Our client, Health Research Operations Kenya Limited (HROKL), the operating entity for the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, a world class health research Programme based in Kenya, conducting multi-disciplinary research that spans infectious diseases, vaccines, maternal child and neonatal health, health systems, and emerging health threats. The Programme’s research leverages an integrated platform that includes bioscience laboratories, a clinical trials facility and clinical team, the clinical information network, the Kilifi demographic and health surveillance site, and robust community engagement, generating evidence that informs local and global health policy.

HROKL is looking to recruit a skilled and systems-oriented Linux Systems Specialist to manage and support high-performance computing and Linux systems.

JOB PURPOSE:

This individual will be responsible for providing robust, high-performance computing (HPC) and Linux system administration support to a scientific research facility. They will be critical in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of HROKL’s bioinformatics and data science infrastructure, which supports a range of genomics, epidemiology, and machine learning projects. The candidate will work closely with IT, the Biosciences Sequencing laboratory lead and scientific teams to maintain a resilient, secure, and high-performing computational environment.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

HPC and Systems Administration: -

• Ensure the smooth and effective operation of the research facility's HPC and data science cluster, including:
  • A high-performance compute cluster (HPC) with over 250 processing cores.
  • A GPU cluster comprising NVIDIA GPUs (e.g., A100, V100, Tesla V100).
  • 150 terabytes of clustered file storage (GlusterFS).
  • Several physical and virtual servers.
• Install, configure, tune, and troubleshoot a suite of Linux storage and compute servers, including dedicated GPU servers.
• Manage HPC file systems such as Ceph, Lustre, and JuiceFS.
• Install, configure and administer HPC network services (SSH, Samba, Apache, rsync, NFS) and database applications (PostgreSQL, MySQL).
• Perform routine Linux system audits, upgrades, and preventive maintenance to keep equipment at peak performance.

Software, Security, and Automation:

• Manage user accounts, system security, software updates, and scientific applications.
• Carry out scripting (Bash, Shell, Perl, Python, R) to support researchers' data analysis, automate tasks, and strengthen team capacity.
• Setup and deploy container-based solutions (Docker, Kubernetes, Singularity) for end-users.
• Improve server architecture, e.g., by implementing consistent configuration management tools like GNU-Guix.
• Participate in and enhance the automation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) pipelines.

Data Management and Security: -

• Perform backup and restore operations for research data and system configurations.
• Liaise with the Infrastructure team to develop and maintain resilient data storage.
• Be responsible for business continuity and disaster recovery for the Linux ecosystem.

User Support and Collaboration: -

• Provide support for Linux workstations and links from Windows desktops to Linux servers.
• Work and collaborate with the HPC user community, providing timely resolution of issues.
• Provide relevant training to scientific teams.
• Build and evolve architectural diagrams for the bioinformatics environment and provide comprehensive documentation for all processes.
• And any other assigned duties by the line managers.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & CAREER EXPERIENCE:

Mandatory:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with 3 Years’ experience at Supervisory level in Linux systems administration, preferably in a RedHat or CentOS environment.
• Expert knowledge of Linux operating systems and distributed file systems (e.g., GlusterFS, Lustre).
• Proven experience working with and supporting high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
• Experience working with multiple GPUs, including the NVIDIA series.
• Strong scripting skills in Bash or Perl/Python for automation and support.
• Working knowledge of IT environments and the ability to install and maintain computer equipment.

Desirable:                          

• Advanced Certification in Linux System Administration (e.g., RHCE, GCUX, Linux+, LFCE, RedHat OpenShift, or RedHat Automation with Ansible).
• Experience with GPU virtualization, Docker, Kubernetes, and Singularity.
• Knowledge of systems programming (e.g., C, C++, Rust) and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Julia, R).
• Experience in supporting a 20+ server environment.
• Short-course training in Bioinformatics packages, networking, or customer service.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics computational packages and experience working in a research establishment.

Core Competencies:

• Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, end-users, and clients.
• Good logical diagnostic skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment in problem resolution.
• Ability to multi-task, work under high pressure, meet deadlines, and follow up on pending matters with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to plan own workload and maintain accurate records in an environment with changing priorities.

All applicants are advised to adhere to the application guidelines for consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NB: Flexi Personnel does not charge candidates for job placement.