Systems Administrator

University of Oxford - Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences - Department Mathematical Institute

Location: Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG

This is a rare opportunity to work at one of the world’s leading mathematics departments, managing large-scale, research-intensive IT systems with exceptional autonomy. You will shape infrastructure used by hundreds of academics, researchers and students, from HPC servers to complex cross­platform deployments. If you enjoy solving challenging technical problems in a collaborative, intellectually rich environment, you will thrive here.

About the role

We are seeking a Systems Administrator to join our established IT Team of seven, supporting a diverse and complex computing environment. The team collectively manages over 1,500 devices and systems serving more than 700 department members, 800 undergraduate students, and a wide range of visitors and collaborators.

Working under the direction of the Head of IT, you will contribute to the planning, security, development and day­to­day operation of departmental IT services. You will deliver both frontline and remote user support, while also leading and contributing to technical projects that enhance the resilience, security and usability of core systems. The role requires initiative, curiosity, and a methodical approach to solving technically challenging problems.

About you

You will have proven experience in systems administration and/or systems programming or development, along with experience writing and maintaining scripts (for example using Bash, PowerShell, Python, PHP or similar). Experience with automated desktop or laptop deployments is highly desirable. You will be comfortable working across Linux systems and supporting mixed­platform environments.

Excellent communication skills are essential, including the ability to explain technical issues clearly and appropriately to a wide range of users, including senior academics. You will be organised, adaptable and able to balance a varied workload, working both independently and collaboratively in a busy environment.

Experience of IT support in an academic or research setting, documenting systems and procedures, or supporting specialist services such as AV or research computing would be an advantage but is not essential.

If you wish to speak to someone informally about this post, please contact Dr Waldemar Schlackow (Head of IT) waldemar.schlackow@maths.ox.ac.uk or Dr Keith Gillow (Director of IT and Physical Resources) keith.gillow@maths.ox.ac.uk. Informal enquiries regarding the application process should be directed to the Recruitment Coordinator (email: recruitment@maths.ox.ac.uk), quoting vacancy reference 185878.

Applicants should read the job description document before writing their application. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. To apply for this post and for further details, including the job description and selection criteria, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Only applications received before 12:00 noon UK time on 4 May 2026 can be considered.

After the closing date of 4 May, shortlisted applicants will be sent a link to an online test via email to assess their general IT knowledge. The test will be available until 10 May and is expected to take less than one hour to complete.

Interviews will take place in person on 20 May 2026.

Contact Person: HR Administrator

Email: recruitment@maths.ox.ac.uk