Senior Systems Administrator

Title:                   Senior Systems Administrator

Location:           Cambridge, MA

Reports to:        Head of IT Infrastructure & Operations

About Vedanta Biosciences:

Vedanta Biosciences is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company developing medicines for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The company’s lead assets include potential first-in-class oral therapies, VE303, a Phase 3-ready candidate for recurrent C. difficile infection, and VE202, in a Phase 2 trial for ulcerative colitis. Vedanta’s pipeline has been built using the company’s industry-leading product engine for the development of therapies based on defined consortia of bacteria grown from pure clonal cell banks. The product engine, supported by foundational IP, includes one of the largest libraries of bacteria isolated from the human microbiome, vast clinical datasets, proprietary capabilities in consortium design, and end-to-end CGMP manufacturing capabilities at commercial launch scale.

The Role:

The Senior Systems Administrator will support a Microsoft-centric computing environment consisting of Windows 2012/2016/2019/2022 servers for both corporate and GXP environments and associated Microsoft Cloud Technologies. This role will also assist in the support and administration of Azure, AWS, and Oracle fusion cloud. This position will report to the Head of IT Infrastructure & Operations. This role requires someone to be fully onsite, though some amount of remote work may be permissible in the future.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Administer, configure, and maintain Microsoft Azure services, ensuring the optimal performance and security of cloud resources.
• Implement and manage M365 applications, including Exchange Online, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Manage and maintain on-premises servers running Windows Server operating systems.
• Administer storage solutions such as direct attached, SAN and NAS, ensuring data availability and integrity.
• Design and implement solutions that seamlessly integrate on-premises infrastructure with Microsoft Cloud Technologies.
• Implement and monitor security measures for both cloud and on-premises environments.
• Conduct regular security assessments and audits and apply best practices to mitigate risks.
• Manage user identities, roles, and access controls within both on-premises Active Directory and Azure Active Directory.
• Implement and maintain multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies.
• Utilize monitoring tools to proactively identify and resolve issues in both cloud and on-premises infrastructure.
• Respond to incidents, conduct root cause analysis, and implement preventive measures.
• Install, maintain, and upgrade server level hardware and software.
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance on hardware and software systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and provide technical solutions.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation related to systems architecture, configurations, and security policies.
• Provide timely and effective support for servers and infrastructure during business hours as well as after-hours, as needed.
• Assume additional responsibilities as requested.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in a Microsoft IT environment, biotech industry and/or GMP experience preferred.
• BS preferred, preferably in a relevant field such as Computer Science or Information Technology. Microsoft or AWS certifications a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft M365 Suite, Azure, Intune, MFA, Microsoft System Center, Microsoft Hyper-V, Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft Defender Suite, Dell Servers, EqualLogic, and Synology SAN’s as well as Veeam backup solutions.
• Scripting and automation skills using PowerShell or other relevant tools.
• Technical experience working with Windows server computer systems.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to influence others.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment. Ability to prioritize multiple projects daily and adjust to shifting priorities.
• Strong planning, project management, and organizational skills.
• Strong sense of urgency and a high-energy level.
• Familiarity with analyzing, working with, and presenting data.
• Possess a “hands-on” tactical approach.
• Creative and proactive approach to problem solving.
• Strong analytical abilities, resourcefulness, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a proactive and positive style that fosters collaborative working relationships. Outstanding sense of customer service.
• Deep personal commitment to integrity, excellent judgment, and the highest standards of ethics.
• Must display the highest level of diplomacy, tact, and discretion, with comfort in handling and maintaining confidential information.
• Ability to quickly get up to speed and master new applications and software is critical.
• Ability to provide on-call and off-hours support as needed.