System Administrator (f_m_x) - Automation and Cloud Infrastructure

gfz services GmbH; Potsdam; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State-of-the-art equipment

Public service benefits

Extensive training opportunities

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance support

Day-care on site

On-site at Potsdam

Good commute access

Job summary

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam seeks a System Administrator (f_m_x) to bridge software development and operations. You will implement automated infrastructure, maintain CI/CD pipelines, and manage container-based architectures to support research applications.

Essential qualifications include Linux system administration, Docker/Ansible, and PostgreSQL expertise, plus scripting in Python/Bash. A 2-year fixed-term contract with full-time hours is offered at the Potsdam site.

Qualifications

• Completed vocational training as an IT specialist in system integration.
• Very good knowledge of Linux/Unix administration and networking (TCP/IP, HTTP, TLS).
• Experience with PostgreSQL administration and data backup.
• Hands-on experience with containerisation (Docker) and Ansible.
• Proficient in CI/CD concepts (GitLab CI) and Git.
• Python and Bash used to implement automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Bridge software development and system operations; implement and operate cloud infrastructure.
• Support software life cycle with automated deployment and CI/CD pipelines; manage container-based architectures.
• Administer servers and virtual machines; implement automated infrastructure solutions.
• Maintain container architectures (Docker/Portainer) and CI/CD pipeline operations.
• Design monitoring/logging architectures; ensure backup/restore routines.
• Support open-source geodata systems and adapt web backends per standards (OGC).
• Serve as central technical contact; assist in workstation setup; run DevOps toolchain workshops.

Skills

Linux/Unix admin

Network tech (TCP/IP, HTTP, TLS)

PostgreSQL administration

Containerisation (Docker)

Configuration management (Ansible)

CI/CD concepts (GitLab CI)

Git version control

Python scripting

Bash scripting

Education

IT specialist in system integration

Tools

Docker

Portainer

GitLab CI

Ansible

Prometheus

Grafana

Job description

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of geosciences. As part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organisation, we address global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change and the sustainable use of resources. In doing so, we combine cutting-edge research with social relevance. Our international staff - around 1,200 employees and approx. 500 guests - work in a multidisciplinary way and with a unique infrastructure to research the dynamic processes of the Earth system. Our vision: “Taking the pulse of the Earth to safeguard a habitable planet.”

System Administrator (f_m_x) - Automation and Cloud Infrastructure

Reference Number 11595

Modern scientific research today relies on complex software services and the provision of large amounts of geodata. To ensure these services are stable, scalable, and secure, seamless integration between software development and system operations is required. In this role, you will bridge the gap between the Research Software Engineers (RSE) of the eScience Center, who develop the scientific applications, and the central IT services that take care of basic operations. Through the operational implementation of automation, containerization, and continuous optimisation, we will work together to ensure that innovative research results are efficiently and reliably transferred into applications.

Your responsibilities:

You will ensure technical collaboration between software development and system operations and will be responsible for implementing and operating our cloud infrastructure. In this role, you will support the entire software life cycle through the provision and continuous maintenance of automated deployment and CI/CD pipelines, as well as the management of container-based application architectures.

These include:

• You will take care of the technical implementation and support of automated infrastructure solutions, as well as the administration of servers and virtual machines
• You will maintain container-based application architectures (e.g., via Docker and Portainer) and support the operational management of CI/CD pipelines for the efficient deployment of software services
• You will handle the technical implementation of monitoring and logging architectures and ensure the operational functionality of backup and restore routines
• You will undertake the technical support of open-source systems for providing geodata and support the adaptation of web-based backend systems in compliance with international interoperability standards
• You will act as the central technical contact person for the section, assist in setting up workstations, and conduct technical workshops on the use of the DevOps toolchain

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• Completed vocational training as an IT specialist in system integration
• Very good knowledge of Linux/Unix system administration and network technology (TCP/IP, HTTP, TLS)
• Experience with relational databases (especially PostgreSQL), particularly concerning administration and data backup
• Practical experience in containerisation (e.g., Docker) and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible)
• Proficiency in CI/CD concepts and tools (e.g., GitLab CI), as well as version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Proficient in using Python and Bash to implement automation solutions and tooling

Desirable Qualifications:

• Demonstrable knowledge of DevOps fundamentals and the operational support of CI/CD pipelines
• Proficiency with container management tools (e.g., Portainer) for the orchestration and monitoring of containerised applications
• Practical knowledge in the technical implementation of monitoring solutions (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, Loki, Gatus)
• Experience in the technical support of geodata infrastructures (SDI/WebGIS, PostGIS) as well as knowledge of OGC standards (WMS, WFS, WMTS, SLD)
• Knowledge of the technical adaptation of web-based backend frameworks (e.g., Django) for the administrative extension of existing domain applications
• Experience working with object storage solutions (e.g., S3)
• Familiarity with agile working methods (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) within development teams
• Skilled in interdisciplinary teamwork in international environments

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years (with option of a permanent contract)
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 9b according to “TVöD Bund ”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

The GFZ actively promote diversity and equal opportunities. We explicitly welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age, and physical or neurodiverse abilities.

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. To know more about our Diversity policies, contact the diversity team. If you need more information about our gender equality policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer and check our Equal Opportunities Plan & Cascade Model.

We look forward to applications from people who enjoy working in diverse teams, where everyone feels respected and valued and can fully develop their own talents. Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Data protection information for applicants

In case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Marc Hanisch via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number [phone].