Senior System Administrator - GenomicsBigRio is a Boston-based, remote-first technology consulting firm specializing in AI/ML, data engineering, cloud transformation, genomics platforms, and custom software development. We partner with healthcare, life sciences, biotech, and enterprise organizations to design scalable, secure, and high-performance technology platforms that drive innovation and business growth. At BigRio, we believe strong infrastructure is the backbone of successful digital transformation.
We are seeking a Senior System Administrator who is passionate about building resilient, secure, and scalable cloud environments that support mission-critical systems, genomics workloads, and high-impact client engagements.Role SummaryThe Senior System Administrator will play a key role in designing, implementing, and maintaining modern cloud infrastructure environments, primarily within Azure and Linux ecosystems. This role requires strong technical expertise, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, DevOps, bioinformatics, and client stakeholders. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, balances best practices with pragmatism, and is excited to help build infrastructure that supports AI-driven, genomics, and data-intensive platforms.QualificationsBachelor's degree preferred.Experience & Skills5+ years of experience as a System Administrator with a focus on Azure and Linux environmentsStrong understanding of modern infrastructure and cloud best practicesProven expertise managing Azure services and resourcesExperience with Epic Aura or similar healthcare platforms preferredExperience supporting genomics, bioinformatics, or life sciences environments preferredExperience working with Illumina sequencing platforms, Illumina Connected Analytics, Illumina BaseSpace, genomics pipelines, or related genomics infrastructure strongly preferredFamiliarity with genomic data workflows, sequencing data storage, and high-throughput data processing environmentsStrong Linux administration skills including shell scripting and system optimizationExperience working with HPC environments and distributed computing clustersProficiency in automation and scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell)Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible, or similar)Experience supporting large-scale storage systems and data-intensive workloadsExperience collaborating with engineering, infrastructure, bioinformatics, and leadership teamsStrong communication and documentation skillsSelf-motivated with attention to detail and ownership mindsetKey ResponsibilitiesCloud & Infrastructure ManagementDesign, deploy, and manage Azure resources ensuring availability, security, and performanceMonitor infrastructure with focus on cost optimization and resource efficiencyImplement and maintain backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plansPerform performance tuning and capacity planning to support scalabilitySupport infrastructure for genomics and bioinformatics workloads including large-scale sequencing data environmentsManage secure storage, transfer, and archival strategies for genomic datasetsHPC & Systems OptimizationManage and optimize HPC environmentsEnsure efficient job scheduling and resource allocationSupport compute-intensive genomics and sequencing analysis pipelinesMaintain system health, patching, and compliance standardsOptimize storage and compute performance for high-throughput sequencing workloadsAutomation & DevOpsDevelop automation scripts to improve operational efficiencyImplement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for scalable deploymentsSupport CI/CD workflows and cross-team deploymentsAutomate deployment and operational processes for genomics and bioinformatics applicationsSecurity & ComplianceImplement security best practices and system hardeningMaintain compliance across healthcare and life sciences environmentsSupport audits and documentation requirementsEnsure proper handling and protection of sensitive healthcare and genomic dataCollaboration & LeadershipWork closely with cross-functional teams across engineering, bioinformatics, and client environmentsProvide technical mentorship to junior team membersResearch and recommend new technologies to improve infrastructure maturityPartner with stakeholders to support scalable AI/ML and genomics platformsPreferred ExperienceExperience with Illumina sequencing environments and associated infrastructureExposure to genomics pipelines such as BCL conversion, FASTQ processing, alignment, and variant analysis workflowsFamiliarity with tools and workflows used in bioinformatics environmentsExperience supporting HIPAA-compliant or regulated healthcare/life sciences environmentsWork EnvironmentRemote-first environmentPrimarily sedentary (desk-based work)Regular use of computer systems and communication tools