"System Administrator – Research Computing, UMKC Foundation Services (95771)"

Job Details

Hiring Department

UMKC Foundation Services Department within the Information Services unit

Job Description

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is seeking a System Administrator to support our growing research computing infrastructure. This position will work closely with faculty and research staff to manage scientific computing environments, including high-performance computing (HPC) clusters and specialized research servers, both on-premises and in the cloud.

The ideal candidate will bring strong system administration skills, particularly in Linux environments, and a collaborative approach to supporting researchers with technical solutions. While approximately half of the role involves public cloud systems (e.g., AWS and GCP), a primary focus is on maintaining and expanding the university’s on-premises research computing capabilities.

Most of the work can be performed remotely; however, on-site presence is required at least one day per week, with additional on-site days as needed based on project or operational requirements. This person will be required to have a cell phone so we can communicate during non-business hours when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and support on-premises HPC clusters and research servers
• Provide technical support and consultation for research computing projects
• Collaborate with faculty and research teams to implement and troubleshoot scientific applications
• Support hybrid infrastructure that includes both local and cloud-based environments
• Maintain system security and compliance, including support for HIPAA and other regulated data types
• Contribute to planning for system lifecycle, capacity, and resource needs
• Develop and improve automation using scripting and configuration management tools

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field—or an equivalent combination of education, training, and at least two years of relevant experience
• Strong Linux systems administration skills
• 2+ years’ experience with public cloud technologies (e.g., AWS, GCP)
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering systems in an academic or research setting
• Knowledge of HPC technologies such as SLURM or OpenMPI
• Familiarity with containerization tools such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience with automation tools such as Puppet, Terraform, or Ansible
• Basic programming or scripting skills (e.g., Bash, Python)

Anticipated Hiring Range

$80,000 to $84,000 commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Application Deadline

Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately. Apply today!

Sponsorship Information

Visa Sponsorship Information: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Community Information

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city’s rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City’s biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC’s campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be “Kansas City’s university,” and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.