Computational Scientist

Position Summary

The position consists in providing a broad range of support and training for users of laboratory systems and their

software applications. In addition to user support through our ticketing system, the candidate is expected to

provide advanced support in computational science and engineering, big data analysis, machine learning, or any

related field.

Senior candidate should initiate and autonomously work on scientific and/or operational impact project(s) in

collaboration with KAUST faculty member or with teams in the lab or other core labs, in the framework of

method development projects impacting a wide range of research groups by proposing new added-value

services within the lab.

Major Responsibilities

• Support enablement activities for research work in computational science and engineering

and data analysis including but not limited to:

• Provide timely and useful user support via telephone, walk-in, email, and ticketing system

submissions for all types of inquiries with ability to handle advanced level support.

• Maintain high customer service standards in dealing with and responding to user issues and

questions.

• Installation, porting and tuning of parallel applications, tools and data analysis software stack.
• Maintain scientific, technical and professional currency through collaboration, practice,

training, conferences, independent learning, and other means.

• Maintain a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art computer technology, equipment, and

systems and support benchmarking activities in the lab for future procurements.

• Review and prepare documentation for systems, tests and installation of software
• Provides individual and/or group instruction and training on topics of interest to the user

community. Become the reference on campus in a topic of expertise.

• Develop software tools and parallel application libraries as necessary to support the research

projects in the cluster systems and subsystems.

• Develop software application benchmarks for periodic upgrades of laboratory systems.
• Articulate and pursue research activities aligned with the laboratory and with personal

strengths and interests; pursue co-authorship of papers/presentations as appropriate; engage

in scientific communication and outreach.

• Any additional duties as required for the operation of the lab and assigned by the line

managers.

Senior candidates (L5) are also expected to:

• Contribute and take charge of major tasks in lab leadership projects, such as the refresh of

Shaheen Supercomputer, as assigned by Lead and Lab Director.

• Initiate collaborative projects and activities with other groups within the lab, and across other

core labs when applicable.

• Increase national and international visibility of KAUST and Core Labs through active

participation and representation of the lab in relevant events.

Competencies

• Expertise in using or supporting computational science and engineering, data analysis, and

artificial intelligence applications and libraries in different HPC environments.

• Demonstrated ability to support research activities in an HPC environment
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a highly collaborative research environment
• Proficiency in programming HPC applications and tools (e.g. Fortran, C/C++, Python, MPI,

OpenMP, CUDA, OpenACC, etc.).

• Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills
• Creative and innovative individual with clear initiatives to improve lab operation
• Flexible and delivers high-quality results within deadlines
• Planning and organizational skills
• Ability to work in teams, influence peers and achieve results.
• The ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work effectively in multi-cultural environment
• Demonstrated ability to prepare written and to give oral reports in English
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Senior candidates (L5) are also expected to have the following competencies:

• Track record of publications and other contributions in computational science and engineering

and data analysis venues.

• Become the reference scientist of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within

the related field of expertise.

• Strong team player with a track record of initiative and responsiveness.
• Organizational understanding and global thinking.
• Mastering project management principles and practices.
• The ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with autonomy.

Qualifications & Experience

Ph.D. in computer science, computational science and engineering or any closely related discipline.

A demonstrated relevant experience of minimum 4 year after PhD is required.

Senior candidates (L5) are expected to have a minimum of 8 years of demonstrated relevant

experience after PhD.