Description
Research Computing Services within Information Technologies invites applications for a Research Platform Cloud Designer. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Senior Specialist, Research Platform Design within Research Computing Services (RCS). This position will support the use of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) by consulting with researchers to help them choose an appropriate IaaS solution between local infrastructure, Digital Research Alliance of Canada (DRAC) infrastructure or commercial providers such as Amazon Web Services. Architecting and designing a research platform that will meet the business and security requirements. Close collaboration across teams and with researchers is essential.
The position works 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day, Monday to Friday. The position is subject to high stress and requires balancing multiple priorities with tight deadlines. Overtime is rarely expected but can occur due to system failures that require a callout or overtime for other deadlines.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Requirements Gathering
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In conjunction with other IT teams, and researchers, gather and document requirements for needed research platforms.
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Identify any potential problems with, or resources needed to meet the requirements of the research platform.
Research Platform Design
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Architect, design, and produce a formal system design for the research platform which is expected to meet the requirements of the operational groups within IT, such as Data Centre Facility Operations, Server and Network Operations, Cloud Operations, Application Support Services, and the Support Centre.
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Working with other IT teams implement the research platform. This could include acting as a liaison between the researcher and other IT teams.
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Evaluate existing cloud deployments for technical or security compliance and make recommendations as to the use or modification of the existing deployment in a production research platform.
Research Platform Implementation
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Deploy, Configure, Test, and Document existing research software or utilities for use in production research platforms, including creation of IaC where appropriate.
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Evaluate existing research software for technical or security compliance and make a recommendation as to the use or modification of the research software in a production research platform.
In-Scope Supervision
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Provide technical mentorship and coaching to less experienced members within RCS.
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Liaise, collaborate, and provide consultative advice to RCS and researchers.
Qualifications / Requirements:
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Minimum of five years of recent and directly related experience.
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional certificate is preferred.
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Experience with designing and deploying systems in Cloud environments such as Amazon Web Services.
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Experience deploying and maintaining IaaS and Container solutions.
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Excellent understanding of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) technologies such as Ansible and Terraform.
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Experience with administration of Linux OS and software on x86-64 Linux systems
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Working knowledge of network technologies such as DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, routing, firewalls
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Ability to discuss networking technologies (load balancers, firewalls, routers, switches)
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Ability to discuss distributed systems concepts such as message brokers, RPC
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Ability to discuss storage technologies (Object Store, File Storage)
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Ability to discuss and use storage protocols (S3, NFS, SMB/CIFS)
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Ability to discuss and use Linux filesystem permissions
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Ability to discuss and use IAM users, roles, and policies
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Effective time management skills with ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines.
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Strong communication skills with experience in technical writing an asset.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including debugging and troubleshooting.
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Ability to be creative, challenge and demonstrate initiative to generate improvements and foster positive outcomes.
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Technical knowledge includes but is not limited to:
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IaaS environments: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, CloudStack, OpenStack etc.
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IaaS environment architecture and design
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Virtual machines
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Container technologies
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Networking
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Computer and Cloud security practices
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Configuration management technologies
Application Deadline: August 12, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
