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Pennsylvania State University

Systems Administrator - SSRI

🇺🇸 University Park, PA

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $62K - $115K

💻 Information Technology

🗓️ January 6th, 2026

VMWare

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Systems Administrator - SSRI to lead and enhance Linux-based cloud and on-premises research services. The role involves collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure secure and consistent server operations, advancing research computing capabilities, and managing IT infrastructure to support innovative social science research.

Highlights
  • Support execution of strategic initiatives to improve computational resources for research faculty and staff.
  • Set up, manage, and provide ongoing support for research technologies and IT systems including DICOM MRI storage servers, Drupal, and WordPress.
  • Identify and mitigate security threats to technical infrastructure.
  • Design and implement improvements for SSRI's IT infrastructure focusing on research innovation.
  • Train and guide SSRI IT team members and provide desktop support as needed.
  • Required knowledge of Linux distributions (Red Hat, Ubuntu-based, Amazon Linux AMI), VMware, and Hyper-V.
  • Preferred skills include experience with research environments, collaborative problem solving, and customer-focused work approaches.
  • Position may be filled at Intermediate (1+ years experience) or Advanced Professional (3+ years experience) level with a bachelor's degree required and no mandatory certifications.
  • Salary range: $61,800.00 - $115,100.00 with comprehensive benefits including medical, retirement plans, and a 75% tuition discount.
  • Position based on-site at Penn State University Park and requires successful background check and U.S. work authorization.

Systems Administrator - SSRI Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) is seeking a Systems Administrator  to lead and improve our ability to provide services and enhance research using a combination of cloud and on-premises Linux solutions.

SSRI's strategic mission is to foster novel, interdisciplinary collaborations by investigators who aim to address critical human and social problems at the local, national, and international levels and to translate and disseminate this knowledge into measurable outcomes for human behavior, health, and development. The Information Technology Team at SSRI is committed to finding the best IT tools and solutions to enable innovative research.

The Systems Administrator will collaborate with SSRI faculty and staff to ensure Linux operations are hosted in a manner that focuses on security, consistency and continuity. This position will support the Research Computing Facilitation Supervisor in advancing research tools and technologies that accelerate research innovation.  

Responsibilities:

  • Support the Research Computing Facilitation Supervisor in executing strategic initiatives to enhance computational capabilities of research faculty and staff
  • Provide set up and ongoing support of research technologies
  • Create partnerships and collaborate with faculty and staff to identify and analyze emerging technologies to fulfill research requirements
  • Monitor and remedy identified technical infrastructure security threats
  • Design and implement new solutions with a goal of improving overall SSRI IT infrastructure
  • Provide customers with cutting edge platforms for their research projects
  • Manage and administer SSRI's IT systems, servers, and network security applications including but not limited to DICOM MRI images storage server, Drupal, and WordPress
  • Provide support and guidance to SSRI IT team members, train new users on newly designed systems
  • Provide desktop support or back up the SSRI helpdesk team with tasks such as installing desktop/laptop operating systems, assisting end users with patching, and resolving operating systems and application errors

This position will be filled at the Intermediate Professional or the Advanced Professional level depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate. This position will provide a strong opportunity for professional growth and advancement within the organization.

Preferred Skills andExperience:

  • Experience with VMware and Hyper-V
  • Experience in the research landscape
  • Commitment to collaborative problem solving
  • Curiosity to find innovative solutions
  • User and customer focused approach to work
  • Experience with Red Hat, Ubuntu-based Linux distributions, and Amazon Linux AMI
  • Ability to thrive in a team focused department

Work Arrangement: This position will be on-site at the University Park Campus.  

Application: Interested applicants should complete the Penn State application process and submit a cover letter, and a resume, or a CV. Review of applications will begin immediately.  

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Systems Administrator - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Systems Administrator - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $61,800.00 - $115,100.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

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.

 

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