Commercial jobs in United Kingdom

Fixed‑term position for 2 years (potential extension) at the Institute of Computational Cosmology, Durham University's Department of Physics. This role is primarily responsible for the operation and ongoing development of the COSMA High Performance Computing (HPC) system, providing expert user support and leading both software and hardware initiatives that will shape the future of UK HPC.

Key duties include routine and emergency maintenance, user liaison, optimisation of research codes for supercomputing platforms, and collaboration with DiRAC technical support teams across the UK. The role offers hands‑on experience with OpenStack, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, Bash, Python, and traditional HPC server administration.

• Operate and develop the COSMA HPC system.
• Provide expert user support and maintain system efficiency.
• Lead and coordinate software/hardware initiatives for UK HPC.
• Collaborate with COSMA staff and DiRAC teams for service delivery.
• Optimise cosmology and physical science codes for supercomputing execution.
• Attend conferences, HPC events, and regular meetings with UK HPC facilities.
• Engage in training and professional development activities.

• Degree level education (or equivalent experience).
• Significant Linux and/or HPC expertise, including command‑line operation.
• Experience in networks sharing best practice and building professional relationships.
• Experience implementing policies and procedures that support service improvement.
• Expertise in Linux system management, software installation, OpenStack, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, networking, security, data analysis, and system monitoring.
• Experience leading teaching or research projects in educational, commercial or industrial settings.
• Ability to provide specialist advice to a wide range of customers, including senior colleagues and the UK research community.
• Resident or intention to reside within 30 minutes of the Physics department.
• Physical ability to access and manipulate computer and data‑centre hardware.

• Excellent spoken and written communication; build effective relationships internally and externally.
• Proficiency in Linux administration, job scheduling (SLURM), Bash/Python scripting, networks, storage, and HPC tools.
• Recognition of industry and professional standards, evidence of ongoing training in HPC technologies.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Problem‑solving, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and teaching/training capabilities.

• End‑user engagement and user support experience.
• HPC experience (computing, storage, networking).
• OpenStack, Docker, Ansible, Kubernetes expertise.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of system security.
• Ability to work to deadlines, manage unexpected issues.
• Experience in web frameworks, virtualization, containers.
• Fluent Python and Bash scripting.
• Leadership of sub‑projects, data interpretation, server maintenance.
• Long‑term strategic planning, database, data curation, HPC solutions.
• Management and development experience across large technical service teams.
• Knowledge of SLURM scheduler and Lustre storage solutions.

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must provide evidence for all essential criteria listed above. You are encouraged to submit evidence for desirable criteria, though this is at the discretion of the recruiting panel. Applications are preferred online; updates will be sent via the university's recruitment system.

• A CV
• A cover letter with a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria, with examples where necessary.

For any inquiries about the role, contact Alastair Basden (a.g.basden@durham.ac.uk).

A competitive salary is part of many benefits you’ll receive, including:

• 30 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (42 days total).
• Emergency work during the university’s Christmas/New Year closure.
• Generous pension scheme (USS).
• Parking, cycle‑to‑work scheme, bus/trains discount.
• Comprehensive professional development courses and pathways.
• Health and wellbeing support, gym facilities, Employee Assistance Programme.
• On‑site nursery and holiday camps for children 5‑16.
• Family‑friendly policies (maternity, adoption, generous leave).
• Staff volunteering opportunities.
• Discount portal (supermarkets, retailers, Apple, cinema, attractions).
• Salary sacrifice scheme.
• Relocation assistance, visa support, interest‑free loan for dependants.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from under‑represented groups, including disabled, women, and BAME communities. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. To apply, please refer to the university's privacy statement for data handling. The university also ensures compliance with immigration requirements for international candidates.