Systems Administrator

Conditions. Workplace Diversity, LLC.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance

Retirement plans with university contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Conditions. Workplace Diversity, LLC. is hiring a System Administrator for the Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR) at Harvard University. This role involves maintaining and administering complex Linux, Windows, and VMware environments.

The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of 5 years of relevant IT experience, and strong communication skills. Benefits include generous paid time off, medical coverage from day one, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant IT experience, including 3+ years in systems administration.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting virtual server environments.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the IT Infrastructure Team to maintain and administer computer environments.
• Plan and conduct comprehensive infrastructure engineering duties.
• Provide expert-level technical and project leadership.

Skills

Red Hat Linux

Microsoft Windows Server

Virtualization

Linux shell scripting

Statistical software (SAS, R, Python)

Ansible

Jira

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

VMware

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.

Job Summary

The Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR), an organization within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is responsible for the design, monitoring, and statistical analysis of clinical trials and observational studies for several major national and international NIH-funded clinical research networks. CBAR employs over 100 statisticians, programmers, research scientists, faculty, and staff. The System Administrator position is part of the CBAR Infrastructure Team within the Department of Information Technology, providing state‑of‑the‑art computational expertise to support CBAR.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the IT Infrastructure Team to maintain and administer Linux, Windows, and VMware computer environments and related networks, including hardware, system software, applications software, networking, and all configurations.
• Plan and conduct comprehensive infrastructure engineering duties, building, configuring, and maintaining systems, and implementing IT solutions to complex business problems.
• Provide expert‑level technical and project leadership, managing and contributing to multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactively plan, coordinate, and implement system security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
• Participate in new projects involving disaster recovery, compliance, business continuity, and security solutions.
• Monitor performance, create accounts, and manage access to the CBAR computing environment.
• Perform routine system startup and shutdown procedures, apply patches, manage and install packages, and perform updates and upgrades to maintain a stable environment, including data backups and disaster recovery operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve user and server issues promptly, documenting solutions and working directly with users to solve computing problems.
• Work flexible hours, including longer hours during implementation and evaluation, and one Saturday maintenance per month.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting of up to approximately 50 pounds.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant IT experience, including 3+ years in systems administration.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting virtual server environments and applying security measures.
• Familiarity with data security compliance standards such as NIST 800-53 and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Experience with the following technologies:
  • Red Hat Linux
  • Microsoft Windows Server and Active Directory
  • Virtualization (e.g., VMware)
  • Linux shell scripting
  • Statistical software (e.g., SAS, R, Python) on a research computing cluster (plus)
  • Ansible and Jira (plus)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with empathy toward coworkers and customers.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, self‑starter, able to communicate complex IT and security concepts effectively to non‑technical people.

Certificates and Licenses

• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) and CompTia Server+ certifications required within 1 year of hire if not already held; costs will be paid by the hiring department.
• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: November 30, 2027
• 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, Education, Criminal.

Benefits

• 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

Work Format Details

This position is hybrid, with a combination of on‑campus/in‑person work and remote work. Work schedule and location will be determined by the department based on operational needs. Employees may work at a non‑Harvard location provided they are in a Harvard‑registered state and meet sponsorship requirements.

Salary Grade and Ranges

Position salary grade level 057. Salary range information is available on the university salary ranges portal.

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 prohibits 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. Harvard’s policies help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.