Senior Manager, Advanced Research Computing (ARC)

Reporting to the Director, Research and High-Performance Computing Support (RHPCS), the Senior Manager - Advanced Research Computing (ARC), plays a critical leadership role in the planning and delivery of advanced research computing and digital research infrastructure and services to meet the diverse needs of researchers across all Faculties and Institutes.

This position leads a team of IT and research technology specialists who provide comprehensive support throughout all phases of service development, including consultation, definition, design, planning, construction, testing, delivery, and ongoing support. Working within the larger McMaster IT ecosystem, the team contributes to the model of coordinated decentralization and will deliver the most appropriate technology solutions based on the specific needs of each researcher, drawing on the IT service opportunities across campus, as well as implementing and delivering managed digital research infrastructure and services. The senior manager also has expert knowledge of the national and provincial research ecosystem and can access and integrate the various strategic opportunities available to support our researchers.

This position offers a unique opportunity to advance and support research across all academic disciplines at a top research-intensive U15 university. The successful candidate will significantly impact the research community both regionally and nationally, contributing to the university’s mission of fostering cutting-edge research. This position provides strategic technical leadership for prioritizing and delivering highly effective ARC systems, ensuring that McMaster’s investment in advanced research computing systems meets the technical needs of researchers across all faculties.

JOB SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

Team Leadership:

• Leads the technical staff of the Research and High-Performance Computing Support (RHPCS) team, fostering a culture of development, respect, equity, and inclusion, in keeping with the values and culture of McMaster University.
• Provides supervision, oversight, and personnel management, including handling team related human resources processes, team building, and engagement initiatives.

Technical Expertise and Management:

• Leverages technical expertise in advanced research computing, information management, and resource deployment to align with the university’s infrastructure environment.
• Guides the team in developing strategic architectures and service models for grant-funded advanced research computing infrastructure.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborates with researchers, stakeholders, and partners across campus—including the Digital Research Commons, UTS, the Library, and Faculties—to address research computing needs and efficiently utilize resources.
• Works closely with the Director of RHPCS to align services with institutional strategies and priorities.

Research Computing Infrastructure: Grant Support and System Management:

• Provides technical consultation for grant proposals and assists faculty in developing competitive funding applications.
• Oversees the configuration and management of ARC systems, including hardware selection, and participates in vendor negotiations when needed.

Strategic Vision:

• Supports implementing a new strategic vision and operating plan to advance research computing services at McMaster University.
• Aligns advanced research computing services with strategic priorities, ensuring the team adapts to evolving research needs and technological advancements.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related field or equivalent experience. Master's degree preferred.
• 8 -10 years of experience in a progressive IT environment (Advanced Research Computing (ARC) environment with increasing responsibility and some supervisory experience preferred).
• 3 - 5 years of experience in an IT management position - within an academic environment preferred or equivalent experience in a research environment.
• Expert level knowledge of operating systems, network protocols, system design, infrastructure design, and Windows/MacOS/Unix interoperability.
• Extensive knowledge of High-Performance Computing systems, large-scale data storage solutions, cloud computing and related software tools.
• Proven track record managing complex computing infrastructures and leading technical teams and projects.
• Strong understanding of the computational needs and challenges in academic research.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to effectively cope with multiple demands and resolve priority conflicts in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with technical advisement for grant applications and securing funding for research computing projects are assets.
• Project Management experience and familiarity with ITIL are assets.
• A research background is preferred.

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How To Apply

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