JOB SUMMARY

The Network Research Analyst and Administrator will play a critical role in Merit’s Research and Development team, leading innovative projects in communication networks, network security, and advanced data analytics. This position serves as the primary bridge between the research and IT teams designing systems and experiments with researchers, then working with IT to operationalize them within production infrastructure. A key focus will be sustaining and scaling Merit’s national-scale network telescope infrastructure, ensuring it remains a world-class research asset capable of generating high-value, grant-attracting data.
This role blends technical operations, research collaboration, and administrative oversight to support both day-to-day Network Telescope operations (https://www.merit.edu/research/projects/orion-network-telescope/ ) and long-term strategic growth. You will work hands-on with complex systems, perform data collection and analysis, and coordinate efforts to position Merit as a host for a national research asset that drives sustained funding.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4-6 years of experience in applied computer science, networking, or related fields.
• Experience with configuration management software, such as Puppet, Chef, or Ansible.
• Hands-on experience administering and configuring Linux-based systems in a production environment.
• Experience using version control systems, such as GIT, for collaborative development
• Experience with Big Data platforms such as Apache Spark, Google BigQuery, etc.
• Experience with network device configuration, including switching and routing equipment, and networking protocols.
• Experience developing code in languages such as Go, Python or C/C++ software in a UNIX environment.
• Experience effectively communicating complex technical concepts and information to a wide range of individuals.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience in network administration and/or network research.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity, data management practices, and high-performance computing environments.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across research and IT domains.
• Experience with packet capture frameworks such as PF_RING.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• Experience with public cloud or research cloud computing and storage platforms (examples: AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Experience with distributed systems (e.g., prior interaction with ZeroMQ or other messaging passing frameworks)
• Experience with large-scale storage systems.
• Experience making presentations to technical and other audiences.
• Experience working in a fast-paced research and development environment.
• Experience contributing to grant proposals or supporting sponsored research efforts
• Experience working with higher education, K-12 educational institutions, libraries, research institutions, governmental organizations, and other public sector non-profit organizations is a plus.

STARTING SALARY RANGE IS $100,000-$115,000, DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS.

Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your health, well-being, and future, including:

• Full access to medical and dental insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Generous 2:1 retirement matching to help you plan for your long-term goals
• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and additional paid time off to support work-life balance
• Access to a variety of well-being programs, resources, and campus perks
• Professional development opportunities and educational assistance to further your career
• And more discover the complete benefits package at careers.umich.edu/benefits

STRATEGIC GOALS FOR THE ROLE

• Sustain and scale the telescope infrastructure to ensure reliability, security, and research readiness.
• Increase the volume, quality, and accessibility of grant-attracting datasets.
• Position Merit to serve as a national hub for research data that attracts long-term funding and multi-institutional collaborations.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ROLE OR WANT TO LEARN MORE BEFORE APPLYING?

Join our informal, open-forum Zoom sessions to connect with the hiring team! Drop in at any time during the hour and stay as long as you’d like - whether you have specific questions or just want to listen in.

Friday, September 12 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST | Click Here to Join Friday’s Zoom Meeting

• During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit’s office location in Ann Arbor, MI. Following, you will be expected to work on-site for at least 2 days per week going forward.

RESPONSIBILITIES*

Essential functions for this position are followed by an (E).

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.