Research Infrastructure System Administrator

Harvard Medical School; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off, including parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one

Retirement plans with university contributions

Professional development opportunities

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard Medical School is seeking a Research Infrastructure System Administrator to support research by maintaining the platforms, applications, and databases to ensure reliable environments. You will work closely with teams to develop and support user-facing tools while participating in collaborative projects aligned with the university's mission.

The role involves a focus on operational support, problem-solving, and contributions to infrastructure automation. The position supports a diverse research community and provides a solid opportunity for professional development and growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience in relevant systems administration roles.
• Experience with web-hosted environments preferred.
• Strong commitment to supporting research through reliable infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Configure and support research applications and platforms.
• Administer and maintain research databases and systems.
• Develop and support APIs and user access platforms.
• Implement monitoring and alerting systems for platform health.
• Troubleshoot application and infrastructure issues.

Skills

Linux-based systems administration

Research-oriented platforms (Globus, ELNs, Open OnDemand)

Relational databases (MySQL, Postgres)

Containerization (Docker, Podman)

API development

Scripting (Python, Bash)

Troubleshooting skills

Documentation

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Minimum two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Tools

Docker

MySQL

Postgres

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why Join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well‑being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership. You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world‑renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

As a Research Infrastructure System Administrator within the Research Technology Infrastructure (RTI) team, you will support research at HMS by building, configuring, and maintaining the platforms, applications, and databases that enable reliable and secure research environments. You will administer researcher‑facing tools and services, including application platforms (e.g., Omero, Globus, Redcap), web‑hosted systems, and databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres). The role includes developing APIs, supporting HPC access platforms (e.g., Open OnDemand), and implementing monitoring solutions to ensure system health. You will also contribute to infrastructure automation using modern DevOps practices such as containerization, distributed storage, and orchestration platforms. This role emphasizes operational support, independent problem‑solving, and collaborative project work in service of research activities.

Core Duties

• Configure, maintain, and support research applications and platforms (e.g., Omero, Globus, Redcap, Starfish, ELNs).
• Administer and maintain research databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres) and web‑hosted systems integrated with research computing infrastructure.
• Develop and support APIs, license servers, and researcher portals to facilitate data and service access.
• Support user access platforms including Open OnDemand and HPC account management workflows.
• Implement and maintain monitoring and alerting systems to ensure the health and performance of RTI platforms.
• Develop and deploy application services using DevOps tools such as containers, distributed storage, and orchestration platforms.
• Participate in the full lifecycle of application and platform development, from design through deployment and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot infrastructure, database, and application‑level issues independently or in coordination with cross‑functional teams.
• Collaborate with researchers and IT colleagues to support evolving research needs and ensure robust and secure solutions.
• Contribute to documentation, best practices, and operational knowledge sharing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ post‑secondary education or relevant work experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with Linux‑based systems administration in a research or academic setting.
• Familiarity with research‑oriented platforms and services (e.g., Globus, ELNs, Open OnDemand).
• Experience administering relational databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres) and web‑hosted environments.
• Working knowledge of containerization (e.g., Docker, Podman), orchestration, and configuration management.
• Ability to develop and maintain scripts and APIs using languages such as Python or Bash.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to supporting the research mission through reliable and secure infrastructure.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non‑Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.