How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter must include a brief summary of the type of IT environment you currently work in (e.g., size of environment, technologies, platforms). It should also specifically address your interest in this position and outline experience directly relevant to the role.
Job Summary
The Survey Research Center (SRC) within the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan is seeking a Systems Administrator Senior to join our Computing and Multimedia Technologies (CMT) team. This role is primarily focused on supporting and maintaining Microsoft Windows Server environments, including Hyper-V virtualization and on-premises infrastructure. Additional consideration will be given to candidates with experience managing cloud-based services and Linux.
As a Systems Administrator Senior, you will manage, monitor, and support critical IT systems that serve the ISR community. You will apply technical, troubleshooting, and communication skills to ensure system availability, security, and performance.
The Systems Administrator Senior will report to the Director of CMT.
Mission Statement
The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Learn more about U-M benefits.
Responsibilities*
- Deploy, configure, and maintain Microsoft Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, Group Policy, and Hyper-V virtualization.
- Manage user accounts and access permissions across multiple systems.
- Support and monitor on-premises infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking components.
- Assist with cloud service integration (e.g., Azure, Microsoft 365, or similar platforms).
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to servers, virtualization, and system performance.
- Ensure compliance with security standards, assist with vulnerability remediation and implement system hardening best practices.
- Collaborate with IT staff and end users to deliver high-quality service and support.
- Participate in disaster recovery planning, backup management, and business continuity processes.
- Maintain system documentation and contribute to IT process improvements.
Required Qualifications*
- A bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
- At least 6 years of professional experience administering Microsoft Windows Server environments.
- Hands-on experience with Hyper-V virtualization.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy.
- Experience managing on-premises server hardware and infrastructure.
- Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience operating services in cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure or AWS.
- Linux server administration experience (Ubuntu, CentOS, or RHEL).
- Familiarity with system monitoring tools, scripting (PowerShell, Bash), and automation.
- Experience with backup/recovery tools, disaster recovery, or high-availability solutions.
- Understanding of security practices, patch management, and compliance frameworks.
- Prior experience in an academic or research environment.
Work Locations
This position is based on the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus and requires scheduled on-site presence to manage on-premises infrastructure. Hybrid work flexibility may be available.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
This position will require access to federal project data and systems, some of which are subject to security clearance and training requirements. Candidates must agree to submit to SRC-funded background and security checks and be able to obtain security clearance (up to federal level 5) within 6 (six) months of hire. Please be advised that current federal security clearance requirements limit level 5 clearance to U.S. citizens.
This position requires participating in after-hours on-call services in rotation with other staff. Occasional work time outside normal business hours is required for resolving emergent issues and performing system maintenance.
The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.