Linux Systems Administrator for HPC/HTC & Research

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Linux Systems Administrator within ITS Research Computing. You will design, deploy, operate and maintain HPC/HTC services and related storage, networking, containers, and monitoring components to support world-class academic research.

The role requires strong Linux expertise, ability to work with researchers and vendors, and adherence to security and change-management practices.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Linux operating systems in enterprise/research contexts.
• Automation/configuration-management tools such as Cobbler, SALT, or Ansible for large-scale deployments.
• Familiarity with enterprise storage platforms, capacity monitoring, health assessment, and basic hardware maintenance.
• Ability to interpret monitoring/logging data to maintain service continuity; strong change-management practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to engage with faculty, researchers, and vendors.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in data-center environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, operate, and maintain services for HTC/HPC and related infrastructure.
• Lead and contribute to architecture/automation of services including storage, networking, containers, monitoring, and orchestration.
• Ensure security, data handling and compliance across systems.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and service owners; engage with vendors and internal teams.
• Maintain observability platforms and telemetry to ensure reliable, well-governed operations.

Skills

Linux administration

Automation tools

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Security/compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s + 1-2 years

Bachelor’s + 2-4 years

Tools

Cobbler

SALT

Ansible

Job description

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Linux Systems Administrator within ITS Research Computing. You will design, deploy, operate and maintain HPC/HTC services and related storage, networking, containers, and monitoring components to support world-class academic research.

The role requires strong Linux expertise, ability to work with researchers and vendors, and adherence to security and change-management practices.