System Administrator (f_m_x) – Automation and Cloud Infrastructure

Academics; Potsdam; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ambitious and varied tasks

State-of-the-art equipment

Public service benefits

Flexible working hours

Institute day-care on site

Job summary

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam is seeking a System Administrator (f/m/x) for automation and cloud infrastructure. You will bridge software development and IT operations, implementing automation, containerisation, and ongoing optimisation to reliably transfer research software into production.

Essential qualifications include IT specialist training in system integration, strong Linux administration, PostgreSQL expertise, Docker and Ansible experience, and familiarity with CI/CD

Qualifications

• Completed vocational training as IT specialist in system integration.
• Very good knowledge of Linux/Unix system administration and network technology.
• Experience with PostgreSQL administration and data backup.
• Practical experience in containerisation (Docker) and Ansible.
• Proficiency with CI/CD concepts (GitLab CI) and Git.
• Proficient in Python and Bash for automation.

Responsibilities

• You will ensure technical collaboration between software development and system operations and will be responsible for implementing and operating our cloud infrastructure.
• Support the entire software life cycle through automated deployment, CI/CD pipelines, and management of container-based architectures.
• Administer servers and virtual machines, and maintain container-based application architectures (Docker, Portainer).
• Manage CI/CD pipelines and monitoring/ logging architectures; ensure backup and restore routines are operational.
• Provide technical support for open-source geodata systems and adapt web-based backends to interoperability standards.
• Act as central technical contact for the section; assist in workstation setup and DevOps toolchain workshops.

Skills

Linux/Unix administration

Networking (TCP/IP, HTTP, TLS)

Python

Bash scripting

CI/CD concepts

Git/GitLab CI

Containerisation (Docker)

Configuration management (Ansible)

PostgreSQL administration

Version control (Git)

Education

Completed vocational training as IT specialist in system integration

Tools

Docker

PostgreSQL

Ansible

GitLab CI

Git

Python tooling

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.”

For section 5.2 eScience-Zentrum (department 5 Geoinformation), we are looking for a: 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, containerisation, 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.
• 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.
• 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 39h/week); The position is generally suitable for part‑time work.

Place of work: Potsdam.

The GFZ actively promotes 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.

Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.

www.gfz.de