Research Systems Administrator

Old Dominion University; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, is seeking a Research Systems Administrator to maintain and support the computing and network environment for Sponsored Programs Administration. You will manage AD DS, Windows Server, and enterprise systems, while assisting staff with technical issues and ensuring secure, reliable operations.

The role covers installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of workstations, applications, and networked systems, along with developing documentation and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Including user/group management, OU structure, and permissions.
• Experience with Windows Server administration, domain controllers, DNS and DHCP.
• Familiarity with computer networks, hardware, and desktop OS.
• Basic understanding of network security and data protection.
• Experience in systems troubleshooting and end-user support.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and support computing infrastructure, network environment, and enterprise systems for Sponsored Programs Administration.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and system issues; manage user access and permissions.
• Install, configure, and maintain workstations, applications, and networked systems.
• Develop and update system documentation and support helpdesk operations.
• Support system upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

Skills

Active Directory

Windows Server

Networking

Security

Troubleshooting

Helpdesk support

Documentation

End-user support

Team collaboration

Tools

VMware

Remote Desktop Services

IIS

SQL Server

Job description

Job Summary

The Research Systems Administrator supports the technology environment that enables the operational and administrative functions of Sponsored Programs Administration within the ODU Research Foundation. This position is responsible for maintaining and supporting the organization's computing infrastructure, network environment, and enterprise systems used to manage research administration, financial operations, and organizational reporting.

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title

Research Systems Administrator

Department

SPONSORED PROGRAMS

Position Number

FP109A

Location

Norfolk, VA

Job Summary

The Research Systems Administrator supports the technology environment that enables the operational and administrative functions of Sponsored Programs Administration within the ODU Research Foundation. This position is responsible for maintaining and supporting the organization's computing infrastructure, network environment, and enterprise systems used to manage research administration, financial operations, and organizational reporting. This role provides direct technical support for staff and administrators, including diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and system issues; managing user access and permissions; and supporting the installation, configuration, and maintenance of workstations, applications, and networked systems. The position develops and maintains system documentation, supports helpdesk operations, and helps ensure reliable system performance, security, and availability. In addition, the Research Systems Administrator supports system upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and operational initiatives that support the evolving technology needs of Sponsored Programs Administration for the ODU Research Foundation, a separate 501 (3) entity. This role works collaboratively with their supervisor and organizational partners to help support secure, reliable, and effective technology services across the Foundation's research administration environment.

Position Type

FullTime

Type of Recruitment

General Public

Minimum Qualifications

Working knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), including user and group management, organizational units, account lifecycle management, NTFS permissions, and delegated access controls. Working knowledge of Windows Server administration, including domain controllers, file/print services, DNS, and DHCP. Working knowledge of computer networks, hardware, and desktop operating systems. Basic knowledge of network security principles and data protection practices. Working knowledge of systems troubleshooting and helpdesk support practices. Working skill in diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues. Considerable ability to follow and interpret technical documentation and procedures. Working ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical users. Considerable ability to work collaboratively under direction while managing assigned tasks independently. Demonstrated progressively responsible experience in IT support, including working responsibility for systems support and Active Directory (AD DS) administration in a professional environment. Experience providing considerable direct end-user support in a structured organizational setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of VMware virtual environments and administration. Basic knowledge of Remote Desktop Services, IIS & SQL Server, databases, and reporting tools. Certification in Microsoft, CompTIA, Security+, or related IT support technologies. Working knowledge of Group Policy administration. Considerable experience providing multi-level helpdesk support. Working knowledge of backup and disaster recovery tools. Considerable knowledge of nonprofit or higher education IT environments. Considerable ability to provide system training and end-user documentation. Basic knowledge of project coordination principles.

Conditions of Employment

n/a

Job Open Date

07/13/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Application Review Date

07/24/2026

Job Close Date

Special Instructions To Applicants / Additional Materials Required

Criminal Background Check

The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.

Department Information

Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at .

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or consistent with contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

ODU Statement

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia's forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia's economy.