The Senior Associate Director of Cloud and Systems Engineering is a strategic and pivotal role at the Zuckerman Institute, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and advanced IT solutions. This position involves a blend of technical acumen in system administration, GPU & HPC computing, data storage, and cloud engineering, along with strong capabilities in people management, customer service, and project management. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, capable of understanding and translating complex research workflows into efficient computing solutions and acting as a trusted advisor to our research community.
 

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with researchers to deeply understand their computing needs, workflows, and challenges.

• Acts as a key advisor and collaborator to research teams, understanding their needs and translating them into effective technology solutions.

• In partnership with the Director of ITS, develop and implement cloud services, data storage solutions, and system infrastructure projects.

• Spearhead innovative initiatives, driving forward-thinking solutions that contribute to the Institute’s research and collaborative goals.

• Cultivates strong relationships with vendors, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams, enhancing service delivery and operational excellence.

• Plays a crucial role in decision-making processes, problem-solving, risk analysis, and IT strategy.

• Administers, support, and maintain our IT infrastructure, including virtual environments, cloud services, and data storage systems.

• Collaborates with principal investigators and lab members to tailor IT solutions that support research outcomes.

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring seamless integration of IT services with research activities.

• Contributes to the strategic planning of IT initiatives, aligning them with the institute's research goals and vision.

• Designs, develops, and maintains scripts for system administration, automation, and IT infrastructure management.

• Creates and updates technical documentation, guidelines, and best practices for researchers and IT staff.

• Stay abreast of technological advancements and industry trends to ensure the Institute remains at the forefront of research computing.

• Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

• At least four years of experience in system administration, with a strong background in Linux/Unix environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.