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Research Computing Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Nurse Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

$108K - $125K/yr

Research Nurse Specialist Our Client | New York, NY 10065 | Full-Time Permanent | Mid-Level Location New York, NY 10065 Employment Full-Time Permanent Level Mid-Level Salary Range $108,972 - $125,388 ...

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Research Computing Specialist information

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$34K

$43.6K

$59.5K

How much do research computing specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research computing specialist in the United States is $43,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research computing specialist?

Research Computing Specialists are professionals who provide technical support and expertise to researchers using advanced computing resources. They help design, implement, and optimize computational workflows, often working with high-performance computing systems, data management tools, and specialized software. Their role bridges the gap between IT and research by ensuring scientists have the computational infrastructure and guidance needed for complex data analysis, simulations, and other research tasks. Additionally, they may offer training, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to the development of new research technologies.

How do research computing specialists typically collaborate with researchers to support scientific projects?

Research Computing Specialists work closely with researchers by providing technical expertise on high-performance computing (HPC), data management, and software optimization. They often participate in project planning meetings to understand research goals, recommend appropriate computational resources, and assist with troubleshooting complex technical issues. This collaborative environment requires strong communication skills and the ability to translate technical concepts for users with varying levels of computing experience. Over time, successful specialists may take on larger projects or leadership roles, expanding their impact across research teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research computing specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Computing Specialist, you need expertise in scientific programming, high-performance computing (HPC), and data management, often backed by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with HPC clusters, Linux operating systems, and scripting languages such as Python or Bash is typically required, along with knowledge of job schedulers and version control systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and a collaborative mindset help you effectively support researchers and troubleshoot computing challenges. These competencies are crucial for enabling advanced research, optimizing computational resources, and facilitating scientific discovery.

What is the difference between Research Computing Specialist vs Data Analyst?

AspectResearch Computing SpecialistData Analyst
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, IT, or related fieldsBachelor’s or Master’s in Statistics, Data Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, research institutionsBusiness, healthcare, finance, or government sectors
Employer & IndustryAcademic and research organizationsVarious industries including finance, healthcare, and marketing

While both roles involve data handling and technical skills, a Research Computing Specialist primarily supports research infrastructure, high-performance computing, and research data management. In contrast, a Data Analyst focuses on analyzing data to generate insights for decision-making. The roles often overlap in technical skills but differ in their core focus and work environment.

More about Research Computing Specialist jobs
What job categories do people searching Research Computing Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Computing Specialist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Research Computing Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,638 per year, or $21 per hour.

DevSecOps Research Computing Software Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

$213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Research Computing Software Engineer to join our Reston, VA location of the Digital Engineering Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will work to build, configure, and advance high-performance computing (HPC) environments to support DoW (Department of War) Modeling & Simulation. You will work with researchers to develop and maintain software solutions to support the computational and data analysis needs of the DoW, and design, code, test, and optimize our Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to enhance research capabilities and automated our deployments.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Develop, deploy, enhance, and maintain software applications, infrastructure-as-code, and tools to support research computing needs
  • Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code using largely infrastructure automation scripts and tooling to include Ansible
  • Integrate software solutions with existing research computing infrastructure, including high-performance computing (HPC) systems and cloud platforms
  • Collaborate with systems engineers and researchers to ensure seamless integration and functionality of software tools within the research environment
  • Analyze and optimize the performance of software applications, ensuring they meet the high demands of computational research
  • Identify and address performance bottlenecks, memory usage issues, and other technical challenges
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting for software issues, assisting researchers in overcoming obstacles
  • Stay up to date with advancements in software engineering and computational research technologies including enhancing our efforts to leverage AI and LLMs
  • Propose and implement new features, improvements, and updates to enhance the functionality and usability of software tools
  • Lead or participate in software development projects, including planning, development, testing, and deployment phases
  • May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Ability to integrate software solutions with existing research computing infrastructure, including highperformance computing (HPC) environments and cloud platforms through CI/CD pipelines and automation of scripts
  • Skill in analyzing and optimizing software performance to meet the demands of computational research workloads
  • Capability to develop, deploy, enhance, and maintain software applications and tools that support research computing activities
  • Proficiency in writing clean, welldocumented, and maintainable code or scripts
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Ability to lead or contribute to software development projects across planning, development, testing, and deployment phases.
  • Skill in managing project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to ensure successful and timely completion of software initiatives.
  • Capacity to supervise staff members when needed, including participating in hiring, supporting employee development, and assisting with performance management activities.

Your working location will be onsite in Reston VA. Options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Scientific Computing Engagement Specialist (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Scientific Computing Software Specialist (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website atwww.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,604.00 - $102,900.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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