Linux Systems Administrator (80-100%)
sciCORE is the center of competence for scientific computing at the University of Basel, Switzerland's oldest university and one consistently ranked among the world's leading research institutions.
sciCORE provides advanced infrastructure and services for more than 2,000 researchers, including high-performance computing, scientific data processing and storage, secure research environments, consulting, and training.
To strengthen our Systems Team, we invite applications for a Linux Systems Administrator, 80–100%. The position is embedded in a collaborative technical environment responsible for operating and developing a research infrastructure comprising CPU- and GPU-based HPC systems, petabyte-scale storage, scientific web services, secure environments for sensitive data, and emerging AI-related services.
The role can be shaped around your strengths and interests-whether in HPC, storage, automation, networking, scientific web services, secure infrastructure, or AI infrastructure. We do not expect you to bring experience in all these areas; we are looking for strong Linux expertise, an interest in research computing, and skills that complement our team.
The University of Basel is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer committed to excellence through diversity.
Your position
- Operate, maintain, and improve Linux-based research computing infrastructure, spanning HPC and GPU systems, servers, virtual machines, containers, storage integrations, scientific software environments, data-transfer services, and user-facing services.
- Deploy, maintain, and improve scientific web services and research platforms in collaboration with researchers, software engineers, and data specialists
- Contribute to secure and reliable infrastructure for sensitive research data, including access controls, system hardening, monitoring, documentation, and compliance-oriented operational practices
- Automate recurring administrative tasks and infrastructure workflows using scripting, configuration management, version control, and infrastructure-as-code practices
- Monitor systems and services, investigate incidents, resolve operational issues, and contribute to continuous improvement of reliability, observability, and performance
- Collaborate with colleagues across systems administration, scientific support, data management, IT security, and research software engineering
- Support researchers in the practical use of scientific computing infrastructure and help translate research needs into robust technical solutions
- Contribute to the evaluation and operation of new technologies relevant to research computing, including containerized services, GPU-based workflows, and emerging AI-related infrastructure
Your profile
- Degree in computer science, information technology, computational science, engineering, or equivalent professional experience
- Strong hands-on Linux administration experience is essential. Experience in research or other complex technical environments is highly desirable
- Solid understanding of core systems administration topics, including networking, storage, authentication, monitoring, automation, troubleshooting, and security basics
- Experience in one or more relevant areas such as HPC, large-scale storage, virtualization, containers, configuration management, scientific web services, secure infrastructure, or GPU/AI infrastructure
- Good scripting and automation skills, for example with shell scripting, Python, Ansible, Git, CI/CD workflows, or infrastructure-as-code tools
- Ability to diagnose complex technical problems across systems, services, users, and infrastructure layers
- Ability to work independently, take ownership of operational responsibilities, and drive tasks to completion while collaborating effectively with the team
- Interest in supporting scientific research and working with researchers from diverse disciplines
- Reliable, structured, and service-oriented working style, with strong documentation habits
- Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary technical team
- Fluency in English; German language skills or willingness to improve them are an advantage
The ideal candidate has a strong Linux systems background, enjoys troubleshooting complex infrastructure problems, and is motivated to support scientific research. Experience in HPC or research computing is an advantage, but a solid operational Linux foundation and willingness to learn are more important than covering every technology listed.
We offer you
- A meaningful role supporting cutting-edge research across disciplines at the University of Basel
- A technically diverse environment spanning HPC, storage, Linux infrastructure, research platforms, sensitive data environments, and emerging AI-related services
- The opportunity to specialize and grow in areas aligned with your strengths and interests
- A collaborative team culture with highly qualified colleagues in systems administration, scientific support, data management, research software engineering, and IT security
- Support for your professional development through training, continuing education, and participation in relevant conferences, workshops, and professional networks
- Family-friendly employment conditions according to University of Basel regulations
We look forward to receiving your complete application via the university's online application portal (see button below). Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation, and the names of three potential referees. Applications by email cannot be considered. For further information, please contact scicore@unibas.ch.
The position will remain open until filled.
