Jobs / United States / Harvard University

Harvard University

Research Infrastructure System Administrator

Boston, MA, US Posted 24 days ago

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Sponsorship verdict

Sponsorship possible

One solid signal, not two. Worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.

  • Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 123 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first.
  • The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
  • No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area.
  • What Harvard University paid sponsored hires in similar roles37 certified filings for “Research Fellow” (Molecular and Cellular Biologists) in MA: $76k–$81k, median $76k.
  • Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
Details and sources
Employer is on a government sponsor record
The US Department of Labor certified 123 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
No salary bar for this route
H-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
What Harvard University paid sponsored hires in similar roles
37 certified filings for “Research Fellow” (Molecular and Cellular Biologists) in MA: $76k–$81k, median $76k. Most were filed at wage level I (73%) — 1 lottery entry, ≈15% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).

US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).

A verdict summarises public evidence. It is not legal advice and never a guarantee: the employer and the immigration authority decide. Sign in to factor in where you can already work.

About the role

As a Research Infrastructure System Administrator within the Research Technology Infrastructure (RTI) team, you will support research at HMS by building, configuring, and maintaining the platforms, applications, and databases that enable reliable and secure research environments. You will administer researcher-facing tools and services, including application platforms (e.g., Omero, Globus, Redcap), web-hosted systems, and databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres). The role includes developing APIs, supporting HPC access platforms (e.g., Open OnDemand), and implementing monitoring solutions to ensure system health. You will also contribute to infrastructure automation using modern DevOps practices such as containerization, distributed storage, and orchestration platforms. This role emphasizes operational support, independent problem-solving, and collaborative project work in service of research activities.  Core Duties:  • Configure, maintain, and support research applications and platforms (e.g., Omero, Globus, Redcap, Starfish, ELNs).  • Administer and maintain research databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres) and web-hosted systems integrated with research computing infrastructure.  • Develop and support APIs, license servers, and researcher portals to facilitate data and service access.  • Support user access platforms including Open OnDemand and HPC account management workflows.  • Implement and maintain monitoring and alerting systems to ensure the health and performance of RTI platforms.  • Develop and deploy application services using DevOps tools such as containers, distributed storage, and orchestration platforms.  • Participate in the full lifecycle of application and platform development, from design through deployment and maintenance.  • Troubleshoot infrastructure, database, and application-level issues independently or in coordination with cross-functional teams.  • Collaborate with researchers and IT colleagues to support evolving research needs and ensure Revision 06.16.25 robust and secure solutions. • Contribute to documentation, best practices, and operational knowledge sharing.  • Perform other duties as assigned. Working Conditions:   • Work is performed in an office setting. Basic Qualifications: • Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience. Additional Qualifications and Skills: • Experience with Linux-based systems administration in a research or academic setting. • Familiarity with research-oriented platforms and services (e.g., Globus, ELNs, Open OnDemand). • Experience administering relational databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres) and web-hosted environments. • Working knowledge of containerization (e.g., Docker, Podman), orchestration, and configuration management. • Ability to develop and maintain scripts and APIs using languages such as Python or Bash. • Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. • Commitment to supporting the research mission through reliable and secure infrastructure. • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal • Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal. #LI-DK1 Work Format Details This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locat

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