Senior Research Systems Administrator

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous annual leave (38 days)

Pension scheme

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Rental Deposit Loan Scheme

Access to clubs and community

Job summary

The University of Oxford is establishing OxRC, a new university-wide research computing service. As a Senior Research Systems Administrator, you will design, deploy and operate Linux-based infrastructure, spanning HPC/HTC platforms and GPU-enabled services, while shaping the service by introducing improvements and best practices.

You will automate with Python/Bash, use Kubernetes, and apply Infrastructure as Code to deliver secure, resilient solutions.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline with a significant computing component, or equivalent professional knowledge and practical experience.
• Significant experience designing, implementing and supporting complex Linux-based infrastructure and services, including troubleshooting complex issues.
• Experience using scripting to automate systems administration and improve service delivery.
• Experience designing, deploying and operating containerised computing platforms using Kubernetes or equivalent orchestration.
• Experience with HPC/HTC systems and software, including job schedulers.
• Experience using Infrastructure as Code approaches and tools, such as Ansible.
• Experience contributing to the design, security and continuous improvement of complex IT services.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills and ability to translate research needs into technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, operate and continuously improve Linux-based research computing infrastructure.
• Engage with researchers and technical colleagues across the University to translate requirements into practical solutions.
• Contribute to platform development, automation and service improvement, including training and community engagement.
• Support researchers in using advanced computing effectively and help shape the evolving service.

Skills

Linux/Unix administration

Python or Bash scripting

Container orchestration (Kubernetes)

Infrastructure as Code (Ansible)

HPC/HTC systems experience

IT service design & improvement

Communication & collaboration

Education

Degree in computing/IT or equivalent

Tools

Kubernetes

Ansible

Job schedulers

Job description

As Senior Research Systems Administrator, you will help develop, operate and continuously improve complex Linux-based research computing infrastructure, spanning established HPC and HTC platforms and emerging AI and GPU-enabled services. Your technical expertise will help ensure these services remain secure, resilient and effective as research requirements and technologies evolve. You will be joining OxRC as this new University-wide research computing service is being established and developed. This creates particular scope for a self-directed systems professional to contribute not only to the technology, but also to how the service evolves: identifying improvements, helping establish effective ways of working and applying your expertise to emerging requirements. You will engage with researchers and technical colleagues across the University, turning scientific and computational requirements into practical solutions across technologies including Linux/Unix, Kubernetes, Infrastructure as Code, compute, storage and networking. This is a role for someone who wants their infrastructure expertise to have a direct connection to research and who values the scope to shape a developing service. You will contribute to platform development, automation, service improvement and specialist support, while helping researchers use advanced computing effectively through training and community engagement. As this role supports ongoing strategic priorities, we are keen to appoint someone who can begin contributing within a relatively short timeframe and would welcome applications from candidates who are available to start promptly.

• A degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline with a significant computing or information technology component, or equivalent professional knowledge and substantial practical experience.
• Significant experience designing, implementing and supporting complex Linux-based infrastructure and services, including independently troubleshooting complex technical issues.
• Experience using scripting, such as Python or BASH, to automate systems administration and improve service delivery.
• Experience designing, deploying and operating containerised computing platforms using Kubernetes or equivalent container orchestration technologies.
• Experience with HPC and HTC systems and software, including technologies such as job schedulers.
• Experience using Infrastructure as Code approaches and tools, such as Ansible, to automate infrastructure provisioning and management.
• Experience contributing to the design, implementation, security and continuous improvement of complex IT services.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently, respond positively to changing requirements and translate research needs into effective technical solutions. Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.

What We Offer Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
• A Rental Deposit Loan Scheme for eligible new employees to access an interest-free loan to help cover the cost of a rental deposit in Oxford.