Systems Administrator (Lab Support)

Post Date

Jun 18, 2026

Location

South San Francisco,
California

ZIP/Postal Code

94080
US
Aug 17, 2026 Insight Global

Job Type

Contract-to-perm

Category

System Administrator

Req #

SDG-c1d199cf-87ea-4396-aca8-37c9b3ec46cc

Pay Rate

$46 - $57 (hourly estimate)

Job Description

We are looking for a versatile Systems Administrator contractor to support a fast-paced IT environment with a strong emphasis on laboratory operations and automation technologies. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring the stability, performance, and scalability of both enterprise systems and lab-specific infrastructure, including specialized instruments and sequencing platforms. The role combines core systems administration responsibilities with hands-on collaboration alongside scientists, lab technicians, and cross-functional teams to enable seamless research operations. Success in this position requires a proactive approach to system optimization, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to support mission-critical lab activities with tight timelines.

Responsibilities:
• Provide day-to-day IT support for laboratory environments, ensuring systems such as sequencing workstations, lab devices, and automation tools remain fully operational
• Partner with lab personnel to deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot lab automation platforms and integrate new instruments into existing infrastructure
• Serve as a primary liaison between IT and lab teams, translating technical needs and delivering user support for specialized lab systems
• Install, configure, and maintain servers, operating systems (Windows/Linux), and applications across enterprise and lab environments
• Monitor system health, apply updates/patching, and proactively resolve performance or reliability issues
• Manage network components including firewalls, switches, VPNs, and routing to ensure consistent connectivity across sites and labs
• Support network performance tuning efforts, particularly in high-demand lab environments with automation and instrument data flows
• Act as an escalation point for complex technical issues beyond helpdesk support, including hardware, software, and lab-specific challenges
• Manage user access and permissions, ensuring appropriate security controls for corporate and research systems
• Troubleshoot and resolve critical system issues with urgency to minimize downtime, particularly for active lab workflows
• Administer backup and recovery processes, ensuring data integrity and recoverability of critical lab and enterprise systems
• Maintain detailed documentation of configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps for both standard IT systems and lab technologies
• Track and manage IT assets, including hardware inventory, software licensing, and specialized lab equipment
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve IT processes and communicate technical updates effectively to non-technical stakeholders

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Required Skills & Experience

• 3–5+ years of hands-on experience in systems administration or a comparable technical role
• Exposure to laboratory or biotech environments (e.g., sequencing instruments, lab automation platforms)
• Strong expertise in Windows and Linux system administration in production environments
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals, including routing, switching, VPNs, and security protocols
• Experience managing servers, system performance, patching, and infrastructure reliability
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across systems, networks, and end-user environments
• Familiarity with virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V
• Experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure in hybrid environments
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to support both technical and non-technical users

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA Server+, Microsoft, VMware)
• Expertise in Cisco Meraki
• Experience using Veeam
• Experience documenting SOPs and managing IT assets in regulated or structured environments

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.