IT Systems Administrator at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
iThemba LABS seeks to appoint an IT Systems Administrator who will be responsible for developing, managing and maintaining servers (Windows & Linux), networks and infrastructure.

The incumbent will be responsible to provide second-line support to IT Systems Support Technicians and ensure the organizations IT systems are operating efficiently, securely, and reliably.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for effective provisioning, installation, configuration, operation and maintenance of systems hardware and software and related infrastructure (Linux and Windows)
• Troubleshoot and support network-related issues such as connectivity problems, performance and network outages
• Administration of services, such as DNS, DHCP, and VPNs
• Monitoring and maintaining system performance, including troubleshooting and resolving issues
• Providing technical support to end-users
• Procurement of IT hardware
• Setting up and maintaining backup and disaster recovery systems
• Documenting system configurations and procedures
• Collaborating with other IT professionals, such as developers and network engineers, to ensure smooth system integration

Key Requirements:

Qualification:

• National Diploma in Information Technology (NQF6)

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 - 5 years' experience in all aspects of professional system administration in a Linux/Unix environment (preferably in a scientific environment, with some Microsoft Windows exposure as well)

Knowledge:

• Scripting and automation: working knowledge of scripting languages as Bash and Python to automate tasks as to update systems backup and monitoring
• Linux: working knowledge of Linux operating systems such as Ubuntu, CentOS and Linux command line tools
• Windows: working knowledge of Windows operating systems as Windows Server 2016 and 2019, Windows 11 and 10
• Networking: working knowledge of network technologies as TCP/IP stack, DNS, DHCP, SMTP, to configure and troubleshoot network related issues
• Security: must have a solid understanding of security measures, encryption, access control, user management and security compliance
• Monitoring: working knowledge of monitoring and performance tuning to monitor system performance, optimize and adjust systems and identify bottlenecks, such as Zabbix, Nagios

The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicants suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Maintaining servers
• Network administration

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

iThemba LABS is Africa's leading research facility for accelerator-based science that is committed to advance knowledge, transforming lives and inspiring the nation through probing fundamental structure and the origins of matter, advancing the understanding of condensed matter, impacting the societal need through provision of radioisotopes for the health sector and isotope analysis for the environmental sector.