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Department of Physics, Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME)

Position Summary:

The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) Fast Radio Burst (FRB) project has as its aim to solve the astrophysical mystery of this unusual cosmological phenomenon. CHIME/FRB is a radio telescope and FRB search engine situated in beautiful Okanagan Valley at Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory near Penticton BC. The project operates 24/7 and generates terabytes of data per day.

The High Performance Computing (HPC)-based data acquisition system consists of 400+ computers and many pieces of customized hardware and software. Furthermore, CHIME/FRB relies on many off-site systems, such as the three CHIME outriggers telescopes in British Columbia, West Virginia, and California, Google Cloud, the Canadian supercomputing platform CANFAR, and backup systems at McGill University.

Reporting to the Professor overseeing CHIME/RFRB in McGill University’s Department of Physics, the Systems Administrator works with CHIME/FRB teams to maintain its computer systems and networks across North America. Responsibilities include installation and deployment of servers, hardware maintenance, monitoring system health, providing troubleshooting and technical support, and maintaining web systems.

Primary Responsibilities:

Plan and prepare service migration from legacy systems.

Monitor and analyze system issues and provide recommendations for infrastructure as part of regular operations.

User training, and limited user management

Network administration and hardware management

Maintain CHIME/FRB hardware and a healthy stock of spare parts.

OS installation and patching

Backup and fault recovery

Provide professional expertise and training to team members

Collaborate with internal and external CHIME/FRB team members and counterparts at partner universities (UBC, U of T, etc.) and the Dominion Radio Astronomical Observatory.

Participate in meetings, make recommendations and provide solutions.

Participate in occasional visits to sites across North America.

Perform other related tasks and participate in projects, as needed.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

Undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering or physics is required with 3 years of related experience.

Experience with radio frequency (RF) electronics, computer clusters and scientific observatory

operations are all considered to be assets.

In-depth understanding and knowledge of Unix/Linux system administration including troubleshooting systems and networking.

Shell programming and scripting in python

Knowledge of electronics and ability to troubleshoot computer hardware;

Ability to work safely around mechanical and electrical systems;

Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team within a fast-paced, changing environment and to learn new tools and applications quickly and independently.

Strong problem-solving, decision-making and technical skills with the ability to troubleshoot, assess and resolve problems.

Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask.

Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact and work effectively with groups of individuals with differing professional and research backgrounds (e.g. faculty members, researchers, technical staff and software developers, students, etc.).

Clear verbal and written communication skills.

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale of 0-4.

Duration: One (1) year contract with the possibility of extension

N.B.: This position is located in Montreal, Quebec and the work for this position is expected to be performed in Quebec.

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Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 05) $70,820.00 - $88,530.00 - $106,240.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-IST2F - IT Infrastructure & Operations - Professional 2

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Professor

Position End Date (If applicable):

2025-10-31

Deadline to Apply:

2025-02-02

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.