It Specialist

(ID: 2026-3647)

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a It Specialist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) located in Bethesda, MD.

Benefits We Offer

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA)
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Position Overview

The IT Specialist will support the computing environment used for NHLBI's in-house scientific research, which studies problems of biological and medical significance using theoretical and computational techniques. Responsibilities include administering and maintaining the lab's LoBoS computing cluster, supporting users, monitoring system performance and security, and developing machine learning approaches to support scientific research. A Master's degree is required, along with at least five years of experience in Linux System Administration and/or High Performance Computing (HPC). Red Hat Certification is also listed as a qualification.

Certifications & Licenses

• Red Hat Certification

Field of Study

• Management Information Systems and Statistics

• Computer and Information Systems

Software

• Linux Systems

Skills

• At least five years of experience in Linux System Administration and/or High Performance Computing (HPC)

• Experience in one or more scripting languages

• Experience with Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Message Passing Interface (MPI), virtualization and containers, and batch queuing systems such as Slurm

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and time-management skills

• Proven network troubleshooting skills

Deliverables

• Inspect equipment — Weekly

• Meet with lab members to present updates — Bi-Weekly

Statement of Work Details

• Install and troubleshoot Linux operating systems and hardware, including desktops and servers.

• Maintain the LoBoS cluster and physical cluster spaces.

• Monitor system security and identify anomalies to be researched and addressed.

• Design and implement software and hardware systems to support scientific research.

• Apply parallel computing techniques to computationally intensive tasks encountered in biomedical applications.

• Evaluate experiment and testing strategies and identify new approaches, methods, and systems.

• Research existing and new technologies used in medicine and scientific research to evaluate how they might be optimized and expanded upon through better technology and applications.

• Investigate the suitability of specific methods, algorithms, and software approaches for clinical experiments and testing.

• Research and evaluate software standards in operating systems, graphics, genome informatics, and file systems, and assess their relevance.

• Perform system patching to address known vulnerabilities.

• Provide user support, including installations on desktops and cluster-wide.

• Conduct theoretical and experimental studies of integrated computerized information systems.

• Monitor and evaluate computer information systems and application performance, analyzing system performance data to identify areas in need of change or improvement.

• Troubleshoot technical issues related to the design, development, and administration of critical applications.

• Provision and monitor network storage systems.

• Assist in technology tracking for upgrading the LoBoS cluster to continue supporting the lab's scientific workflows.

• Provide subject matter expertise to senior scientists and program executives.

• Maintain a deep understanding of computer science theories and the latest trends and developments in computational and information sciences.

• Provide input into software and hardware investment planning based on a deep understanding of clinical needs.

• Search scientific literature to select and modify computational methods and procedures.

• Work with NIH staff to maintain the LoBoS Authority to Operate (ATO).

• Assist in managing the budget for LoBoS maintenance and upgrades.

• Develop advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches and algorithms to support scientific research, medical research, and business process improvement.

• Research and implement novel machine learning and statistical approaches.

• Design, develop, and deploy application programming interfaces (APIs) to optimize system interoperability and increase data reuse efficiency.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: [email protected]

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range$125,000—$130,000 USD