Research Computing System Administrator

The Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI (PAI) is the founding pan-university institute, bringing together core AI-related expertise in audio-visual and signal processing, computer science, and mathematics. Our multi-disciplinary approach puts people at the heart of AI. Our research starts with the problems that impact individuals, communities and society, and identifies how AI can address these challenges safely, responsibly and inclusively. PAI’s success builds on the strength of the University in foundational AI over the past 38 years through the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) which is ranked 1st in the UK for Computer Vision and in the top 5 for both Audio-Visual AI and Robotics.

The UKRI-AHRC CoSTAR National Lab for Creative Industries Research and Development is led by Royal Holloway University of London, is a £51m investment by the UK Government to ensure that the UK's screen and performance industries have the research infrastructure and innovation skills to compete globally. PAI is the lead partner for Creative AI research and development within the CoSTAR National Lab.

The Role

You will be part of an enthusiastic IT team which has embraced the “infrastructure as code” approach to systems automation. You’ll be working across a range of predominately Linux based systems, including HPC and GPU accelerated compute, large-scale and high-performance storage, and research IT infrastructure. You will contribute to managing CoSTAR AI compute facilities, led by IT Services as part of the UKRI-AHRC CoSTAR National Lab and other PAI programmes as required.

You will play an important role in the provisioning, configuration, security, on-going operation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of research critical across on-premises hardware, Cloud and Virtual platforms.

About you

The ideal candidate for this role is experienced working in a scientific computing environment, has an enthusiasm for solving problems, is always seeking to learn and improve things. We offer training, development and great opportunities for career progression.

Required skills and experience

• Full range of system administration skills including user management, building/deployment, installing scientific software packages, performance benchmarking, resource utilisation/performance and availability monitoring and incident response.
• automation of repetitive tasks in the form of developing and maintaining Ansible playbooks and roles
• using git for version control, change management and collaboration.
• Pro-actively and reactively identify, diagnose, and resolve faults and areas of suboptimal performance across research platforms.
• Communicate directly with customers providing specialist guidance and support.
• Practical working knowledge of Linux Systems & High-Performance Computing (HPC).

What’s in it for you?

• Annual Incremental pay rise
• Flexible hybrid remote working
• Market-leading pension up to 30%
• 32 Days Holiday (PLUS Bank Holidays!)
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits including subsidised rail fare, cycle to work and on-site childcare
• Discounted access to world-class fitness facilities

How to apply

Please apply through the University website with your CV and there will also be some criteria questions to answer.

Interviews will be held on Monday 23^rd and Tuesday 24^th of June, 2025.

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'Apply' button above.
 
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share & blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus & supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.