ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Computing System Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

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 Jun 7, 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.

Research Computing Specialist

Research Computing Specialist

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

424th of 534 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
General Information
Position Number
001982
Vacancy Open to
All Candidates
Working Title
Research Computing Specialist
Position Designation
EHRA Non-Faculty
Employment Type
Permanent - Full-time
Months per Year
12
Work Schedule
8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Monday - Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours required, as necessary.
Hours per week
40
FLSA Status
Exempt
Division
OneIT
Department
Office of OneIT (Adm)
Work Location
Kennedy
Salary Range
Primary Purpose of Department
The Office of OneIT provides highly reliable information technology infrastructure, tools, and services to empower the University to achieve its academic, research, administrative, and service goals.
The Research Computing team within OneIT provides powerful High Performance Computing services to researchers at the University.
Primary Purpose of Position
This Research Computing Specialist serves as a key team member reporting to the Director of University Research Computing. Critical systems management and other operational duties are performed by this position, with duties, responsibilities, and objectives delegated from the Director. This position contributes to shaping the strategic direction of University Research Computing. At times, this position may provide leadership or supervision of the technical work of the other staff members.
Summary of Position Responsibilities
This position is responsible for supporting ongoing operations of the Research Computing facilities, including systems management and maintenance, developing and deploying upgraded capabilities, and interacting with and supporting users. This position is also responsible for supporting technical design and strategy development. This position may also include the responsibility to direct the technical work of other staff members.
Minimum Education/Experience
  • Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant work experience to include 1-3 years of Linux Systems Administration experience; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  • Experience in High Performance Computing related technologies such as schedulers, parallel computing, storage systems, or scientific applications.
  • Experience specifying, acquiring, and deploying computer hardware and systems software.
  • Experience in Higher Education.
  • 2 to 5 years of Linux Systems Administration experience.

Necessary Certifications/Licenses
Preferred Certifications/Licenses
Special Notes to Applicants
  • If there is a document you feel is relevant to this position that you would like reviewed with your resume and application, you may upload it to the "Other Documents" section of the Applicant Documents.
  • The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report.
  • The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with the finalist.
  • Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.
  • UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/

Posting Open Date
04/03/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Proposed Hire Date
If time-limited please indicate appointment end date
Contact Information

Apply