IT Systems Admin and Research Support

Please note, we are not offering H-1B or Green Card sponsorship for this position. The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a hybrid modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the Greater Duluth, Minnesota area or otherwise open to relocation.

Position Overview

This position will be part of a two-person NRRI IT team that covers both the Duluth and Coleraine facilities. It will provide support to both the central administrative staff and researchers. Responsibilities are wide range and will include administration of servers, development and administration of databases and applications, development of custom IT solutions for administrative and research needs, hardware and software user support, and engagement with the IT community throughout the U of MN system. The position will be based in Duluth, but occasional travel to Coleraine is required.

Job Responsibilities:

(30%) Systems Administration

• Configure, install, monitor, upgrade and maintain information technology systems software, hardware, and virtual servers.
• Work directly with administrative staff and researchers to identify needs and develop, deploy, maintain, and retire applications, databases, and systems that facilitate administrative work and research.
• Maintain a codebase on GitHub.

(25%) Research Support

• Provide support to research groups, including consultation on computational and data storage topics; development and maintenance of research databases; custom programming solutions; and deployment and management of scientific sensors and their data streams.

(20%) Technical Support

• Provide technical user support for a wide range of hardware and software related information technology systems and their components, including personal and lab computers; audiovisual equipment; network hardware and connectivity; operating systems and software; security; and telecommunications. Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues or elevate them. Provide basic services to ensure hardware functionality and compatibility.

(15%) Administrative Support

• Work directly with administrative staff to develop, maintain, improve, and execute information technology processes that support human resources, accounting, and other administrative needs (e.g., employee onboarding, payroll processing, and administrative reporting).

(10%) IT Coordination

• Interface with the Research Cyberinfrastructure Champions Network and maintain an active presence in system-wide IT groups.
• Keep NRRI leadership current on IT projects, issues and future needs.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in computer science or a related field plus at least two years of experience, or a master's degree in computer science or a related field
• Proficiency working with Linux, Debian/Ubuntu, and Apache
• Proficiency working with relational database development and administration
• Advanced programming skills with SQL
• Proficiency in Windows
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Valid US driver's license with clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced programming skills with an additional language, such as JavaScript, VBScript, PHP, ASP, or Python
• Familiarity with containerized architecture (e.g., docker, kubernetes)
• Familiarity with web application development, deployment, and hosting
• Experience with server security configurations, including encryption and authentication
• Basic knowledge of front-end development, including HTML and CSS
• Proficiency with Mac OS
  

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

1. Applied Ecology and Resource Management
2. Minerals and Metallurgy
3. Materials and Bioeconomy
4. Data Collection and Delivery
5. Commercialization Services

Pay Range: $73,000-$93,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).