Linux System Administrator

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading research institution established in 195

• It is known for its groundbreaking work in the field of particle physics and technology. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Linux System Administrator position involves joining the accelerator control system team to enhance the core platform by implementing new storage services using a high-end commercial storage appliance. The role requires close collaboration with experienced system administrators, infrastructure experts, and software engineers, including partnerships with the CERN IT department and Computer security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security team. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in a dynamic and exciting environment, contributing to the evolution of critical systems that support CERN's scientific missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Linux System Administrator include configuring the NetApp storage appliance and integrating it into the configuration management systems utilized by the sysadmin team. The role also involves establishing appropriate access control and data segmentation to minimize cybersecurity risks associated with network filesystems. Ensuring a high level of redundancy in the storage appliance configuration is crucial for business continuity in case of failures. Additionally, the administrator will establish a data backup scheme and recovery plan, ensure the appliance provides adequate storage for the control system Kubernetes infrastructure, and migrate control system data from existing NFS servers to the new appliance. This role also includes team supervision responsibilities, requiring effective leadership and collaboration skills.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have experience with Linux administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">system administration, as it is essential for this role. Familiarity with common security issues affecting Linux systems is also required. Experience with network filesystem management, particularly NFS, is essential. While familiarity with object storage systems such as S3 is desired, it is not mandatory. A solid understanding of Git version control is essential, and knowledge of Ansible configuration management and Kubernetes container orchestration is desirable. Candidates should possess strong spoken and written English skills, with a commitment to learning French.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and have a professional background in Software Engineering or a related field. They should hold either a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. It is important that candidates have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background in Software Engineering or a related field, with specific experience in Linux system administration and network filesystem management. The level of experience required varies based on educational qualifications, with a Master's degree necessitating 2 to 6 years of experience and a PhD allowing for up to 3 years of experience.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The job is fully onsite, and the target start date is July 1, 202

• The job reference is BE-CSS-ISA-2026-47-GRAP. The position falls under the field of Software Engineering and IT, benchmarked as job 200020 - Computing Engineer. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6372 to 7004 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year and additional benefits such as comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances. On-the-job and formal training, including language classes, will also be provided.