Research Storage Consultant at Stanford University in STANFORD, California

Job Description:

Research Storage Consultant🔍Business Affairs: University IT (UIT), Stanford, California, United States📁Information Technology Services📅Oct 18, 2024 Post Date📅104966 Requisition #Stanford Research Computing is looking for a talented data and storage consultant to join our team of collaborative and innovative professionals assisting Stanford's faculty and students to use high-performance computing and data tools to explore new frontiers in knowledge and solve some of humanity's most urgent problems. Our staff work directly with some of the world's top researchers in a broad range of disciplines, across all of Stanford's seven schools - while also supporting and learning from each other in cross-project endeavors. We maintain and steadily improve an advanced research computing facility, and we support a variety of environments for Stanford research. In Stanford Research Computing, you'll have a rare opportunity to contribute to discoveries and inventions that have global reach and positive impact, and to share in the curiosity and commitment of the scholars and scientists who lead these projects.
In this exciting researcher-facing role, you will serve as a key member of our storage team. You will engage directly with researchers to address their storage needs, provide training on best practices, and support their use of our research storage systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into storage technologies, with hands-on experience in both storage software and hardware. We especially welcome candidates who are not only excited about cutting-edge solutions but are also comfortable working with evolving open-source software. The ideal candidate will be curious and resourceful, able to navigate the uncertainties that come with developing technologies and driven to troubleshoot and resolve issues. You'll join a team that leverages and contributes to open-source projects, helping shape the future of research data management at Stanford.This is a hybrid position, with on-site presence a minimum of 3 days a week for the first 9 months and a minimum of 2 days a week thereafter.
ResponsibilitiesThe majority of your time will be spent fielding technical and administrative questions from, and providing consultative advice to, Stanford's diverse research community. You'll collaborate with colleagues to resolve researchers' storage and data questions and improve researchers' experience using our shared storage platforms. You will also contribute to documenting how to effectively use the different storage systems

Build expertise in the SRC research shared storage systems, primarily Oak, Elm and Koa, and in other cloud-based and on-prem storage solutionsAnswer direct questions and requests from researchers related to our storage services, including storage, data movement methods, and billing-related questions Collaborate with researchers to understand their storage needs and financial constraints, provide technical assistance, and help determine appropriate solutionsPresent our storage services and best practices to current and potential users in information sessions and workshopsParticipate in SRC office hours and focus on storage-related issuesBecome familiar with and periodically test the different storage services that we offerDocument best practices and policiesCollaborate with other groups to improve data management, migration and lifecycle planning

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Advanced degree plus seven years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experienceAbility to quickly adopt new technologies and programming toolsStrong understanding of data design, architecture, relational databases and data modelingOutstanding communication skills with both technical and non-technical clientsAbility to recognize and recommend necessary changes in user and/or operations proceduresAbility to interact effectively and tactfully with members of the academic community; demonstrated experience working in an environment with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and customsDemonstrated ability to manage a complex workload, prioritize tasks, and use good judgment in providing services based on goal.Familiarity with Linux filesystem concepts (quotas, ownership, permissions, ACLs)Ability to resolve issues accurately in creative and effective waysDemonstrated success collaborating with key contacts outside your own area of expertiseExcellent oral and written communication skillsKnowledge of, and experience with, information security concepts

In addition, preferred qualifications include:

Familiarity with cloud storage technologies and cloud APIs (S3)Knowledge of Network file sharing protocols (SMB, NFS, Globus, etc.), and cloud storage technologies (S3)Familiarity with data transfer tools like rsync, rclone and aws cliExperience using version control (git)Familiarity with GitHub or GitLabAbility to write shell scripts to automate simple tasks on LinuxComfortable working with systems that are not well defined yetSome knowledge of Splunk, Grafana and other monitoring tools

The expected pay range for this position is $114,124 to $134,067 per annum.Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
How to Apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the "Apply for Job" button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.
Why Stanford is for You

Stanford's dedicated 16,000 staff come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global sphere. We provide competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our generous perks align with what matters to you:

Freedom to grow. Take advantage of career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a Ted Talk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or leader discuss global issues.
A caring culture. We understand the importance of your personal and family time and provide you access to wellness programs, child-care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support.
A healthier you. We make wellness a priority by providing access to world-class exercise facilities. Climb our rock wall or participate in one of hundreds of health or fitness classes.
Discovery and fun. Visit campus gardens, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. We offer free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives. Enjoy discounts for computers, cell phones, recreation, travel, entertainment, and more!

We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.


Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.


Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time


• Job Code: 4723


• Employee Status: Regular


• Grade: J


• Requisition ID: 104966


• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible

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