Linux Systems Manager

About us

The Mullard Space Science Laboratory (a remote part of UCL's Department of Space and Climate Physics) is located on its own campus in the beautiful Surrey Hills, surrounded by woodland. MSSL is the UK's largest university space research group. Space science is a discipline that demands highly innovative technologies and MSSL has an international reputation for excellence in this area. UCL was one of the first universities in the world to become involved in making scientific observations in space. Since MSSL was established in 1967, we have participated in 63 satellite missions with the European Space Agency, NASA (US), Japan, Russia, China and India, and 107 sub-orbital experiments.

The Department is family-friendly and applications would be welcome from applicants seeking flexible opportunities. The Department holds Institute of Physics Juno Practitioner status. The aim of Project Juno is to recognise and reward physics departments, schools, institutes and organisations that can demonstrate they are actively addressing equality in physics and encouraging better practice for all staff. The Department is committed to fostering diversity within its community and applications from candidates from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the MSSL is in a remote countryside location which is challenging to access without personal transport. The nearest towns are Cranleigh and Dorking (5 miles and 7 miles by road respectively from the MSSL); central London is 35 miles away by road.

About the role

An opportunity has arisen for a System Manager to join the computing group at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory in Surrey. This involves the following duties.

• Support the full life cycle of RHEL Linux systems (often on uncertified hardware) and aspects of TCP/IP network equipment working independently; this includes from advising on initial purchasing commissioning, day-to-day administration, pro-actively researching and minimising security risks, identifying performance issues and hardware/software problems, and taking remedial action to correct any issues which arise. The post holder is expected to keep abreast of technology, proactively warn colleagues of upcoming issues and offer advice to group members and other departmental staff as required.
• Research the optimal hardware and software for applications, advising on specifications to meet specific needs, obtaining quotes and iterating configuration to suit budget and technical requirements;
• Working independently, provide second/third line support for RHEL Linux and networking issues;
• Investigate general support issues in detail, often duplicating a user's problem on other equipment and finding and testing a solution before applying to the user's hardware (Windows/Mac/Linux). These are often complex problems requiring testing and online research and consultation with manufacturers. The post holder will work independently and with other computing group members with relevant specialisms to address these.
• Produce user and technical documentation.
• Install and support in-house, open-source, collaborative and proprietary applications software.
• Liaise with UCL suppliers for warranties and service contracts.
• Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager; this may include desk-side and remote user support, backups and printer problems

For further information about this post please contact Paul Lamb ().

Salary £42,099 - £50,585 including London Allowance.

The interviews will be held on 1 May 2024.

About you

We are looking for a person who has the following knowledge, skills and experience.

• Extensive recent experience of Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation, configuration, administration, security and diagnosis.
• A good knowledge of networking using TCP/IP protocols and network diagnosis in a 500 node network.
• A knowledge of IT hardware (network switches, end user equipment, etc.).
• Proven experience of BASH shell scripting.
• HND or equivalent experience in relevant field.
• Self motivated and proven ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical writing.
• Excellent problem solving and diagnostic skills.
• Proven ability to read and write technical and user documentation.
• Excellent interpersonal abilities, proven capability to work within a multi-disciplinary team and ability to support users across a wide range of computing knowledge and experience.
• Proven record of ability to manage own time, work to deadlines, documenting and sharing solutions.

Note to job applicant

There is a link to the full job description below which contains a table of essential criteria. Copy and paste that table into your "Statement in support of your application" and describe underneath each criterium how you meet it, giving examples.