Scientific Computing Support Lead

Scientific Computing Support Lead

Location: Bethesda, MD (Onsite with some Hybrid flexibility)

Job Overview: LCG is seeking a Scientific Computing Support Lead who will provide direct, hands-on support to research laboratories and scientific users across the client's team. This position bridges IT support and scientific research, ensuring that laboratory environments, instruments, and workflows are fully supported from a computing perspective. The Lead will support macOS environments, high-performance computing (HPC), data workflows, and compliance with NIH data integrity and security standards.

This role requires strong technical expertise with Apple systems, HPC tools, and scientific software, as well as excellent communication skills to partner with researchers, administrators, and IT leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory & Research Support

• Work closely with labs to understand day-to-day IT needs and scientific workflows.
• Provide onsite and remote support for macOS systems (Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, and future versions) and connected instrumentation.
• Catalog laboratory instrumentation and IT components for lifecycle planning and troubleshooting.
• Maintain regular communication with lab staff to monitor IT trends and resolve recurring issues.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) & Data Support

• Maintain and utilize a Biowulf HPC account for benchmarking, testing, and supporting researcher use-cases.
• Assist with data transfers to/from Biowulf and external collaborators.
• Support lab-specific data backup and archiving plans in alignment with NIH retention and security policies.
• Benchmark network and storage performance to determine needs for local HPC or on-premise storage.
• Develop best practices for backing up HPC workloads to client storage.

Data Integrity & Workflow Optimization

• Assess existing scientific data workflows and recommend improvements to ensure integrity and security.
• Promote good data stewardship practices, including reducing redundant copies and leveraging centralized network storage.
• Develop a database of scientific IT requirements to identify and implement scalable solutions across labs.
• Monitor emerging research technologies (e.g., cryo-EM, sequencers, advanced sensors) and assess IT infrastructure impacts.
• Develop secure methods to connect legacy lab equipment to the network while maintaining compliance.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all solutions meet federal, HHS and NIH IT security standards.
• Document troubleshooting processes, SOPs, data workflows, and IT artifacts for lab environments.
• Support ServiceNow ticket tracking and reporting for scientific computing incidents.

Requirements

• 7+ years experience as an IT Desktop/Scientific Support Technician in Mac environments.
• 5+ years supporting macOS (Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, and newer versions).
• Experience with ServiceNow or equivalent ITSM platform.
• Strong knowledge of remote support tools (e.g., Bomgar).
• Apple Certified Associate certification (or ability to obtain).
• Bachelor's degree in Science or Information Technology.
• 5 additional years of directly relevant experience may substitute for degree requirements.
• Experience automating backups from Linux, Windows, and Mac systems to enterprise storage or HPC clusters.
• Command-line expertise on Linux and Mac systems (Bash, shell scripting).
• Familiarity with Conda or Homebrew package managers.
• Programming or HPC experience in R and/or Python.
• Prior experience supporting HPC environments and scientific applications.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to interact with both researchers and executives.
• Demonstrated skills in strategic thinking, time management, planning, and execution.

Compensation and Benefits

The projected compensation range for this position is $100,000 to $200,000 per year benchmarked in the Washington DC Metro area. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Salary at LCG is determined by various factors, including but not limited to role, location, the combination of education/training, knowledge, skills, competencies, certifications, and work experience.

LCG offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance options (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement plan contributions, as well as paid leave, federal holidays, professional development, and lifestyle benefits.

Devoted to Fair and Inclusive Practices

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

If you are interested in applying for employment with LCG and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department by email at hr@lcginc.com.

Securing Your Data

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