Specialist: e-Research Systems Administration

UWC Sport; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in South Africa is looking for a Specialist: e-Research Systems Administration to manage High Performance Computing and cloud-integrated systems. Responsibilities include installing and maintaining systems, providing technical consultation, and user training. The ideal candidate should have relevant experience and qualifications, along with strong communication and project management skills. This position is based in Bellville, Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Relevant Honours degree or equivalent qualification at NQF8.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in systems administration.
• Proven track record managing Linux and Windows servers.

Responsibilities

• Manage High Performance Computing and cloud-integrated systems.
• Install, configure, and maintain application systems.
• Provide user training and documentation.

Skills

Scripting languages (Bash, Python)

Interpersonal skills

Project management skills

Communication skills

Adaptability to research IT

Education

Honours degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering

Master’s degree in quantitative fields (added advantage)

Tools

Linux

Windows

SLURM

OpenStack

AWS

Azure

iRODS

REDCap

Job description

Title of Position

Specialist: e-Research Systems Administration

Post Number

9089

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation -> e-Research Office

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

31/8/2025

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape has over the past few years steadily become one of the research-led teaching and learning universities in South Africa, with the capacity to produce and advance new knowledge in recognised research strength and the translation of this knowledge through innovation endeavours. In order to accelerate research, the University established the eResearch Unit in the office of the DVC (Research and Innovation) in 2019. This unit supports and promotes the use of advanced information technologies to enable better, faster and higher-impact research at UWC.

An exciting opportunity exists in the eResearch Unit for a suitably qualified candidate to the position of Specialist: eResearch Systems Administration. The appointed person will be responsible for managing High Performance Computing (HPC), cloud-integrated systems, and Research Data Management (RDM) solutions to deliver scalable, reliable computational resources. The role involves installing, configuring, operating, and maintaining Linux, Windows, and application systems that support research infrastructure. Key tasks include managing research software environments, monitoring system health, troubleshooting, and ensuring optimal performance and security. The Specialist: eResearch Systems Administration applies predictive analytics to optimize resource usage and maintain compliance with cybersecurity and regulatory standards. Additionally, the role provides technical consultation, user training, and documentation, while implementing improvements that align with the eResearch Office’s strategic objectives to support computational and data-driven research.

The successful candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following key areas:

• High Performance and Cloud-integrated Computing infrastructure management
• Provisioning and lifecycle management of research software environments
• Research data management infrastructure support
• User access management and authentication on eResearch infrastructure
• Predictive system monitoring and intelligent resource optimization
• Researcher enablement, technical consulting, and capacity building
• Assume other ad hoc tasks related to the eResearch Office’s mission
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements:(Qualification & Experience)

• A relevant Honours degree or a relevant equivalent qualification at NQF8 in Computer Science, Information Technology or Computer Engineering
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in systems administration with a proven track record managing Linux- and Windows-based servers, storage systems, and enterprise IT environments.
• Practical experience with technologies such as SLURM, OpenStack, AWS, or Azure for research computing.
• Practical experience with RDM platforms such as iRODS, YoDa, or equivalent, and familiarity with research data capture tools like REDCap. A strong understanding of FAIR data principles is essential.
  
  

Added Advantage

• A Master’s degree (NQF 9 level) in statistics, mathematics, computer science or other quantitative fields.
  
  

Required competencies: (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes)

• Ability to use scripting languages such as Bash or Python to automate system tasks and workflows.
• Adept at engaging with researchers, delivering user training, and developing clear, comprehensive technical documentation.
• Adaptable to the rapidly evolving landscape of research IT infrastructure, with a proactive approach to acquiring new skills and technologies.
• A high level of integrity in handling sensitive information
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, use initiative, and be flexible.
• Sound knowledge of university research environment, including relevant legislation and policies
• Project management skills
• Excellent communication skills– written and verbal
• Excellent interpersonal skills
  
  

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.