Starlink (Astrophysics Research) Computer Manager
From: Silvia Dalla – sdalla@uclan.ac.uk
Starlink (Astrophysics Research) Computer Manager
Salary: Grade F- £ 22,879-?26,523, Limited Term Contract for 3 Years
Closing Date: 9 July 2010
Applications are invited for the post of computer manager (Starlink system administrator), to support and maintain a heterogeneous 30-workstation Linux and Mac OS X network for astrophysics research within the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute (JHI) at UCLan.
The successful candidate will be expected to work with the Institute’s staff to help support and facilitate their research, and to provide education and guidance in the use of available and novel technical solutions. Depending on the requirements of the main duties of the post, there may be opportunities to contribute to collaborative research projects within the JHI. Current research expertise and interests of JHI staff include solar and solar-terrestrial physics, stellar and galactic astrophysics, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology, observational computational and theoretical astrophysics. (For details of the JHI and Astrophysics at UCLan, please visit www.star.uclan.ac.uk .)
The duties will include management of the JHI’s network and associated equipment, and provision of local user support to staff. The post will involve maintenance of scientific software packages (for example IDL, IRAF, Super Mongo and R), the upkeep and enhancement of current shared storage solutions, help with the design of new systems, purchase of new hardware, and the writing of documentation for effective use of the network. The postholder will also contribute to the maintenance of the JHI website, and will be expected to develop ways to maintain the health of the network.
Candidates should have a BSc Honours degree and a higher degree in a relevant subject, at least 3 years’ experience using Linux or other relevant UNIX OS including software installation, and an understanding of networking hardware and firewall configuration. Preference will be given to candidates with experience of research in astrophysics, astrophysics-related software, and/or a PhD (awarded or imminent) in physics or astronomy.
The JHI is located on UCLan?s main campus, on a pleasant site near the centre of Preston, England?s newest city. For further information on UCLan’s location and facilities, including our HPC Facility, our Sports Arena and new Indoor Sports Centre, please visit www.uclan.ac.uk.
Immediately outside the city is the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, whilst the Lake District, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks are each only an hour away. Preston has excellent communications by rail and motorway with the rest of the country: London, Edinburgh and Glasgow are all less than 2.5 hours away by direct train. Preston has many parks and green spaces for outdoor activities, a plethora of pubs and clubs and a vibrant city centre only a few minutes walk from the university. There are numerous cultural events, both in Preston and in nearby Manchester.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Silvia Dalla.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/services/work/144A-11-06.php
Reference: 144A-11-06
Hours: Full time
Closing Date: 9 July 2010 at 4pm
Interview Date: 1st Week of August
