Middleware Developer

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE 

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage. By integrating, championing, and funding the infrastructure and activities required for advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM), and research software (RS), we provide the platform for the research community to access tools and services faster than ever before.
 
We have an ambitious mandate — to transform how research across all academic disciplines is organized, managed, stored, and used. We work with other ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country to help provide Canadian researchers with the support they need for leading-edge research excellence, research, innovation, and advancement across all disciplines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Middleware Developer reports to the Director, Operations. The primary role is to provide support for middleware services focusing on the development and integration of interoperability software across the National Platform systems. As part of a team of three developers this may include identity management services, HPC scheduling services, interoperability with the accounting and monitoring systems, file and data sharing services and server system administration. The developer may also be asked to provide limited Corporate IT support focused on user applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Middleware Developer works in the Middleware Team. Specific responsibilities will depend on the team’s priorities and the experience/expertise of the candidate, but may include:

• Provide support and development for the LDAP, Shibboleth and CILogon identity management services, including multi-factor authentication in a highly distributed national ecosystem. This includes interaction with the central accounts database and the development team.
• Configure, monitor, manage, and coordinate National Platform batch job scheduling systems including participation on the Scheduling National Team and working collaboratively with the National Host Sites and the Data Analytics National Team.
• Support file-sharing applications like Globus in collaboration with the Globus National Team.
• Manage server hosts both virtual (cloud) and physical, including day-to-day operational system administration tasks including installation and configuration, patching and updates, user support, and security management.
• Software development focussed on interoperability across various services, for instance developing scheduler integrations across accounting, authentication and authorization, and monitoring services. 
• Support for various administrative and technical applications, including Google Workspace, Slack and Gitlab, as a member of the Infrastructure Operations National Team.
• Limited support for corporate Microsoft scripting in MS Forms, Power Automate, and SharePoint Online.
• Limited support for corporate office systems, including the corporate office network, physical access systems, and user support for office staff.

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A four year university degree in a related subject is preferred. However, a two or three year technical college program with relevant experience is acceptable.
• At least three years working in an IT environment. Experience within a high-performance computing environment would be considered an asset. 
• Familiarity as a user of configuration management and related tools (git, puppet, ansible, etc.).
• At least 2 years experience in system administration in a variety of Linux distributions, such as RHEL, CentOS/Rocky Linux/AlmaLinux, Ubuntu, and Debian.
• Minimum 2 years developer/programming experience using such languages as Python, Java, Lua, and Bash.
• Experience using and maintaining containerization frameworks, such as Kubernetes, Docker, or Singularity, would be a benefit.
• Knowledge of high-performance computing systems and scheduling would be valuable.
• Some experience with Microsoft 365 administration would be an asset.
• Ability to work autonomously, problem-solve, and generate action from ambiguity.
• Ability to work collaboratively; the Middleware Developer works closely with the National Host Sites, National Teams, regional organizations, and user support staff, and must be very collaborative and able to find consensus in a technical environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Bilingualism (English and French) is considered an asset but is not required.

BENEFITS / WORK PERKS 

In addition to a competitive salary and a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference in the Canadian research community, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that meets the various needs of our diverse team and that spans across Canada, including: 
 

• Comprehensive Benefits Plan, including:

1. Health  
2. Dental 
3. Long-Term Disability 
4. Life Insurance
5. Flexible Spending Account 
6. Wellness Spending Account
7. Mental Health Supports 

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan 
• Paid Vacation  
• Remote Work

Please apply here.

The Alliance is strongly committed to equity and inclusion within the community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of racialized groups, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous- and 2SLGBTQIA+ identified people.