The University of Chicago Research Computing Center (RCC), a unit in the Office of Research, provides high-end research computing resources to researchers at the University of Chicago. It is dedicated to enabling research by providing access to centrally managed High-Performance Computing (HPC), storage, and visualization resources. These resources include hardware, software, high-level scientific and technical user support, and the education and training required to help researchers make full use of modern HPC technology and local and national supercomputing resources. The Office of Research oversees the conduct of sponsored research, research program development, and contract management functions.
Job Summary
The Research Computing Center (RCC) seeks a highly motivated Computational Scientist to work closely with faculty and researchers in the Social Sciences Division (SSD) at The University of Chicago. The person in this position will serve as a technical domain expert, supporting and advising faculty on high-end computing and machine learning techniques for big data analysis in their research and grant writing.
This position develops software to support the data acquisition, ingestion, and integration for research projects. Assists in the development of user interfaces and scalable back-end services to automate and accelerate the scientific output of multi-institutional research projects.
This is a hybrid position requiring working onsite 3 days per week.
Responsibilities
Central knowledge resource for faculty and researchers in the Social Sciences Division (SSD), working closely with faculty in SSD to identify, develop, and implement useful computational methods and resources that advance their research.
Assists in the development, implementation, and improvement of application software and methods that can be utilized in analyzing and interpreting data in the social sciences. Assists with compiling, debugging, optimizing, profiling and porting codes on RCC compute and storage resources.
Designs tutorials, hands-on workshops, and documentation for researchers and students in SSD with the help and coordination of other RCC staff. Organizes seminars and meet-ups to expand and help bring together the community of computational researchers in SSD.
Keeps abreast of new developments in computational social sciences and pro-active in introducing them to the faculty.
Helps faculty with grant proposals by contributing sections of the proposal that describe the interplay between their research and high-end computing resources.
Assists researchers with data management implementations and compliance to funding agencies requirements.
Dedicates a portion of time on research projects or activities for professional development, as approved.
Participates in the product development life cycle, providing professional assistance to the design of front-end applications and database systems back-end schema. Analyzes high-level system specifications and makes sure that all application development standards are met.
Develops and presents technical training materials and web-based documentation. Ensures timely systems support and updates. Assists in conducting information security assessments and risk analysis of computing environment.
Evaluates past and present technologies to help develop new tools. Ensures all the new tools have been through quality control reviews
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Ph.D., preferably in the fields of sociology, economics, psychology, political science, computer science or similar field.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Proficiency with machine learning techniques and algorithms.
Broad programming skills to support analysis efforts in multiple programming environments.
Proficiency using statistical programming packages, such as Python, Matlab, Stata, or R.
Fluency in data manipulation and analysis.
Proficiency in a UNIX-based programing environment.
Proficiency with applied statistical skills, such as distributions, statistical testing, regression, etc.
Skilled in one or more programing languages such as C++, C, Julia, etc.
Familiarity with natural language processing (NLP) methods.
Exposure or experience in any of the following is a plus: Hadoop, Pig, Hive, SQL coding, relational database structures and query techniques.
Preferred Competencies
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills.
A broad knowledge of algorithms, programming languages, and libraries.
Understand and translate researchers' scientific goals into computational requirements.
Identify and gain expertise in appropriate new technologies and/or software tools.
Function as part of an interactive team while demonstrating self-initiative to achieve project's goals and Research Computing Center's mission.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Work well with faculty and researchers.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$80,750.00 - $104,500.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
