POSITION SPECIFICS

Are you a self-starter who enjoys solving open-ended problems and supporting research, learning, and outreach through technology? The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is seeking a Unix Systems Administrator to join our Unix Group.
We are seeking a Systems Administrator to support and enable the College’s research, teaching, and outreach missions . You’ll do this by working closely with faculty, staff, and students to design, develop, and implement software and hardware solutions . E xperience working in a Unix or Linux environment, understanding software compilation (C and Fortran), MySQL and PostgreSQL databases, and strong skills with bash, python, perl , or a comparable scripting language are required . Experience working in higher education is a plus!

You will be working with a team of systems administrators to provide a complex Linux environment comprising storage, databases, small-scale computational research, and web-based outreach. This typically means you will:

• Install, configure, maintain , and upgrade Linux systems and software to support a wide range of academic, research, and outreach activities
• Monitor system performance, backups, and security; respond to alerts, incidents, and outages
• Troubleshoot network connectivity issues and reported system problems, including hardware, software, and security-related events
• Manage scientific workstations and servers used in research and teaching, including installing applications, maintaining user access, and supporting evolving software environments as libraries and compilers change
• Develop and maintain scripts to automate system administration tasks and improve efficiency
• Assist with the administration of storage and database servers used across the college
• Install and configure software to meet the requirements of specific research or outreach projects
• Consult with faculty and graduate students on system design, ensuring solutions are tailored to project and performance needs
• Prepare technical specifications, obtain quotes, and work with vendors on equipment and service purchases
• Contribute to system documentation and ensure knowledge is shared across the team

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong experience with Linux/Unix system administration, including installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash, Python, or Perl for automation
• Experience monitoring system performance, backups, security, and incident response
• Familiarity with network troubleshooting and basic network concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls).
• Experience supporting scientific computing or research computing environments is desired.
• Prior experience in academic or higher education IT environments is preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

PENN STATE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY OR PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO USE OUR ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS DUE TO AN IMPAIRMENT OR DISABILITY, PLEASE CONTACT 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Please refer the Job description for details