Research Systems Engineer - Computing Services

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Research Systems Engineer with a focus on supporting higher education research involving sensitive data. This role is essential in ensuring the security, scalability, and reliability of IT infrastructure that supports cutting-edge research. You will work closely with faculty, researchers, and IT teams to design, implement, and maintain systems that adhere to strict compliance and regulatory standards for handling sensitive data, such as personally identifiable information (PII), Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and confidential research data.

The Research Systems Engineer will also provide technical assistance and support to faculty, researchers, and staff involved in higher education research, with a particular focus on managing sensitive and confidential data. The role ensures the secure handling of data throughout its lifecycle, from collection to storage and analysis, while adhering to regulatory standards (such as NIST SP800-171, ITAR, HIPAA, GDPR, FERPA). The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of IT infrastructure, security protocols, and compliance requirements unique to academic research environments. This position is critical in supporting the technological needs of researchers while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of research data.

Infrastructure Design & Maintenance:

• Design, implement, and maintain secure IT systems that support research projects involving sensitive data. This includes servers, storage, networking, and cloud environments.

Collaboration with Researchers:

• Work directly with research teams to understand their data needs, advise on best practices for data security, and provide technical support throughout the research lifecycle.

Documentation & Training:

• Create and maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, security protocols, and workflows. Provide training and support to researchers and faculty on secure data management practices.

Technical Support:

• Provide hands-on and remote IT support to faculty, researchers, and staff in higher education, troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues related to research activities.

• Assist with the setup, configuration, and maintenance of systems and software required for research projects.

• Ensure researchers have access to the required tools (e.g., databases, analytical software, cloud services) and assist with installing, updating, and troubleshooting specialized software packages.

Data Security and Compliance:

• Implement and monitor data security measures for research projects involving sensitive data, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulatory frameworks (NIST SP800-171, GDPR, FERPA, etc.).

• Assist in the creation of secure environments for research data, including encrypted storage, access control, and secure file-sharing methods.

• Educate research teams on best practices for handling sensitive data, including secure transfer protocols, anonymization techniques, and backup procedures.

Research Infrastructure Support:

• Collaborate with researchers to understand their specific IT needs and provide customized solutions for managing, processing, and analyzing sensitive data.

• Manage access to research servers, high-performance computing clusters, and virtualized environments tailored to research demands.

• Assist with the development and implementation of data management plans, ensuring proper documentation, storage, and retrieval of research data.

Cloud & Virtualization Technologies:

• Manage and support cloud platforms and virtual environments used for research projects, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulations.

Collaboration and Consultation:

• Work closely with institutional IT departments, research offices, and external vendors to ensure smooth operations and integration of technology solutions for research projects.

• Assist in the evaluation and procurement of software and hardware that meets the specific needs of research projects, including those involving large datasets, high-performance computing, and secure cloud environments.

• Other duties as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Computing Services. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or similar) are a plus.

• 3+ years of experience in IT support, preferably in a research or academic setting, with experience handling sensitive data.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of data security and privacy regulations, such as CMMC, HIPAA, GDPR, and FERPA, as they pertain to research data.

• Proficiency in supporting research-specific IT systems and tools, including databases, statistical analysis software, and secure cloud platforms.

• Experience with secure data storage solutions, access control, and encryption technologies.

• Experience with major Public Cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, GCP is required. FedRAMP, GovCloud, and GCC high experience are all a plus.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on providing efficient and secure solutions.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with researchers and IT teams.

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining the highest level of data integrity and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education or research environment.

• Knowledge of virtualization technologies, cloud-based research environments (AWS, Azure), and research data management systems.

• CMMC Certified Professional.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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