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Laboratory System Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate System Administrator What you will do Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this ... A general to good understanding of Quality processes, Laboratory, benchtop, and manufacturing ...

S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). System Administration: Install, update, and troubleshoot ... Administer accounts, network rights, and access to systems and equipment. Monitor and report client ...

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Laboratory System Administrator information

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$41K

$88.9K

$137.5K

How much do laboratory system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory system administrator in the United States is $88,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory system administrator?

Laboratory System Administrators are IT professionals responsible for managing, maintaining, and supporting software and hardware systems within a laboratory environment. Their duties often include installing and updating laboratory information management systems (LIMS), ensuring data integrity and security, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing user support to lab personnel. They play a vital role in ensuring that laboratory operations run smoothly and comply with regulatory requirements. Additionally, they coordinate with vendors, oversee system backups, and help implement new technologies to improve laboratory workflows.

How does a laboratory system administrator typically collaborate with laboratory staff to ensure smooth operation of laboratory information systems?

A Laboratory System Administrator works closely with laboratory technicians, scientists, and management to ensure that laboratory information systems (LIS) run efficiently. This collaboration often involves troubleshooting technical issues, managing user access, and training staff on new software functionalities. Administrators regularly coordinate with lab personnel to gather feedback, implement system updates, and ensure data integrity and compliance with regulatory standards. Open communication and a proactive approach are essential to addressing challenges and maintaining seamless laboratory workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laboratory system administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laboratory System Administrator, you need a strong background in information technology, laboratory workflows, and often a bachelor’s degree in computer science, health informatics, or a related field. Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), database management, and relevant certifications such as CompTIA or Microsoft are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail are critical soft skills for supporting lab operations and collaborating with technical and scientific staff. These skills and qualifications ensure secure, efficient, and compliant management of laboratory data and systems, supporting accurate research and diagnostics.

What is the difference between Laboratory System Administrator vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory System AdministratorLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in science or IT, with certifications in laboratory information systems (LIS)Usually holds an associate degree or certification in laboratory procedures or technology
Work EnvironmentManages laboratory information systems, often in clinical or research labs, focusing on system maintenance and data integrityPerforms laboratory tests and procedures, working directly with samples and equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in hospitals, research institutions, and biotech companies to ensure data accuracy and system functionalityEmployed in clinical labs, hospitals, and diagnostic centers to conduct tests and analyze samples

The Laboratory System Administrator primarily manages laboratory information systems, ensuring data accuracy and system performance, while the Laboratory Technician focuses on conducting tests and handling samples. Both roles are essential in laboratory operations but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work focus.

What are popular job titles related to Laboratory System Administrator jobs?

For Laboratory System Administrator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Laboratory System Administrator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,927 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Linux System Administrator

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Are you passionate about shaping secure, IT systems in classified environments?
Do you want to influence system improvements, implementation decisions, and the overall security posture of advanced technology systems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking a Linux System Administrator to join the Weapons and Countermeasures group to support secure Analysis Facilities. In this role, you will apply Risk Management Framework (RMF) principles, develop new IT capabilities in secure networks, and provide advanced system administration across complex classified infrastructures, helping drive innovation, security, and operational excellence. A true mix of technical execution, collaboration with peers in the group and wider organization to solve system administration challenges and establishing Linux standards.
As a Linux Systems Administrator you will...
  • Plan, build, validate, deploy, maintain, and upgrade computing and networking infrastructure. Specifically, via system administration of Linux-based systems, modern platforms, and grid servers.
  • Recommend and implement changes that meet security protocols, the overall mission, and builds on the engineering team capabilities.
  • Design, implement, and enforce system security hardening standards (STIG) in accordance with established compliance frameworks (RMF, NIST, etc.)
  • Support installation and management of engineering, scientific, and analysis applications in secure, classified environments such as GitLab and MATLAB.
  • Solve complex technical issues that impact system availability, performance, or security.
  • Conduct routine system patching, upgrades, performance tuning, and security hardening.
  • Integrate Linux systems with Windows platforms to support hybrid workflows in simulation environments.
  • Manage a mixed operating system environment to validate new applications, configurations, and upgrades before deployment to production systems.
  • Establish new user accounts and provide technical briefing to new users. Support facility and resident classified and unclassified IT needs. Manage user accounts, permissions, authentication services and system resources.
  • Collaborate with engineers, cybersecurity staff, and program managers to ensure mission success.
  • Develop and maintain operational documentation and standard operating procedures for assigned networks.
  • Administer and troubleshoot network infrastructure to include switches, firewalls and type I network encryptors. Common technologies include Cisco, Aruba network switches, GD TACLANES, configuration of VLANS, port channels, routing and network security features.
  • Work closely with the Information Assurance team to ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements. Determine necessary computer and software configurations for compliance with security requirements. Provide technical guidance on the mitigation of identified system vulnerability. Prepare for and support periodic security inspections.
  • Build and configure new Linux systems and upgrade existing servers and workstations. Plan and execute software maintenance and upgrade tasks for servers, workstation and network software.
  • Participate in the planning of facility, computer hardware, and software upgrades (including purchases) in order to support existing and emerging user needs. Work with users to gather system requirements.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or have equivalent experience. 6 years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of education.
  • Possess 5+ years of professional experience as a Linux systems administrator in secure or complex environments.
  • Have 1+ years of experience working with DoD Information Systems. Experience should include independent planning, building, deploying, operating, and troubleshooting Linux workstations and servers.
  • Familiarity with one or more of the following: Windows Active Directory, Linux Command line, Ansible, Samba, TCP/IP protocols, Storage Area Networks, Logical Volume Manager (LVM), NetApps, SLURM, virtualization.
  • Are a strong teammate with a focus on exchanging information and collaboration.
  • Are proficient in various operating systems, including some of the following: Linux operating systems (RHEL7, RHEL8, RHEL9)
  • Have knowledge of interoperability between Linux and Windows systems.
  • Have experience administering systems in classified environments, with an understanding of secure operations, auditing, and following compliance frameworks (RMF, NIST, etc.)
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, program, and security teams.
  • Are proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable making technical decisions through supported justifications.
  • Hold a current DoD 8570 certification (Security+, CASP, CISSP).
  • All work will be onsite in secure facilities with limited access to personal owned devices.
  • Hold an Interim Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top-Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a M.S. degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related degree.
  • Have demonstrated experience working with the following operating systems and technologies: Windows Server 2022, Windows 11, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8, 9, and 10 or greater, Active Directory integration and authentication services, and DNS, Group Policy and cross-platform access issues.
  • Experience with security auditing and configuration management tools (Ansible, SPLUNK, ACAS, PURIFILE, etc.)
  • Have some experience with programming/scripting languages.
  • Possess MSCA, RHCE, CCNA or other relevant certifications
  • Are willing and able to travel to remote field locations to support test events (less than 5%)
  • Possess current TS/SCI clearance

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually

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