ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Computing System Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All Points Logistics, LLC

$85K - $105K/yr

... Administrator III to support the Engineering Directorate at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton ... This position provides IT systems support across engineering, laboratory, and research-computing ...

Gannon University

Cyber System Administrator

Erie, PA · On-site

Posting Summary Position Title Cyber System Administrator Posting Number AS1124P Subdivision School ... Experience in an academic or research computing environment is a plus. * Technical Skills:

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Computing System Administrator Jobs

Research Computing System Administrator information

See salary details

$17.5K

$82.2K

$154.5K

How much do research computing system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for research computing system administrator in the United States is $82,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research computing system administrator?

A Research Computing System Administrator is an IT professional who manages and supports the hardware, software, and network infrastructure used in scientific and academic research environments. Their responsibilities include installing and maintaining high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, ensuring data storage and backup, troubleshooting technical issues, and supporting researchers with specialized software tools. They play a critical role in enabling researchers to efficiently process large datasets and run complex simulations, contributing to advancements in science and technology.

What are some common challenges faced by research computing system administrators, and how can they be addressed?

Research Computing System Administrators often face challenges such as managing high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, supporting diverse research software, and ensuring data security while balancing user accessibility. Adapting quickly to evolving research needs and troubleshooting specialized scientific applications can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed through continuous professional development, close collaboration with researchers to understand their workflows, and implementing robust monitoring and automation tools to streamline system management.

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

To thrive as a Research Computing System Administrator, you need expertise in Linux/Unix system administration, networking, and storage management, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, job schedulers like SLURM, and configuration management tools such as Ansible or Puppet is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and a collaborative mindset help you support diverse research teams effectively. These skills ensure reliable and efficient computing environments vital for advancing scientific research.

What is the difference between Research Computing System Administrator vs Research Software Engineer?

AspectResearch Computing System AdministratorResearch Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, IT, or related; certifications like Linux or cloud certificationsDegree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related; programming certifications
Work EnvironmentData centers, university labs, high-performance computing clustersSoftware development environments, research labs, university projects
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutions, government labsAcademic research, scientific institutions, tech companies
Search & Comparison IntentManaging research computing infrastructure, system setup, maintenanceDeveloping research software, algorithms, data analysis tools

The Research Computing System Administrator focuses on managing and maintaining research computing infrastructure, ensuring systems run efficiently. In contrast, the Research Software Engineer develops and optimizes software for research purposes. Both roles support research activities but with different technical focuses.

What are popular job titles related to Research Computing System Administrator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Research Computing System Administrator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,164 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

IT Research Computing System Specialist (Fall)

Norman, OK • On-site

The University of Oklahoma
Education • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about The University of Oklahomaexternal

$10 - $15/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Oklahoma rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

IT Research Computing System Specialist (Fall)
Job no: 492728
Work type: Student
Location: Norman
Categories: Student
Pay Range: Targeted salary $10.00-$15.00/hr based on experience
Benefits Eligible: No
Work Schedule: Flexible Schedule
Travel: Not required
For Best Consideration Date: 6/1/2026
Position Introduction:
OU IT is currently hiring the position of IT Research Computing System Specialist. This position provides research computing system administration and/or other system-facing tasks. Students in this role will troubleshoot minor issues, assist in deploying and maintaining research computing systems and components, provide technical support, and communicate with various IT teams to resolve more technically advanced customer incidents and system maintenance issues.
Most shifts will take place between 8am-5pm CST, Monday through Friday. Some weekend shifts may be required. For this position, required training will occur on the job as part of this position's duties, potentially including job shadowing. Regular attendance at research computing team meetings will be required, in person and/or via videoconferencing. Due to the amount of time and effort that must be devoted to on-boarding new employees, this position is not recommended for applicants who intend to work in the role for less than two academic semesters.
Required Education and Experience:
  • Must be currently enrolled in the Fall 2026 Term as an undergraduate student in good standing at the University of Oklahoma.
  • Hiring contingent upon verification of current student status.

Required Certifications and Licenses:
None
Department Preferences:
  • At least one year of experience with any Unix-like operating system (for example, Linux) is preferred.
  • Experience working in a technical environment is preferred.
  • Experience with programming and/or scripting is preferred.
  • Experience with deployment and/or maintenance of computing/storage/network systems is preferred.
  • Experience with system administration and/or network administration is preferred, especially in any Unix-like operating system (for example, Linux).
  • Ability to work throughout all of Summer 2026 and into Fall 2026 is preferred.

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: No
Advertised: 06 May 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 11 Dec 2026 Central Standard Time
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What University Of Oklahoma employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Oklahoma logo

About University of Oklahoma

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Oklahoma is a prominent educational institution positioned in Norman, Oklahoma, US. Established in 1890, the university stakes a claim within the higher education industry and has a storied history of excellence in academics and research. Serving over 20,000 students, the university offers a wide range of programs across fields such as arts and sciences, business, engineering, international studies, and more. Emphasizing a dedication to unlocking potential, OU's mission is to provide the best possible educational experience to students through excellence in teaching, research, and creative activity. Notably, the institution has made significant strides in research with a focus on areas such as cancer, aerospace, and energy among others.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Norman, OK, US

Year founded

1890

View All University of Oklahoma Jobs

Apply