System Administrator

About the role

Discovery Life Sciences is looking for a talented and passionate System Administrator to join our dynamic IT team. A Systems Administrator is responsible for providing systems administration expertise across a mixed Windows Server and Linux enterprise environment, spanning physical and virtualized infrastructure (Hyper-V), backup and disaster recovery, Active Directory / Microsoft Entra ID identity services, and AWS cloud infrastructure. This position is an integral part of a small, collaborative IT team, working closely with peers across infrastructure, development, and application support to solve system administration challenges across on-premises and cloud.

A Day in the Life

• Maintain and optimize enterprise Windows, Linux, virtualization, and cloud infrastructure across on-premises and AWS environments.
• Manage identity services, Microsoft 365, and security configurations to ensure reliable access and compliance.
• Oversee Hyper-V virtualization and Veeam backup environments, supporting business continuity and disaster recovery.
• Automate administrative processes using Bash, Python, and Ansible to improve efficiency and system reliability.
• Provide advanced technical support, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and document infrastructure standards and procedures.

Must-Have Qualifications

• 8+ years of proven experience working as a Systems Administrator.
• Associate degree and 6 years of professional experience required, OR bachelor's degree and 4 years of professional experience.

Windows, Identity & Virtualization/Backup

• Strong hands-on experience administering Windows Server (2016–2025) in a production environment.
• Experience administering Active Directory Domain Services and Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), including domain controllers, FSMO roles, Group Policy, hybrid identity/Entra Connect sync, and conditional access.
• Proficiency with PowerShell for Windows automation and remote administration.
• Experience with Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization, including Failover Clustering, Cluster Shared Volumes (CSV), VM lifecycle management, and cluster/storage troubleshooting.
• Experience with Veeam Backup & Replication (or equivalent enterprise backup platform), including backup job design, restore operations (including granular/guest-level file restore), and disaster recovery testing.

Linux, Cloud & Automation

• Strong hands-on experience administering enterprise Linux distributions in a production environment.
• Proficiency with Bash or Python for Linux automation and scripting.
• Familiarity with AWS services, including EC2, S3, RDS, VPC, IAM, Lambda, and CloudFormation.

Infrastructure & Security

• Experience with enterprise storage technologies (block, file, object), SAN/NAS platforms, and iSCSI configuration and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of enterprise firewall/network security platforms (e.g., FortiGate), VPN configuration, and network segmentation.
• Knowledge of networking protocols and services (DNS, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, SSH, FTP) and SSH implementation and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with MySQL, PostgreSQL, and/or Microsoft SQL Server, and web/application servers such as Apache or IIS.
• Experience with vulnerability and patch management processes across a large, heterogeneous server fleet (Windows and Linux).

Domain Expertise & Soft Skills

• Familiarity with regulated/GxP IT environments and 21 CFR Part 11 considerations is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Windows Server systems, both physical and virtual, across on-premises and AWS environments.
• Support Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID identity services, including user/group lifecycle, Group Policy, and hybrid sync health.
• Administer Microsoft 365 / Exchange Online where required, including mailbox, security, and compliance configuration.
• Administer the Hyper-V virtualization cluster, including VM provisioning, cluster/storage health, checkpoint management, and capacity planning.
• Administer Veeam backup infrastructure, including monitoring job success/failure, performing restores, and supporting disaster recovery exercises.
• Install, configure, patch, and maintain enterprise Linux systems, both physical and virtual, across on-premises and AWS environments.
• Perform Bash, Python, and Ansible automation for Linux configuration management and patching.
• Design, deploy, manage, and operate scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
• Optimize AWS resource utilization and cost management.
• Implement and control the secure flow of data to and from AWS, including cross-account data sharing where required.
• Provide 3rd level support for Windows, Linux, and AWS-related incidents.
• Liaise with vendors and other IT personnel for problem resolution.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation regarding system configurations, policies, and procedures.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package options, including a free dental, vision package, life insurance, and disability coverage which start on your first day of employment.
• 401(k) match program which starts on your first day of employment.
• Time away from work (Generous vacation and paid time off, paid parental leave, paid family leave, etc.).
• Professional development opportunities and reimbursement for relevant certifications and tuition.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity.
• Team-building activities and social events.
• Employee Referral Program and Colleague Recognition Program.