System Administrator; BE-CSS-ISA--LD

Job Description

As a skilled and experienced Linux System Administrator managing critical server hardware in CERN’s accelerator data centre from procurement to installation, configuration and operation, you will contribute to the unique challenge of making CERN’s particle accelerators function in an efficient and robust manner. You will join the Controls Software & Services group, working on the computing infrastructure needed to run the largest particle physics laboratory in the world.

The 24/7 availability of core control system services is critical to the operation of CERN’s particle accelerators, enabling the organization to fulfil its central mission. Our team helps make this a success through the development, operation and evolution of the computing infrastructure in data centres and control rooms used to run the accelerator facilities.

You will have the opportunity to join a passionate system administration team and influence the evolution of this complex and challenging infrastructure, imprinting your remarkable engineering skills on mission‑critical solutions for CERN.

• System administration tasks for the Linux computers connected to the accelerator control system (control room consoles, data centre servers, real‑time embedded platforms and virtual machines).
• Investigation, diagnosis and resolution of operational problems in collaboration with end‑users ranging from equipment specialists to operations teams.
• Management of data centre infrastructure, including servers, racks and their relationships with networking, powering and cooling.
• Management of desktop computers in control rooms and technical buildings.
• Management of networked data‑storage systems, ensuring that they are effectively backed up.
• Planning and coordination of annual installation work and replacement of obsolete equipment, in collaboration with other members of the system administration team.
• Close collaboration with engineers from the IT Department responsible for the general CERN IT infrastructure.
• Participation in the definition of hardware specifications for server and desktop computers as part of their procurement processes.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.

• Knowledge of the Linux operating system and experience with its administration.
• Experience in the operation of computing infrastructures in a data centre environment.
• Experience with the installation and management of commercial server platforms.
• Experience with configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet or similar and a version control system such as Git would be advantageous.

• Installation, operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of computing systems.
• Knowledge of operating systems: specifically Linux.
• Operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of storage systems.
• Operation and maintenance of networks.

• Achieving Results: structured and organised approach towards work; setting priorities and planning tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Working in Teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up‑to‑date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information.

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 21.06.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

• Contract type:
  Limited duration contract (5 years).…