USF Research Computing: getting access to available computer clusters

USF Research Computing Cluster Account Requirements/Process

USF Genomics researchers requiring high-performance computing have two primary cluster-computing options (both maintained by USF Research Computing):

• The Research-Restricted Access cluster (RRA), to which USF Genomics Program members have priority access, and
• CIRCE, the primary cluster servicing all USF researchers.

What's the difference, and which one do I use?

Both clusters have excellent capabilities. As the name implies, RRA has stringent security measures in place to limit access and to protect potentially-sensitive human-subjects data. Your research does not NEED to include HIPAA-protected data for you to use RRA. Everybody requesting an RRA-account will, however, need to obtain HIPAA-training before their account can be created. Jobs run on RRA typically have faster turnaround-time as it is currently at lower utilization.

The CIRCE cluster, on the other hand, does not have as many restrictions on access and does not require additional certification for account-creation. Wait-times for job completions using CIRCE are likely to be longer due to much-higher utilization.

Please follow the instructions below to gain access to the appropriate cluster. Once the requirements have been satisfied, Research Computing is typically very quick to create your account (< 1 day).

Creating an RRA Cluster Account

HIPAA Training is required for access to the Genomics RRA cluster

1. Log in to the https://usf.sabacloud.com site.

a. If you do not have an existing login, send an email to [email protected] to request SABA registration. Make a note that it is for required HIPAA training modules for REDCap access.

2. After logging in, use the search bar at the top for the Learning Catalog.

3. Access and complete the following modules.

a. HIPAA Privacy at USF b. Code of Conduct c. Computer and Information Security

4. When you have finished, please generate PDF copies of the completion certificates for all 3 modules and include them in an email to Research Computing at [email protected] with the subject “RRA Account Request”.

a. If you are not a faculty member, please also provide the name and email address of your faculty sponsor in the email.

5. Research Computing will then send you a security agreement via DocuSign that you will need to review and sign electronically. Once your information is verified they will create your account.

Creating a CIRCE account

1. Go to https://cwa.rc.usf.edu/ and login with NetID and password.

2. Send email to [email protected] with the subject "CIRCE Account Request".

a. If you are not a faculty member, please also provide the name and email address of your faculty sponsor in the email.

3. Research Computing will create your account on CIRCE once your information is verified.