System Administrator (f_m_x) - Automation and Cloud Infrastructure

Reference Number

11595<\/h3>

Modern scientific research today relies on complex software services and the provision of large amounts of geodata. To ensure these services are stable, scalable, and secure, seamless integration between software development and system operations is required. In this role, you will bridge the gap between the Research Software Engineers (RSE) of the eScience Center, who develop the scientific applications, and the central IT services that take care of basic operations. Through the operational implementation of automation, containerization, and continuous optimisation, we will work together to ensure that innovative research results are efficiently and reliably transferred into applications.<\/p> \n

Your responsibilities:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You will ensure technical collaboration between software development and system operations and will be responsible for implementing and operating our cloud infrastructure. In this role, you will support the entire software life cycle through the provision and continuous maintenance of automated deployment and CI\/CD pipelines, as well as the management of container-based application architectures.<\/p>\n

These include:<\/p>\n

\n
• You will take care of the technical implementation and support of automated infrastructure solutions, as well as the administration of servers and virtual machines<\/li>\n
• You will maintain container-based application architectures (e.g., via Docker and Portainer) and support the operational management of CI\/CD pipelines for the efficient deployment of software services<\/li>\n
• You will handle the technical implementation of monitoring and logging architectures and ensure the operational functionality of backup and restore routines<\/li>\n
• You will undertake the technical support of open-source systems for providing geodata and support the adaptation of web-based backend systems in compliance with international interoperability standards<\/li>\n
• You will act as the central technical contact person for the section, assist in setting up workstations, and conduct technical workshops on the use of the DevOps toolchain<\/li>\n<\/ul>

  About You:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

  Essential Qualifications:\u00a0<\/p>\n

  \n
  • Completed vocational training as an IT specialist in system integration<\/li>\n
  • Very good knowledge of Linux\/Unix system administration and network technology (TCP\/IP, HTTP, TLS)<\/li>\n
  • Experience with relational databases (especially PostgreSQL), particularly concerning administration and data backup<\/li>\n
  • Practical experience in containerisation (e.g., Docker) and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible)<\/li>\n
  • Proficiency in CI\/CD concepts and tools (e.g., GitLab CI), as well as version control systems (e.g., Git)<\/li>\n
  • Proficient in using Python and Bash to implement automation solutions and tooling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Desirable Qualifications:<\/p>\n

    \n
    • Demonstrable knowledge of DevOps fundamentals and the operational support of CI\/CD pipelines<\/li>\n
    • Proficiency with container management tools (e.g., Portainer) for the orchestration and monitoring of containerised applications<\/li>\n
    • Practical knowledge in the technical implementation of monitoring solutions (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, Loki, Gatus)<\/li>\n
    • Experience in the technical support of geodata infrastructures (SDI\/WebGIS, PostGIS) as well as knowledge of OGC standards (WMS, WFS, WMTS, SLD)<\/li>\n
    • Knowledge of the technical adaptation of web-based backend frameworks (e.g., Django) for the administrative extension of existing domain applications<\/li>\n
    • Experience working with object storage solutions (e.g., S3)<\/li>\n
    • Familiarity with agile working methods (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) within development teams<\/li>\n
    • Skilled in interdisciplinary teamwork in international environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>

      What we offer:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      \n
      • Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment<\/li>\n
      • State-of-the-art equipment<\/li>\n
      • Public service benefits<\/li>\n
      • Extensive training opportunities<\/li>\n
      • Flexible working hours and conditions<\/li>\n
      • Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work<\/li>\n
      • Institute day-care centre on site<\/li>\n
      • Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam<\/li>\n
      • Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
        <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>Start date:<\/strong> As soon as possible
        Fixed-term:<\/strong> 2 years (with option of a permanent contract)
        Salary:<\/strong> The position is classed as salary group 9b according to \u201cTV\u00f6D Bund \u201d. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
        Working hours:<\/strong> Full-time (currently 39 h\/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
        Place of work:<\/strong> Potsdam \n\n

        Have we piqued your interest?<\/strong><\/h4>\nIf so, we look forward to receiving your application by 29th October\u00a02026<\/strong>. Please use our online application form only.\n\nRequired documents: <\/strong>CV and cover letter, certificates\/grades\n \n\n

        The GFZ actively promote diversity and equal opportunities. We explicitly welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion\/belief, age, and physical or neurodiverse abilities. \u00a0<\/p>\n

        \u201cDiversity in perspectives\u201d is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. To know more about our Diversity policies, contact the diversity team. If you need more information about our gender equality policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer and check our Equal Opportunities Plan & Cascade Model.<\/p>\n

        We look forward to applications from people who enjoy working in diverse teams, where everyone feels respected and valued and can fully develop their own talents. Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

        Data protection information for applicants<\/p>\n\nIn case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Marc Hanisch via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.","validThrough":"2026-10-29T23:59:59+01:00","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum f\u00fcr Geoforschung","sameAs":"http:\/\/www.gfz.de","logo":"https:\/\/gfz.concludis.de\/download\/design\/MTU2OTQyMA==\/GFZ_concludis.jpg"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Potsdam","postalCode":"14473","addressCountry":"DE"}},"employmentType":["FULL_TIME","TEMPORARY"]}