Systems Administrator

Harvard University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans with contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A prestigious public health institution in Boston seeks a System Administrator to join its Infrastructure Team. The role involves maintaining and administering both Linux and Windows environments, as well as introducing IT solutions for complex business problems. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of relevant experience, including systems administration. A hybrid work model is available, providing flexibility along with a strong focus on collaboration and service excellence.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant IT experience, including 3 in systems administration.
• Experience with security measures to protect data.
• Ability to communicate complex IT concepts effectively.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and administer Linux, Windows, and VMware environments.
• Plan and conduct comprehensive infrastructure engineering duties.
• Monitor performance and manage system security measures.

Skills

Linux system administration

Windows server management

Virtualization (VMware)

Linux shell scripting

Data security compliance

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Red Hat Linux

Microsoft Windows Server

Ansible

Jira

Job 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 the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world‑renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting‑edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission‑driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work‑life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

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. CBAR provides statistical analysis for the world's largest network of AIDS Clinical Researchers. Currently this includes infectious disease networks such as: Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally for HIV/AIDS and Other Infections (ACTG), the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Network (IMPAACT), and the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS). Results from studies have helped to establish the paradigm for the treatment and prevention of HIV and other infectious diseases, and contributed to international treatment and prevention guidelines. CBAR has a hybrid work environment which includes a combination of on‑campus/in‑person work and remote work.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

The Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR) is actively recruiting a System Administrator position as part of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Infrastructure Team within the Department of Information Technology, providing state‑of‑the‑art computational expertise to the CBAR.

The System Administrator will collaborate with other members of the IT Infrastructure Team, maintaining and administering Linux, Windows, and VMware computer environments and related computing networks, including computer hardware, system software, applications software, networking, and all configurations. The System Administrator will plan and conduct comprehensive infrastructure engineering duties. The role will perform expert level build, configuration and maintenance across systems, and implement IT solutions to complex business problems. The System Administrator will provide expert level technical and project leadership, and may manage and be a key contributor on multiple projects simultaneously.

The System Administrator will be responsible for proactively planning, coordinating, and implementing system security measures to protect data, software, and hardware. The System Administrator will also be involved in exciting new projects involving the planning and orchestrating disaster recovery, compliance, business continuity, and security solutions for the CBAR computing environment. This is the ideal role for a person who enjoys planning, coordinating and implementing IT systems and cyber security measures to protect data, software and hardware.

The System Administrator will also monitor the performance of, create accounts for, and manage access to the CBAR computing environment, and will be responsible for performing routine system startup and shutdown procedures, applying patches, managing and installing packages, and performing updates and upgrades to maintain a stable environment (including performing data back‑ups and disaster recovery operations). This position will assist with troubleshooting and resolving user/server issues promptly and with proper documentation. This includes working directly with users to solve computing problems.

Please note that this position requires schedule flexibility to work longer hours when implementing and evaluating technology and, as necessary, to troubleshoot and resolve problems. This includes maintenance one Saturday each month. Commitment to customer service, experience and/or comfort working in a demanding, fast‑paced environment, keeping abreast of industry trends and changes in technologies, team‑orientation and flexibility are all attributes of a successful applicant to this position.

PLEASE NOTE: Certifications in Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is preferred. Within 1 year of hire, the finalist must obtain RHCSA and CompTIA Server+ certification if they do not have it prior to hire. The costs will be paid for by the hiring department.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires occasional lifting (of up to ~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
• 5+ years of relevant IT experience, including 3+ years in systems administration
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting virtual server environments, experience with security measures to protect data, software, and hardware, and familiarity with data security compliance standards such as NIST 800‑53 and 21 CFR Part 11
• Experience in the following technologies:
  • Red Hat Linux
  • Microsoft Windows Server and Active Directory
  • Virtualization (e.g., VMware)
  • Linux shell scripting
  • Experience with statistical software (e.g., SAS, R, Python) on a research computing cluster is a plus
  • Experience with Ansible and Jira are a plus
• Excellent interpersonal skills with aptitude to be empathetic toward coworkers and customers
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Organized, attention to detail, self‑starter, able to communicate complex IT and security concepts effectively with non‑technical people

Certificates and Licenses

• Certifications in Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) and CompTIA Server+ is required within 1 year of being hired if the person is not certified prior to being hired. The costs will be paid for by the hiring department.
• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: N/A
• 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

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre‑employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period.

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.