Specialist: E-Research Systems Administration

Uwc Sport; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent South African university is seeking a Specialist: e-Research Systems Administration to manage High Performance Computing and cloud services. The role requires at least 5 years of experience in systems administration and a relevant Honours degree in Computer Science or related fields. Key responsibilities include maintenance of Linux and Windows systems, managing research data, and providing user training. This full-time position is based on the Main Campus in Bellville.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in systems administration.
• Experience with Linux- and Windows-based servers.
• Understanding of FAIR data principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage High Performance and Cloud-integrated Computing infrastructure.
• Support research data management infrastructure.
• Provide user training and technical consultation.

Skills

Linux server management

Windows server management

Research Data Management (RDM)

Scripting languages (Bash, Python)

Communication skills

Education

Honours degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Master's degree (NQF 9) in quantitative fields

Tools

SLURM

OpenStack

AWS

Azure

REDCap

Job description

Overview

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: 31/10/2025

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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

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

Required competencies

• 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

Application Instructions

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. 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. To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link or apply directly via UWC Careers. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at /9763/9708/3551/3756 or email: e-

Legal and Diversity Notice

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.