Academic Computing Systems Administrator

Rice University; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University seeks an Academic Computing Systems Administrator to support faculty in installing, managing, and troubleshooting HPC and academic computing environments. The role emphasizes Linux system administration, containerized workflows, and collaboration across Rice IT to deliver high‑quality compute services.

The position is hybrid, with in‑office and remote work, and offers growth within Student Lifecycle & Academic Technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 2+ years of Linux system administration, including building and operating clusters.
• Experience managing Linux clusters in academic/HPC environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure day-to-day reliability and performance of HPC services.
• Build and maintain automation for predictable operations and rapid recovery.
• Enable HPC and containerized workflows aligned with academic needs.
• Provide advanced support and documentation for HPC services and systems.
• Configure and manage system and network security.
• Manage installation and maintenance of HPC hardware and operating systems.

Skills

Linux admin

HPC management

Container orchestration

Python scripting

Automation (Ansible)

Networking (InfiniBand)

Security best practices

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Ansible

Terraform

Warewulf

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an Academic Computing Systems Administrator to join our growing organization. This role works with Rice faculty to perform specialized functions for systems installation, management, troubleshooting, and solution design. The position includes implementation and support of academic computing environments, including:

• Databases, containers, HPC, and hybrid/cloud compute and storage services
• Security and access controls

The role supports academic computational needs by managing the HPC resources required for cutting-edge courses across disciplines. Student Lifecycle & Academic Technologies, a division of Technology Solutions & Services (TSS), is dedicated to delivering and supporting the teaching and learning mission of Rice University.

The ideal candidate has experience managing Linux systems in an academic environment and the ability to collaborate with colleagues across the Rice IT organization to provide best-in-class system and end-user services.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration.

Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible position, with a hiringrange of $80,000 to $93,425, depending on qualifications and experience. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis.
• 2+ years of hands‑on Linux system administration, including building and operating clusters
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis.

Skills

• Managing Linux clusters in production‑oriented academic/HPC environments.
• Managing container environments for HPC services/workflows(Docker/Kubernetes).
• Scripting and automation (Python, Bash, Ansible).
• Managing HPC networking (InfiniBand, Omni‑Path, NDR).
• Managing and monitoring shared compute resources.
• Working well independently and as a team member.
• Supporting and documenting shared compute environments.
• Well‑developed written and oral communication skills.

Preferences

• Experience supporting accelerator (GPU) ecosystems for AI/ML and academic workloads.
• Experience with automated management of Linux clusters (Warewulf, Terraform).
• Experience building and managing containers with Docker, Podman, and/or Kubernetes.
• Experience working with secure systems for regulated data.
• Experience integrating on‑premises HPC with public cloud services (GCP, AWS, Azure) to migrate or burst workloads while managing cost/performance tradeoffs.

Essential Functions

• Manage day‑to‑day reliability and performance of HPC services.
• Build and maintain automation for predictable operations and rapid recovery.
• Enable HPC and containerized workflows aligned with academic needs.
• Provide advanced support and documentation for HPC services and systems.
• Configure and manage system and network security.
• Manage the installation and maintenance of HPC hardware and operating systems.
• Troubleshoot issues with HPC systems and services.
• Monitor and handle incoming service requests and incident tickets.
• Respond to security vulnerabilities, incidents, and outages in a timely manner.
• Monitor resource usage to enhance system capabilities and performance.
• Recommend upgrades based on growth statistics and disk space forecasts.
• Evaluate new technologies and integrate new systems into the computing environment.
• Document infrastructure for users, support and consulting personnel, and developers.
• Effectively communicate technical issues to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Maintain composure and de‑escalate situations when faculty or students experience technical problems.
• Occasional after‑hours or weekend work may be required for critical incidents or emergency situations.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Rice University Technology Solutions & Services(TS&S)

TS&S provides excellent constituent service, acting as a strategic partner to advance Rice University's priorities and mission of "pathbreaking research, unsurpassed teaching, and contribution to the betterment of our world." We fuel innovation across the university by building a culture of trust, using an effective operating model, driving seamless experiences, and providing core IT capabilities.

TS&S is service‑oriented and team‑enabling. We seek applicants who will contribute to our mission.

Trust Building and Stakeholder Engagement - Foster trust across campus by being transparent, reliable, consistent, and solution‑oriented in communication and execution. Ensure clear, consistent, and timely communication with all constituents, maintaining a service‑oriented mindset and addressing challenges with integrity.

Collaboration and Cross‑Functional Commitment - Work effectively with colleagues across teams, departments, and roles to support shared goals and a positive work environment. Communicate clearly and professionally with team members throughout OIT and across campus to ensure smooth coordination of tasks and projects. Build and maintain positive relationships with others by being approachable, reliable, and responsive. Proactively share relevant information and follow up to ensure alignment and efficiency in team efforts.

Agility and Responsiveness - Adapt quickly to evolving needs, technologies, and priorities, ensuring efficiency and relevance. Identify potential challenges in advance and take proactive steps to minimize disruption to end users. Approach unexpected changes with a problem‑solving mindset, balancing speed and thoughtful engagement. Prioritize user experience by delivering seamless, timely, and effective support and solutions. Maintain a culture of continuous learning, asking questions from a place of curiosity and possibility to enhance agility and service outcomes.

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement - Maintain a culture of continuous improvement in all IT operations to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. Regularly assess and optimize processes, systems, and technologies to enhance performance, scalability, and user satisfaction.

Rice University HR | Benefits:

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values:

Mission and Values | RiceUniversity

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.