GNU/Linux Systems Administrator at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Responsibilities

• Ensure the smooth and effective operation of the Linux servers – currently these consist of:
  • A high-performance computing (HPC) server with 128 processing cores for compute, used to analyse all sorts of datasets e.g. bioinformatics, geospatial, textual;
  • 150 terabytes of clustered file storage (GlusterFS);
  • Dozens of web servers, both physical and virtual (KVM).
• Management of user accounts, system security, software updates, and scientific applications used on the servers;
• Installation, configuration, and administration of HPC network services such as SSH, Samba, Apache, rsync, NFS, and database applications such as PostgreSQL and MySQL;
• Carry out scripting (shell, Perl, PHP, Python, R) to support researchers’ data analysis (including capacity strengthening);
• Backup and restore of research data and system configurations (HPC & other research computing systems), and provide input into the Institute Business Continuity plans;
• Liaise with ILRI ICT regarding data storage provision and systems;
• Provide support for the Linux workstations on the network, and the links from Windows desktops to the Linux servers.

Requirements

• BA/BSc in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a software development or systems administration environment.
• Up-to-date certification in Linux Systems administration, proven experience in programming and website development, especially open-source, collaborative development through e.g. GitHub
• Short-course training in Bioinformatics packages, Cisco networking, Customer service an advantage
• Skills in Linux installation, configuration and administration
• An understanding and working knowledge of advanced computer systems such as high-performance clusters
• Knowledge of bioinformatics computational packages will be an advantage.
• Strong customer service orientation with good communication and interpersonal skills that establishes a good working relationship with customers, with the attitude of wanting to assist people and pass-on knowledge and experience while grasping difficulties perceived by users
• Excellent technical knowledge of computer applications and systems
• Good logical diagnostic skills and ability to exercise good judgement in the resolution of problems
• Ability to multi-task in dealing with several different issues at a time.
• Ability to work under high pressure, meet deadlines, monitor and follow-up on pending matters under minimum supervision.
• Ability to communicate fluently in writing and verbally in English.