System Administrator - SSRL

Overview

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is a national scientific user facility and a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. SSRL operates an electron accelerator servicing approximately 30 x‑ray and ultraviolet beamlines to support research in microelectronics, energy storage, biological and medical sciences, Earth science, and materials science. Each beamline is tailored to specific experimental techniques that probe the structure and function of matter from atomic to millimeter scales and across time scales spanning many orders of magnitude.

This diversity requires a wide range of instrumentation, sample environment controls, and data acquisition approaches.

• Configure and maintain Network‑Attached Storage (NAS) and Storage Area Networks (SAN) systems.
• Provision physical and virtual systems for various Linux distributions and Windows operating systems.
• Perform hypervisor administration to support virtual machine (VM) management.
• Configure storage, data stores, and network settings for virtual systems.
• Maintain systems by applying necessary patches and firmware updates.
• Monitor and optimize performance for storage systems, virtualized environments and physical servers to ensure availability, reliability and resource efficiency.
• Implement cyber security and compliance measures.
• Create and manage user accounts, security groups, and access permissions.
• Maintain and optimize backup and disaster recovery systems to ensure data integrity for operational continuity.
• Assist with storage capacity planning by analyzing data usage trends.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software failures.
• Document system architecture, configurations and procedures.
• Participate in cross‑division operations meetings to coordinate support and maintenance efforts.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer information systems, computer engineering, or related field and 5 years of relevant experience in system administration.
• Experience with complex multi‑system platforms and vendors.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Windows operating systems and various Linux distributions.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, LAN switching, WAN routing, and firewalls.
• Ability to take initiative independently while maintaining broad communication with team members.
• Advanced knowledge of security trends, best practices, and security protocols.
• Knowledge and understanding of remote access tools and applications.
• Shell/command line capabilities via Windows and Linux distributions.
• Experience with LDAP and Active Directory.
• Ability to identify and manage priorities.
• Demonstrated strong conceptual, logical, and critical thinking skills.
• In‑depth understanding of data center infrastructure that includes HVAC and electrical systems.

• Effective Decisions:
  Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self‑Development:
  Pursues a variety of avenues and opportunities to continue learning and growing.
• Dependability:
  Demonstrates dependability by consistently delivering results and taking personal responsibility for outcomes.
• Initiative:
  Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability:
  Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintaining an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication:
  Ensures effective communication across diverse audiences through clear, concise written, verbal, and presentation delivery.
• Relationships:
  Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety:
  Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety, and security; communicates related…