Linux Systems Administrator

UNKNOWN; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

UNC-Chapel Hill seeks a Linux Systems Administrator to support the Sheps Center's research computing and DevOps needs. You will operate secure Linux environments for large-scale analytics and HIPAA-aligned research workloads, collaborating with researchers, data scientists, and engineers.

The role emphasizes automation, IaC, CI/CD, and secure data handling within IRB-governed settings. Bachelor's or Master's in a related field is required, with 0–2 years of experience acceptable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience administering Linux systems in multi-user or research environments.
• DevOps practices including automation, configuration management, version control, and CI/CD workflows.
• Git or similar tools for source control and collaborative development workflows.
• Infrastructure-as-Code or configuration management solutions.
• Container technologies such as Podman, Docker, or Kubernetes.
• Azure, AWS, or other cloud platforms.
• NIST 800-53 security controls.
• HIPAA-aligned or regulated data environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate secure, reliable Linux-based environments for large-scale analytics, statistical computing and research database workloads.
• Design, automate, secure, and operate infrastructure in HIPAA-aligned and IRB-governed research settings.
• Collaborate with researchers, data scientists, and analysts to plan and implement infrastructure tasks from scoping to deployment.
• Provide documentation, support, and continuous improvement of research computing environments.

Skills

Linux administration

Research computing environments

DevOps practices

Automation

Version control

CI/CD workflows

Infrastructure-as-Code

Podman

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure

AWS

NIST 800-53 controls

HIPAA data environments

Data science collaboration

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science

Tools

Git

Job description

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. This is accomplished through an interdisciplinary program of research, consultation, technical assistance, and training that focuses on timely and policy-relevant questions concerning the accessibility, adequacy, organization, cost, and effectiveness of health care services, and the dissemination of this information to policymakers and the general public.

Position Summary

Come work at the Sheps Center for Health Services Research supporting the technical infrastructure behind cutting-edge health services research. This position helps research teams address critical questions facing health and healthcare by operating secure, reliable Linux-based environments for large-scale analytics, statistical computing, machine learning, and research database workloads.

The Linux Systems Administrator – Research Computing & DevOps works closely with senior infrastructure staff, faculty, statisticians, analysts, data scientists, and research professionals to design, automate, secure, and operate Linux-based environments supporting sensitive healthcare data in HIPAA -aligned and IRB -governed research settings.

The position requires independent judgment, technical ownership, and the ability to manage and prioritize a full spectrum of infrastructure tasks from project scoping and requirements gathering through deployment, documentation, support, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master’s or Bachelors and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience administering Linux systems in multi-user or research environments.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience with DevOps practices, including automation, configuration management, version control, and CI/CD workflows.
• Experience using Git or similar tools for source control and collaborative development workflows.
• Experience developing Infrastructure-as-Code or configuration management solutions.
• Familiarity with container technologies such as Podman, Docker, or Kubernetes.
• Experience working with Azure, AWS , or other cloud platforms.
• Experience with NIST 800-53 security controls.
• Experience supporting academic or healthcare research computing environments
• Familiarity with HIPAA -aligned or otherwise regulated data environments
• Experience working with data science or statistical computing teams

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or most closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above