Linux Server Administrator at ICOS Carbon Portal

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading universities. There are approximately 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of human beings.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all parts of our operations.

ICOS Carbon Portal (CP) is the data center of the international research infrastructure International Carbon Observation System (ICOS).

ICOS produces long-term high-quality measurements of greenhouse gas exchange in the areas of the atmosphere, ecosystems, and oceans. CP develops web services that support the use of data in research. CP is located at the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, Lund University.

ICOS is a strongly distributed research infrastructure that requires coordination and continuous development. Further development of technology and observation strategies is a strategic goal for ICOS, often supported through projects funded by the European Commission. Over the years, ICOS has participated in and led many EU projects. All these projects support the development of ICOS, its scientific objectives, and the development of CP as a FAIR data repository and collaboration platform.

We are looking for

an experienced Linux server administrator to maintain and optimize our server environment. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in Linux (Ubuntu), Docker, LXD, and Ansible. You will play a key role in automating server provisioning, deployment, and monitoring, ensuring high availability, scalability, and security for our infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain Linux-based servers running Ubuntu, ensuring they are secure, up-to-date, and functioning optimally; monitor server health, including uptime, performance, and resource utilization, and take proactive measures as needed
• Automate server configuration and management tasks using Ansible (https://github.com/ICOS-Carbon-Portal/infrastructure (https://github.com/ICOS-Carbon-Portal/infrastructure)).
• Monitor virtual machines and container-based environments, including managing and deploying Docker and LXD containers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve server-related issues, including network, hardware, and software problems.
• Ensure critical data is backed up.
• Keep certain services like Nextcloud and JupyterHub updated.
• Collaborate with development teams to streamline deployment pipelines and improve infrastructure.
• Monitor server health, including uptime, performance, and resource utilization, and take proactive measures as needed.
• Maintain documentation for server configurations, processes, and troubleshooting guides.

Requirements

• Documented work experience managing Linux servers in a production environment.
• Work experience and strong expertise in automated workflows and managing configurations with Ansible.
• Practical work experience deploying, orchestrating, and managing containers using Docker.
• Familiarity with managing Linux containers with LXD.
• Ability to write Python and Bash scripts.
• Knowledge of tools for monitoring server performance and best practices.
• Familiarity with networking, firewalls, and VPNs (especially Nebula).

Additional qualifications

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Conditions

This is a permanent position at 100% with a desired start date of May 1, 2025, or by agreement. A probationary period may apply.

Currently, we have more job openings at ICOS Carbon Portal, also advertised on Lund University's website. You must apply for each position individually, but if you are applying for multiple positions, please indicate this in your application along with the order of your interest in the positions.

We will only process complete applications that include a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references.

The advertised position will be located in 2025 at the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science within the Faculty of Science, and from January 1, 2026, will be transferred to the newly established Department of Environmental and Geological Sciences within the same faculty.

By bringing together previous activities from the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, and the Geological Institute, the new department will strengthen the connection between different research fields, develop new educational programs, and promote collaboration with society.

Welcome to apply.

At the Faculty of Science, research and education are conducted in biology, astronomy, physics, geosciences, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science. The activities are conducted at eight departments located within the northern university area. The faculty has about 1,500 students, 330 doctoral students, and 700 employees.

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