The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 24 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
Department/Program Description: The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource
Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL, a Directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory) at Stanford University is a national scientific user facility that serves a large international research community.
SSRL operates an accelerator that provides high-brightness x-rays to ~30 facility stations that enable research in areas such as biology, medical, environmental, chemistry, and materials sciences. Each station is tailored to specific techniques, necessitating a highly varied approach to instrumentation, data acquisition, and computing infrastructure. The SSRL stations are made available to an international scientific user community, with SSRL staff providing scientific and technical support in their use.
The Structural Molecular Biology (SMB) program at SSRL is specifically focused on studies related to biochemistry and biomedical research (https://www-ssrl.slac.stanford.edu/smb/index.html). Program goals include the development of scientific methodology, instrumentation, and research applications in macromolecular crystallography, x-ray absorption spectroscopy and small-angle x-ray scattering, and provide external-user access through peer-review for >800 external scientists annually. The program has a significant training and dissemination component. Research and technical information exchange is performed with similar facilities world-wide.
Position Summary: The SSRL Structural Molecular Biology program seeks an experienced research infrastructure systems analyst/administrator to manage and support the technologies enabling cutting-edge scientific research for its Structural Molecular Biology program. The successful candidate will work with computer and network specialists to oversee mission-critical infrastructure for data acquisition, storage, analysis, and web/database services, spanning multiple operating systems, virtualization platforms, and storage systems. Key responsibilities include installing, configuring, and maintaining this infrastructure while ensuring its security, reliability, and uninterrupted operation.
This is a 100% FTE, continuing, exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.
If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.
CORE DUTIES:
● Provide technical expertise and support for mission-critical computing systems, including Debian Linux, VMware, Windows environments, storage solutions (NAS and SAN), and blade servers.
● Build, install, configure, and maintain systems across multiple operating systems and virtualization platforms.
● Debug and resolve core-infrastructure hardware and software issues.
● Monitor and analyze resource usage to recommend/develop enhancements to system capabilities and performance.
● Compare, evaluate, and implement new technologies to integrate into the computing environment.
● Ensure compliance with lab-wide cybersecurity requirements and design system/network security configurations.
● Provide system support to visiting user scientists and facilitate their research needs.
● Coordinate system outages and maintenance with all affected users.
● Document systems infrastructure for users, support personnel, and developers.
● Occasionally work outside of normal hours to support the scientific user schedule.
* Other duties may also be assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
● Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
● Experience with multiple types of operating systems or expert knowledge in one.
● Experience with managing an integrated computing environment.
● Extensive experience in multiple programming languages for system development.
● Experience with networked environments.
● Experience with network storage solutions.
● Experience with configuring and maintaining routers.
● Demonstrated knowledge of security protocols.
● Ability to manage shared resources and perform moderately complex tasks.
● Ability to work well independently and as a team member.
● Ability to train to others in applications and operating system fundamentals.
● Experience with middleware and infrastructure.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
● Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related fields
● Familiarity with Linux systems, including basic server and workstation management, installation, and centralized management tools.
● Exposure to virtualization technologies such as VMware or similar platforms, including managing virtual machines and associated tools.
● Understanding of the principles of highly available systems, including redundancy, failovers, or clustering, with a willingness to learn advanced implementation techniques.
● Experience troubleshooting and installing computer components into enterprise systems.
● Experience with enterprise deployments or personal projects demonstrating advanced technical proficiency.
● Experience hosting services such as databases and version control systems (e.g., MariaDB, GitLab).
● Experience with network monitoring solutions (e.g., Nagios, Prometheus).
● Experience with lifecycle management tools (e.g., Foreman, Cobbler).
● Experience managing integrated computing environments, including networked systems, routers, and storage solutions (NAS, SAN, direct-attached).
● Strong verbal and written communication skills.
● Strong customer relationship management skills.
● Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment with a wide variety of stakeholders and customers.
● Experience in managing an Active Directory domain with Linux and Windows clients.
● Technical knowledge of interoperability between Linux and Windows systems (servers and clients/workstations).
● Experience with certificate management on Windows and Linux.
● Demonstrated skills in interacting with computer system users in a scientific environment.
● Familiar with cyber security requirements and implementation in a DOE environment.
● Experience in maintaining system documentation.
● Ability to research and analyze new technology and to advise others in implementation.
● Willingness to learn new IT technologies and commitment to continuous improvement.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
● Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
● Frequently sitting.
● Occasionally stand/walk, twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach/work above shoulders, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
● Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), grasp forcefully, use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh <40 pounds.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
● Exposed to high voltage electricity, noise >80dB TWA, confined spaces, hot temperatures, heavy metals.
● Extended hours and weekends.
WORK STANDARDS:
● Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
● Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
● Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The expected pay range for this position is $122,024 to $147,076 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants
requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information Schedule: Full-time Job Code: 4832 Employee Status: Regular Grade: I Requisition ID: 105528 Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible