System Administrator, Lab Operation Support (Contract, 12 months)

Responsibilities

• Lab Operations & Automation Support
• Provide dedicated IT support for laboratory operations across multiple lab sites, ensuring that lab computers (e.g. sequencer PCs), laboratory equipment, and automation systems are fully operational and optimally configured for researchers and lab staff.
• Work with lab teams to implement, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory automation tools and emerging technologies. Ensure new lab instruments and software are effectively integrated into the existing IT infrastructure with minimal disruption.
• Collaborate with scientists and lab managers on the IT aspects of lab projects and experiments. Ensure that technology requirements for lab initiatives are met on schedule and help the lab meet critical project deadlines by providing timely IT solutions.
• Act as the liaison between IT and lab personnel, understanding the unique technology needs of various lab functions. Train or assist lab staff in using IT systems related to lab operations and respond quickly to any IT issues in the labs.
• Take on any other tasks needed to ensure smooth lab operations and minimal downtime, adapting to the evolving technological needs of the laboratories.
• System Maintenance and Configuration
• Install, configure, and maintain servers, operating systems (Windows and Linux), and software applications for both corporate and lab environments. Ensure all systems, including those supporting lab equipment, are up-to-date and running optimally.
• Maintain and monitor system performance and reliability. Conduct regular system updates, patches, and preventive maintenance on all IT infrastructure nationwide, proactively addressing potential issues before they affect lab or business operations.
• Network Management
• Administer and troubleshoot network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs, to ensure seamless connectivity across the organization’s offices and laboratories.
• Work closely with network and systems engineering colleagues to design and implement network enhancements. Ensure optimal network performance in lab areas, anticipating increased loads from lab devices and automation systems.
• User Support
• Provide technical support to end users as a higher-tier escalation point (beyond the helpdesk/End User Support team), addressing complex hardware and software issues. This includes supporting lab users with specialized equipment or software needs.
• Aid with user account management (adds/changes/deletions), including setting permissions and access controls for both general staff and lab personnel. Ensure security and proper access to sensitive lab data.
• Troubleshoot and resolve escalated IT problems in a timely manner. Prioritize issues from labs to prevent data loss or downtime during critical experiments.
• Backup and Recovery
• Implement and manage data backup and recovery solutions for systems and servers nationwide. Verify that critical laboratory data is backed up according to policy and can be restored in case of hardware failure or other issues.
• Documentation
• Create and update comprehensive system documentation, including configurations, standard operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides for both standard IT systems and lab-specific setups.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of hardware, software licenses, and network assets, including specialized lab IT equipment and software. Keep records of lab device configurations and maintenance schedules.
• Collaboration and Communication
• Work closely with other IT professionals and departments, as well as with laboratory staff and researchers, to understand and address their technology needs. Provide guidance on IT best practices in the lab environment.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to non-technical staff, including scientists and lab personnel. Ensure that stakeholders are informed about system changes, downtimes, or improvements that may impact lab operations or business activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is desirable (but not strictly required if experience is substantial).
• 3 to 5 years of experience as a Systems Administrator or in a similar role, preferably including exposure to laboratory or research computing environments.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a wide range of workloads with critical deadlines, especially coordinating IT support for ongoing lab projects.
• In-depth knowledge of system administration, network protocols, and security best practices.
• Strong proficiency in operating systems, including Windows and Linux, and experience with installing/supporting these in both office and lab settings.
• Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) and understanding of how virtual machines might be used for lab systems or simulations.
• Ability to participate in after-hours and on-call support rotations and travel to other organizational sites as required.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and how they can integrate with on-premises systems for data storage or analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and solve problems efficiently, with a proven track record of troubleshooting complex system issues in a timely manner.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple tasks, such as handling day-to-day IT support while progressing longer-term lab IT projects.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) are strongly preferred. Candidates without these certifications must demonstrate the ability and willingness to obtain them within 6 months of employment.
• Additional plus: Experience working directly with laboratory instrumentation or scientific data systems, and an eagerness to learn new lab technologies and automation platforms as they emerge.