Information Technology Systems Administrator

The Rice University Texas Policy Lab (TPL) is seeking a Information Technology (IT) Systems Administrator who will be responsible for the administration and execution of IT infrastructure for a service-oriented and forward thinking technology environment. The Information Technology Systems Administrator will build relationships and work with TPL researchers and administrative staff to identify new or unmet technology needs, and to implement integrated solutions that meet technology needs. This person will also be responsible for all activities and support related to the day-to-day operations of the TPL network infrastructure, including but not limited to firewalls, servers, desktops, and related hardware and software components.

Computer science or related technical field.

Experience may not be substituted for the education requirement.

Master’s degree in computer science or related technical field.

• Professional experience in roles with IT operations

• Proficient with the latest network security policies, best practices, and protection and management tools (at the network, server, and desktop levels)

• Demonstrated ability to configure and manage firewalls

• Experience in designing, implementing, administering, and managing network hardware devices, and software required, including but not limited to: switches (experience with HP switches preferable), firewalls, network and server management, and monitoring and analysis tools

Education may not be substituted for the experience requirement.

• Experience with implementing, administering, and managing UNIX and Linux operating systems and server highly preferred

• Experience in the use of VMware (or an equivalent virtualization product) and in maintaining virtualized server environments highly preferred

• Experience in any or all of the following other relevant areas highly preferred: (1) Implementing and maintaining wireless network environments (2) Disaster recovery and business continuity planning, policies, and best practices (3) Video conferencing hardware and software (4) Cloud computing practices

• Experience in implementing, configuring, managing, and supporting VPN, and secure VPN connections for providing secure remote desktop and data access strongly preferred

• Evidence of network and/or Microsoft certifications highly preferred

• 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

Daily interactions with TPL staff and affiliated research faculty, and students. Frequent contact with various IT personnel in Rice’s Office of Information Technology (OIT), and Ken Kennedy Institute for Information Technology (K2I). Will have interactions with various TPL stakeholders and government agencies.

Requires working at a computer for up to 8 hours per day

Position will require some early morning, late evening and weekend work to support TPL activities and projects.

• Builds, installs, configures, analyzes, tunes, and troubleshoots a data serves and operating system to achieve optimum performance and security levels

• Manages the planning, design, installation, operation, and refining of a data infrastructure system that will be hosted at the Texas Policy Lab

• Provides technical support for systems users

• Configures and assists in the design of system and network security

• Manages hardware and software for installation, modification, troubleshooting, maintenance, and upgrades of operating systems

• Monitors and analyzes resource usage to recommend / develop enhancements to system capabilities and performance

• Recommends hardware and software upgrades according to growth statistics and disk space forecasts

• Compares, evaluates, and implements new technologies, and integrate systems into the computing environment

• Documents systems infrastructure for users, support and consulting personnel, and developers

• Performs all other duties as assigned

• Develops, evaluates, enhances, and / or implement quality improvement practices, processes, procedures, or policies impacting the TPL’s operations

• Prepare formal proposals (RFP) requesting major services and equipment; evaluates responses, selects vendor, negotiates and awards contract within the University procurement / contract guidelines

• Prepares and presents briefings to senior management on moderately complex or significant issues; provides advice and guidance on a wide range and variety of moderately complex issues