Information Systems Analyst; U - Astronomy

Information Systems Analyst (7309U) – Astronomy

This position provides local embedded IT support with specialized knowledge of departmental systems and needs. The analyst is responsible for IT expertise across systems, networking, and user support to design, implement, and maintain departmental technology solutions. Duties include managing Linux‑based systems, servers, firewalls, and network infrastructure, including specialized lab environments; developing and automating systems through scripting and programming; ensuring security and disaster recovery readiness;

leading technical troubleshooting; and collaborating with campus IT, vendors, and departmental stakeholders to deliver reliable, secure, and efficient technology services.

• Apply IT concepts to perform complex analyses and functions across multiple IT specializations, defining, designing, and implementing network communications and solutions.
• Provide timely local technical support to faculty, staff, and students for hardware and software issues, including campus services such as VPN, Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and local printer access.
• Assist faculty and instructors with classroom and instructional technology, acting as liaison between local users and campus IT support teams.
• Design and configure network topology for the unit, including a private subnet for the Undergraduate Astronomy Lab.
• Maintain Linux‑based network of computers for undergraduate lab courses and departmental firewalls, controlling access to networked systems.
• Maintain department servers, select workstations, and support local server room and hardware, including network‑attached storage.
• Develop and automate existing manual system workflows, write Linux/UNIX shell and Python scripts for account maintenance and other tasks, and prepare programming documentation.
• Design and implement disaster recovery plans and interface them with the Business Resumption Plan.
• Analyze, install, modify, and support operating systems and application software, including LAN/WAN projects and business problem solutions with automated systems.
• Recommend changes in development, maintenance, and system standards; train users on conversion and implementation of systems.
• Support departmental communications, including updating the department website, visual displays, and monitoring digital accessibility.
• Provide audiovisual support, debug audio‑visual system issues, and coordinate updates of the website content.
• Act as liaison and subject‑matter expert with campus and outside vendors for IT and AV related tasks.
• Maintain department listservs, recommend computing equipment, and collaborate with the department engineer for Leuschner Observatory IT needs.
• Continuously upgrade technical skills as new features and modules of campus systems become available, maintaining professional knowledge and staying current with related policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience or training.
• Experience maintaining computer server hardware, including replacing storage drives, fans, and power supplies.
• Experience maintaining network firewall and router NAT configurations.
• Experience configuring Network‑Attached Storage servers and clients (Linux, macOS).
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, network security, Wi‑Fi, and Ethernet.
• Knowledge of commonly used applications in astronomy and related fields, including Python, Astropy, and IDL.
• Experience with multiple operating systems, with emphasis on Linux (Ubuntu, RHEL, OpenSUSE) and macOS.
• Advanced knowledge of IT security best practices and policies, demonstrated experience securing server‑based software.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, motivation to learn, and persistence in addressing technical challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to write clear and concise technical documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, providing interpersonal and customer‑service skills for technical and non‑technical personnel.

Base salary range: $91,500 to $125,000 per year. The full payroll title range is $91,500 to $168,900 per year. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. The position is FLSA exempt and paid monthly.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

This is not a visa opportunity.