to solve technical problems, evaluating alternative courses of action and innovating where necessary;
• Demonstrate an understanding of project planning and management;
• Demonstrate self-motivation and a willingness to take responsibility;
• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team;
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively alone and without direct supervision;
• Experience of modern computer systems management techniques, design and implementation;
• Experience of the implementation and operation of modern computer networks and the attached systems and services;
• Knowledge of networking protocols such as DHCP/SNMP/DNS/NAT;
• Experience of using Unix shell scripting to automate common tasks.

• Completion of a recognised Unix Systems Administration certification (Linux Professional Institute certification, Certified Solaris Administrator or similar).
• Experience of Microsoft operating systems, and administration thereof knowledge of provisioning techniques for MS operating systems;
• Experience of remote administration of complex networking architectures;
• Experience of network and systems security;
• Proficient in scripting in Python or Perl or PowerShell; (Essential for Senior level)
• Experience of high performance computing and networking and Internet 2 technologies; (Essential for Senior level)
• Experience of remote administration of computer systems; (Essential for Senior level)
• Experience of UNIX-like operating systems and their administration; (Essential for Senior level)
• Project management experience; (Essential for Senior level)
• Experience of system administration in a demanding scientific environment; (Senior level only)
• Previous line and team management experience. (Senior level only)

• The roleholder may be required to work overtime at unsociable hours;
• Available to travel in the UK and abroad, including occasional periods away from home;
• Be prepared to undertake further training;
• Ability to work in restricted or confined spaces.