Senior Research Cloud Computing Architect and Engineer

The Salk Biocomputation Initiative addresses advanced biological research's data-heavy demands. It involves managing and computing against large-scale datasets from genome sequencing, gene expression profiling, microscopy, and imaging using the commercial cloud and on-premises infrastructures. The initiative emphasizes machine learning and generative AI applications, heavily utilizing GPUs and CPUs. This role is part of a team focused on cloud computing strategy design and implementation and the software carpentry needed to create software containers to support scientists in transferring their workloads to the cloud. Salk’s Biocomputation infrastructure is hybrid, and this position will help support both on-premises (GPU, storage, data networks) and cloud-based infrastructure.

Responsibilities for this position include developing sustainable, long-term cloud computing and data storage training. The role supports researchers and facilities in expediting research objectives and leading to high-impact scientific peer-reviewed publications. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, this position contributes as a subject-matter expert to the strategy guiding scientists in effective cloud computing and storage utilization.

More details on the science drivers behind this initiative can be found on the Salk website.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Cloud Design and Management

• Help design and operate the administrative aspects of the Salk cloud-based infrastructure, incorporating a landing zone that incorporates network design, security, redundancy, account management, and role-based permissions for use by researchers.
• Collaborate with researchers to get maximum computational and storage value by intelligently using cloud options, including public and private clouds such as Amazon Web Services, Google, and Oracle, and public sector infrastructure such as the National Prototype National Research Platform.
• Assist in maintaining and operating the Salk Science Network (SciNet) based on the Department of Energy’s Science DMZ to move data to collaborators and public and private cloud providers.
• Develop and maintain administrative dashboards to track cloud usage patterns, including tools for alerting on and/or interrupting anomalous workloads.
• Manage vendor relationships, cloud contractual agreements, and billing tools with cloud providers; provide the best value and efficiency in proposals.

Cloud Software Development

• Develop and implement agile approaches to dev/ops based within a software factory framework (to provide services to researchers to containerize scientific software and help build new workflows. Work with scientific users to create required software containers for their codes.
• Maintain and develop automation solutions for software repositories using GitLab.
• Prepare and maintain required documentation for software containers and related research infrastructure services.

Cloud Research and Infrastructure Support

• Support researchers and core staff and help implement custom computational pipelines utilizing the most appropriate cloud-based solutions for each project.
• Maintain a “cookbook” of existing research solutions that can be adapted to solve similar scientific problems.