Systems Administrator

We are seeking to appoint to the key role of Systems Administrator within our established and highly impactful IT Team, to deliver a varied, complex and stimulating workstream on a permanent, full-time basis. Although primarily based in central Oxford, the department are open to a hybrid working arrangement at typically two days per week from home.

This post presents a great opportunity to get involved in supporting a thriving academic department to achieve its vision of a workplace where all staff and students can achieve their full potential. Many of the department’s members are involved in challenging and innovative projects, which increasingly require specialist IT systems and technical support. The IT Team collectively manage 1500+ devices and systems providing facilities and services to 700+ department members and 800+ undergraduate students, as well as numerous visitors and collaborators.

As Systems Administrator, within the IT Team of seven, you will collaborate in the longer-term planning, security and development of these IT systems, using your technical expertise to support the Head of IT in delivering several projects. You will also work closely and collaboratively with the other IT Team members to deliver a high level of frontline and remote technical support. This will require significant initiative and problem-solving skills, including the development of new and novel solutions where appropriate.

We are looking for candidates who are able to demonstrate first-rate IT experience, including in systems administration and/or systems programming/development; in modifying, maintaining and writing scripts (e.g. Bash, Python, Perl); and with automated desktop/laptop deployments. You will have a University degree and/or relevant experience alongside excellent communication skills, in particular the ability to converse at an appropriate technical level with a wide variety of users including senior academics.

A collaborative approach will be a key feature of your role, yet you will be required to work independently, taking the lead to progress initiatives and adopting a systematic and methodical approach to problem-solving in a complex environment. You will be able to handle a demanding and varied workload, managing your time and prioritising your work effectively. You will be an enthusiastic and committed individual who welcomes the opportunity to contribute effectively to a wider team, and who is able to respond positively to new challenges.

We proudly hold a departmental Athena SWAN Silver Award and an institutional Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, which guide our progress towards advancing racial and gender equality. As part of our strategic aim to improve staff equality and diversity, we would particularly welcome applications from BAME candidates, who are currently under-represented in positions of this type within the department.

If you wish to speak to someone informally about this post, please contact Dr Waldemar Schlackow (Head of IT) [[email protected]] or Dr Keith Gillow (Director of IT and Physical Resources) [[email protected]].

Informal enquiries regarding the application process should be directed to the Recruitment Coordinator (email: [email protected]), quoting vacancy reference 181629.

Applicants should read the job description document before writing their application. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

If no suitable applicants are identified at Grade 7, an appointment at Grade 6 (per annum) with an appropriate adjustment to the duties may be considered.

Only applications received before 12:00 noon UK time on Monday 22 September 2025 can be considered.

Interviews are expected to be held shortly thereafter.