Senior Research Systems Administrator

Overview

In this role you will shape and operate a university-wide research computing service, building and evolving Linux-based infrastructure for HPC, HTC, and emerging AI/GPU platforms. You will work with researchers and cross-functional teams to translate scientific needs into practical, secure, scalable solutions. You’ll influence service development and automation, contributing to the way the service evolves as it matures. This is a chance to impact high-impact research computing across the University of Oxford.

Pay / Benefits

• 38 days annual leave
• generous family leave
• hybrid and flexible working
• contributory pension scheme
• cycle loan scheme
• Rental Deposit Loan Scheme

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and operate complex Linux-based infrastructure and services across HPC/HTC platforms and AI-enabled services
• Develop automation and platform improvements via scripting and IaC to enhance reliability and delivery
• Collaborate with researchers and technical colleagues to translate requirements into practical solutions
• Contribute to platform development, security, and continuous improvement of IT services
• Provide specialist support, training, and community engagement to help researchers use advanced computing effectively
• Engage with multiple disciplines across the University to align computing capabilities with evolving research needs
• Utilise technologies including Linux/Unix, Kubernetes, container orchestration, storage and networking
• Assist in shaping the evolving university-wide research computing service and its ways of working

Key requirements

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience
• Extensive experience designing, implementing and supporting Linux-based infrastructure
• Scripting experience (Python or Bash) for automation
• Experience deploying and operating containerised platforms (Kubernetes)
• Experience with HPC/HTC systems and job schedulers
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Ansible)
• Contributions to design, security and continuous improvement of IT services
• Strong communication and collaboration skills and ability to adapt to changing requirements

• Strong communication
• Collaborative work style
• Ability to work independently
• Linux/Unix infrastructure design and administration
• Kubernetes and container orchestration
• Scripting in Python or Bash

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