Position Details
Technical Services – CSOF5
Role summary for potential applicants
Hover over the question mark for more information
Advertised Job Title:
HPC Administrator
Reference Number:
1961
Classification:
CSOF5
Salary Range:
AU $92,591 to AU $100,199 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location:
Yarralumla, Canberra
Indefinite OR
Tenure:
Relocation assistance:
Specified Term of 0 years and 0 months
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Applications are open to:
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Functional Area:
Technical Services
% Client Focus - Internal:
100%
% Client Focus - External:
0%
Reports to the:
Systems Manager of Scientific Computing Platforms
Number of Direct Reports:
0
Role Overview:
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia’s largest
scientific research organisation and one of the largest and most diverse scientific organisations in the
world. CSIRO’s work touches every aspect of Australian life: from the molecules that build life to the
molecules in space. Working from sites across the nation and around the globe, CSIRO’s 5000 staff are
focused on providing new ways to improve the quality of life, as well as the economic and social
performance of a number of industry sectors through research and development.
The Scientific Computing group within the Information Management & Technology function provides
end-to-end infrastructure ranging from generic corporate IT systems through to leading edge High
Performance data processing tools and platforms. The teams manage over 30PB of data at a
compounded annual growth rate of ~75%, and a proportionate computational and network fabric
including a Top 500 supercomputer amongst other HPC systems and a highly versatile and robust
corporate hosting platform. Additional services include advanced visualisation, Data Processing,
application support, and software delivery. The capability is highly customer focussed and operates
closely in partnership with all areas of CSIRO research.
The role of a HPC Administrator is currently open within CSIRO IM&T. The position will be solely based in
Canberra. This position is part of the Systems Team within Scientific Computing Platforms in IM&T and is
part of a group responsible for continuing support and maintenance of CSIRO enterprise and HPC
systems.
Technical Staff at this level are responsible for contribution to the architecture and design of virtual
infrastructure. They are required to coordinate and deliver functional technical solutions and contribute
to development, implementation and standardisation of server initiatives, procedures and techniques.
They have responsibility for the quality of the service delivered and substantially contribute on decisions
related to matters within the scope of their expertise
Technical Staff at this level have proven experience and capability in coordination and delivery of
solutions and services that support CSIRO’s strategic and operational objectives. They demonstrate
initiative and independence. They act as a specialised advisor to the business and IM&T.
They are responsible for the quality of the service delivered to clients, and make significant contribution
to service direction and in the application of adaptive and innovative solutions to complex and
ambiguous issues across one or more service or technical streams. They are client focused and gain
support of key stakeholders and are able to integrate business requirements with IM&T technical
solutions in order to achieve organisational objectives.
This role requires an adaptable technical specialist who works well within a highly technically and
geographically diverse team. Whilst the role is focused on HPC skills the successful applicant may be
called on to assist in other systems based support.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
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Support scientific computing platforms.
Keep track of the health of the HPC clusters and troubleshooting hardware issues as they arise.
Install and update system images on clusters.
Test and implement new capabilities and novel technologies.
Automate processes though scripting.
As a technical specialist, provide input to planning, design and architecture, implementation and
configuration, and sustainment of technical solutions and services.
Provide mentoring and development of staff by providing technical and procedural guidance.
Provide input, as applicable, to monitoring, reporting, conducting incident/problem response
analyses and supporting the leadership team in work and investment planning.
Work with Senior Technical Specialists and the Systems Lead to identify potential capability
enhancements through monitoring, identifying gaps, user engagement and feedback,
requirements gathering.
Assist in the evaluation of relevant technologies, to inform strategic and operational directions.
Work closely with other IM&T technical teams.
Provide input to IM&T operational initiatives, architecture and build standards.
Drive improvements to IM&T operational effectiveness through the maintenance and
development of relevant documents and process.
Adhere to documented policies and procedures through Change Management Advisory Board
(CMAB) and other governance mechanisms (such as project boards).
Other Duties
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Co-ordinate and facilitate the execution of other Scientific Computing functions as required
within CSIRO.
Liaise with vendors, peers in government, innovation sector, and industry.
Integrate appropriate security process into all areas of IM&T processes.
Maintain a high level of professional knowledge on relevant aspects of Information
Communication Technology (ICT).
Ensure the key CSIRO goals of enabling impact through great science are enhanced by IM&T
services that enable performance in line with the core business objectives.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
1. Education/Qualifications: Relevant Tertiary qualifications in IT or equivalent relevant work
experience.
2. Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to
anticipate the interests and knowledge level of an audience and present information and feedback
accordingly.
3. Collaboration: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative
environment.
4. Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously,
and carry out non-routine tasks under limited direction from senior technical staff.
5. Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems
and develop appropriate responses by adapting/creating and testing alternative solutions.
Essential Criteria:
1. 3+ years’ experience in Linux system administration and advanced troubleshooting.
2. 3+ years’ experience in scripting/programming.
3. Demonstrated ability to provide technical solutions to team members, management and clients, and
the capability to independently operate team functions without direction.
4. Demonstrated ability & willingness to contribute novel ideas and approaches.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Experience with high performance computing clusters (Highly desirable) and of system
administration in a scientific environment and/or enterprise environment.
2. Experience with developing and documenting infrastructure plans, systems designs or network
diagrams.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values
of:
 Integrity of Excellent Science
 Trust & Respect
 Creative Spirit
 Delivering on Commitments
 Health, Safety & Sustainability
Other special requirements:
The appointee to this position will be required to obtain a baseline security clearance prior to
commencement in the role (if not obtained already).
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. You may be asked to provide additional
information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your
application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide
the information when requested may not be considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you.
Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or
academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Richard von Mallesch via email: Richard.vonMallesch@csiro.au or phone: +61 2 9490 8701
Please do not email your application directly to Mr von Mallesch. Applications received via this method
will not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas,
technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments,
industries, business and communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au.
CSIRO Information Management and Technology (IM&T) is committed to introducing and maintaining
up-to-date, quality information services in support of CSIRO’s strategic objectives. Ongoing business
engagement maintains strong connections between IM&T and CSIRO’s research areas so that our
services are closely aligned with CSIRO’s strategic objectives, and forms the basis for IMTs annual
Operational Plans.