Systems Administrator

Job Purpose

We are looking to appoint a systems administrator with experience of high-performance computing (HPC) to support our bioinformatics and computational biology research in the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and School of Infection and Immunity (Sii) at the University of Glasgow. The postholder will work with our existing systems administrator to maintain our mostly Linux-based research computing infrastructure. Responsibilities include taking care of HPC systems administration, overseeing network security, user support, installing bioinformatics databases and software. Experience of working with cloud-based infrastructures would be an advantage.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support Sii and CVR research in the provision of research computing infrastructure.

2. Install, operate, manage, maintain and optimise the Sii and CVR’s HPC infrastructure.  Investigate and resolve system and network problems, applying expert knowledge.

3. Implement and maintain back-up, and long-term data and software archiving strategies.

4. Install and maintain dedicated bioinformatics databases and software for use by Sii and CVR researchers.

5. Optimise working practices and efficiency in Sii and CVR’s computing needs.

6. To work independently and be responsible for the management of data, its storage and backup, ensuring compliance with appropriate data handling policy at all times.

7. Generate documentation for research staff and students to facilitate the use of computational resources.

8. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and Institute-wide research group activities.

9. Keep up to date with best practices in IT, set up and evaluate new approaches to improve internal systems and practices.

10. Assist staff to efficiently connect and work on the HPC infrastructure.

11. To maintain continuous professional development - keep up to date with the latest software development technologies and methodologies.

12. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan - Inspiring People – Changing the World. http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualification

Essential:

A1. SCQF level 9, (Ordinary Degree, SVQ level 4), or equivalent in IT or related discipline (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s), or ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.
A2. Knowledge of Linux/Unix systems administration.

A3. Familiarity with virtualisation technologies.
A4. Knowledge of computer security, data protection and vulnerability management.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Excellent skills in Linux/Unix systems administration.
C2. Ability to organise and maintain HPC computing resources, managing multiple systems concurrently and in a timely manner to adhere to deadlines.

C3. Excellent communication and people skills with the ability to support staff with technical and non-technical backgrounds.
C4. Good understanding of fundamental networking concepts such as switching and routing.

C5. Highly developed problem-solving skills
C6. Self motivation, with the ability to work independently to progress projects and also integrate within a team

Desirable:

D1. Familiarity with databases, eg, MySQL, and cloud computing, eg, AWS.
D2. Competent in Windows server platform systems administration.

D3. Familiarity with bioinformatics research and associated computing requirements.
D4. Working knowledge of maintenance of biological databases and software in Unix/Linux environment.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Significant experience in a relevant high quality IT role, preferably within a research environment.
E2 Experience of Linux/Unix systems administration.

E3. Experience of operating successfully in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
E4. Experience of managing IT systems involving complex scientific data.

Desirable:

F1 Experience of HPC within a bioinformatics research environment.
F2 Experience of storage and backup of research data.

F3 Experience with setting up and managing databases.
F4 Evidence of proficiency across a range of operating systems, eg, Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.

F5 Experience of shell scripting and scripting languages such as Python.
F6 Experience of Windows server platform administration.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and has funding available until 31st July 2029.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.