Research Infrastructure System Administrator

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well‑being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world‑renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

As a Research Infrastructure System Administrator within the Research Technology Infrastructure (RTI) team, you will support research at HMS by building, configuring, and maintaining the platforms, applications, and databases that enable reliable and secure research environments. You will administer researcher‑facing tools and services, including application platforms (e.g., Omero, Globus, Redcap), web‑hosted systems, and databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres). The role includes developing APIs, supporting HPC access platforms (e.g., Open OnDemand), and implementing monitoring solutions to ensure system health.

You will also contribute to infrastructure automation using modern Dev Ops practices such as containerization, distributed storage, and orchestration platforms. This role emphasizes operational support, independent problem‑solving, and collaborative project work in service of research activities.

• Configure, maintain, and support research applications and platforms (e.g., Omero, Globus, Redcap, Starfish, ELNs).
• Administer and maintain research databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres) and web‑hosted systems integrated with research computing infrastructure.
• Develop and support APIs, license servers, and researcher portals to facilitate data and service access.
• Support user access platforms including Open OnDemand and HPC account management workflows.
• Implement and maintain monitoring and alerting systems to ensure the health and performance of RTI platforms.
• Develop and deploy application services using Dev Ops tools such as containers, distributed storage, and orchestration platforms.
• Participate in the full lifecycle of application and platform development, from design through deployment and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot infrastructure, database, and application‑level issues independently or in coordination with cross‑functional teams.
• Collaborate with researchers and IT colleagues to support evolving research needs and ensure Revision 06.16.25 robust and secure solutions.
• Contribute to documentation, best practices, and operational knowledge sharing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Work is performed in an office setting.

• Minimum of two years’ post‑secondary education or relevant work experience.

• Experience with Linux‑based systems administration in a research or academic setting.
• Familiarity with research‑oriented platforms and services (e.g., Globus, ELNs, Open OnDemand).
• Experience administering relational databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres) and web‑hosted environments.
• Working knowledge of containerization (e.g., Docker, Podman), orchestration, and configuration management.
• Ability to develop and maintain scripts and APIs using languages such as Python or Bash.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to supporting the research mission through reliable and secure infrastructure.

• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may…