At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise Linux systems, support users, and automate tasks.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Napier University, a top Scottish Modern University for Computer Science research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, a generous pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Collaborate with researchers in a supportive environment while enhancing your Linux skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field and experience managing commercial Linux environments required.
- Other info: Salary ranges from £31,236 to £37,694, with flexible working options.
The predicted salary is between 26300 - 31600 £ per year.
Edinburgh Napier University are currently the number one Scottish Modern University for research in Computer Science & Informatics. The way our School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment works as a school is intrinsically linked with industry, to ensure our world-leading research and teaching has an impact in all areas of life.
To help us maintain this status, we are currently looking for an experienced Linux Administrator to work closely with researchers, data scientists, and IT teams to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and scalability of our Linux systems, while encouraging use of Linux in general to students and staff alike.
The Role:
The post of Linux Administrator will give you excellent opportunity to use your previous experience managing commercial Linux environments to:
-Administer, monitor, and optimize HPC clusters, including compute nodes, storage systems, and interconnects
-Install, configure, and maintain cluster management tools, job schedulers (e.g., Slurm), and system software
-Manage user accounts, access controls, and security policies and
-Monitor system performance and usage; identify and resolve issues to minimize downtime.
As part of our collaborative and supportive technical team, we anticipate that your proficiency with Linux (e.g., RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu) and Bash scripting will allow you to effectively:
-Plan and implement HPC upgrades, expansions, and migrations
-Support users with job submissions, software builds, and application performance tuning
-Automate routine tasks using scripts (e.g., Bash, Python, Ansible)
-Ensure data integrity and backup/recovery processes and
-Document system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps.
Furthermore, the role will also give you the chance to:
-Collaborate with researchers and technical teams to evaluate and deploy scientific and engineering applications.
-Assist with Linux installations throughout the School and
-Assist with MS Windows based hardware and software installation and deployment
If you have previous experience managing commercial Linux environments and would like to join an organisation who value high standards, good work-life balance and collaborative working, then we would love to hear from you.
What we will need from you:
-Bachelor\’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
-Previous experience managing commercial Linux environments.
-Proficiency with Linux
-Experience with container technologies (e.g., Apptainer, Docker).
-Familiarity with infrastructure automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, SaltStack).
-Familiarity with monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, Ganglia).
-Knowledge of MS Windows and IOS
-Excellent troubleshooting and communication skills
This roles duties fall in line with our standard role description for the post of Computing Technician, which can be viewed by clicking here.
Benefits we offer:
We offer support and recognition wherever due, as well as fantastic benefits such as pension with employer contributions of 17.6%, a minimum of 41 days holiday and annual pay reviews.
There are professional development opportunities, discounted access to onsite sports facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts.
Additional information:
Salary:£31,236 – £37,694 per annum (depending on experience)
Closing date:12th August 2025
Interviews:Week commencing 25th August 2025
The University holds Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status. We are a flexible Employer.
On this occasion, the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Linux Administrator in Edinburgh employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Contact Detail:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Linux Administrator in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific Linux distributions mentioned in the job description, such as RHEL, CentOS, and Ubuntu. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills with these systems can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have with HPC clusters and job schedulers like Slurm. If you can demonstrate your ability to optimise performance and manage resources effectively, it will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your scripting skills, particularly in Bash and Python, by discussing any automation projects you've completed. This will illustrate your capability to streamline processes and improve efficiency within a Linux environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the university's community before applying. Attend relevant events or webinars, and connect with current employees on platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide valuable insights into the role and help you tailor your approach when you apply through our website.
We think you need these skills to ace Linux Administrator in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Linux environments, including specific distributions like RHEL, CentOS, and Ubuntu. Emphasise any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in managing HPC clusters and using automation tools.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the university's commitment to research and collaboration. Mention how your background aligns with their needs, particularly in optimising Linux systems and supporting users.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly list your proficiency in Bash scripting, container technologies, and monitoring tools. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to solve problems or improve system performance.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves collaboration with researchers and IT teams, include examples of how you've effectively communicated technical information to non-technical stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Napier University
✨Showcase Your Linux Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with various Linux distributions like RHEL, CentOS, and Ubuntu. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've managed commercial Linux environments, as this will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HPC Clusters
Since the role involves administering HPC clusters, brush up on your understanding of cluster management tools and job schedulers like Slurm. Being able to discuss how you've optimised or troubleshot these systems in the past will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to Bash scripting, automation tools like Ansible, and monitoring tools such as Prometheus or Grafana. Practising common scenarios or problems can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
The role requires working closely with researchers and IT teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and any experience you have in supporting users or training staff on Linux systems.