High Performance Computing (hpc) Support Analyst / Administrator Department Of Information Technology Services

Pretoria, GP, ZA, South Africa

Job Description

UP Professional and Support


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DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES


HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING (HPC) SUPPORT ANAYLST / ADMINISTRATOR


PEROMNES POST LEVEL 7

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.



JOB PURPOSE:


The purpose of the High-Performance Computer Cluster Support Analyst / Administrator is to facilitate and provide technical support for robust, reliable, and high-performance computing infrastructure, along with specialised support and guidance to researchers across various disciplines.


The role entails administering the UP central high-performance computational cluster and ancillary systems to provide support for research projects with specialised computational needs.



RESPONSIBILITIES:


The successful candidate's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Operating system installation and maintenance: + Coordinating with HPC administrators, engineers, and other IT staff to resolve complex system issues, plan for upgrades, or implement new systems and tools;
+ Monitoring and coordinating the implementation of patches, updates, and security fixes to ensure the stability and security of the system;



Cluster task management, system installation and maintenance: + Deploying, configuring, and managing cluster task (queue) management software to allocate computing resources efficiently;
+ Monitoring system performance and optimising cluster utilisation;



Cluster storage and internal network management: + Administering storage solutions for high-performance data access and storage;
+ Allocating and managing storage resources according to research requirements;
+ Implementing backup and disaster recovery strategies to safeguard research data;



Security and compliance: + Ensuring that users adhere to security protocols, and that the system remains compliant with relevant policies, including access control and data protection;
+ Reporting on detected security incidents;



User and front-end management: + Providing user support and assistance in accessing and utilising HPC resources;



Documentation development and training: + Developing and maintaining comprehensive documentation for HPC system configuration, usage, and troubleshooting procedures;
+ Conducting training sessions and workshops to educate researchers on HPC best practices and utilisation techniques;



HPC application support: + Assisting users with software installation, job submissions, performance optimisation, and resolving issues encountered on HPC systems;
+ Diagnosing and resolving technical issues with hardware, software, or job execution. This includes resolving problems related to system crashes, slow performance, or software errors;



Liaison with stakeholders: + Collaborating with faculty members, researchers, and other stakeholders to understand their computational needs and requirements;
+ Communicating technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.



MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A relevant Bachelors/BTech degree; with A total of four years' experience in: + Linux system administration and shell scripting;
+ Basic network administration;
+ Basic software development and implementation;


OR

A relevant three-year National Diploma; with A total of six years' experience in: + Linux system administration and shell scripting;
+ Basic network administration;
+ Basic software development and implementation.



REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

Knowledge of: + Linux operating structure architecture;
+ Cluster computing concepts;
+ High-performance storage;
+ Advanced storage design;
+ Understanding of networking concepts and protocols;
+ Parallel programming;
Technical competencies: + Linux system administration and shell scripting;
+ Cluster computing management;
+ Network Administration;
+ High-performance storage management;
+ Software performance profiling and optimisation;
Behavioural competencies: + Problem-solving skills, calm in a crisis, good communication skills with users and managers, logical, meticulous, good judgement skills;
+ Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment;
+ Ability to perform fault-finding and implement solutions.



ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

A relevant post-graduate qualification; Five years' experience with: + Administering and managing HPC clusters in a research or academic environment;
+ Cluster task management systems (e.g. Slurm, PBS Pro);
+ Parallel / cluster file systems (e.g. CephFS, Lustre, BeeGFS);
+ Advanced software development, implementation and performance optimisation (e.g. Python/Ruby/Perl, C/C++, Rust, Fortran, Julia);
+ User-directed documentation development and training;
+ IT Infrastructural Library (ITIL), configuration management and change control;
+ IT service management tools;
Certification as a Linux server administrator; Certification as a server administrator; Certification as a storage administrator Certification as a network administrator; Certification as a cluster administrator.


PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.



The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.



Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za


In applying for this post, please attach:

A comprehensive CV; Certified copies of qualifications; Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.


CLOSING DATE: 05 August 2025


No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.



ENQUIRIES: Ms V Makhubele, Email: violet.makhubele@up.ac.za, Tel: (012) 420 6920 for application-related enquiries, and Mrs. T Nevhutalu, Email: thiemuli.nevhutalu@up.ac.za, Tel: (012) 420 2408 for enquiries relating to the post content.



Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 September 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD1472275
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Pretoria, GP, ZA, South Africa
  • Education
    Not mentioned