System Administrator 4 (0520) Job #79868 - Berkeley Wireless Research Center (BWRC)

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Nearly 20 years ago, two UC Berkeley professors, Bob Brodersen and Jan Rabaey, envisioned a world with ubiquitous connectivity using wireless technology. To demonstrate this, they came up with a small portable hub they called the Infopad and built an entire wireless network which the Infopad used to communicate with other devices. The Infopad was the world's first ever wireless multimedia terminal but it required a highly collaborative effort that yielded significant research contributions up and down the stack in wireless network protocols, communications theory, low-power digital design, system design methodology, signal processing, radio architecture, analog RF design and physical packaging. And so the Berkeley Wireless Research Center was born with a mission to create future systems, rather than just future technology.

BWRC has continued to push the boundaries of future wireless systems since its origin. We believe that the future of wireless, 5G and beyond, will be driven by application technology and that this kind of technology is being driven today in labs such as the BWRC. Just as the Infopad heralded the ubiquitous touch screen terminals of today, so some of the work we are currently pursuing will lead to the next "must-have" technology 20 years from now.

The UC Berkeley Wireless Research Center is an established leader in university-industry-government research partnerships resulting in pioneering circuits and system-on-chip innovations for high-performance analog, digital, and mixed-signal applications. The Center has forged deep relationships with industry leaders to facilitate rapid technology transfer since being founded in 1999. BWRC provides an environment for research into core issues for future generations of wireless and wireline communication systems as well as a platform to expand graduate student instructional programs. Research focuses on highly-integrated CMOS implementations optimized for lowest energy consumption leveraging advanced communication algorithms and architectures. ASIC proof-of-concept prototype chips are fabricated using leading-edge process technologies and are evaluated in a state-of-the-art, in-house laboratory. Center membership provides access to faculty and graduate students involved in a large interdisciplinary research effort for a modest investment. The critical-mass combination of UC Berkeley researchers, government funding, and industry-leading sponsors has the potential for making truly significant advances possible. The BWRC consists of PhD graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty engaged in pre-competitive, public domain research. Research areas of interest include:

• Energy efficient analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits;
• Enhanced design automation and design methodologies for analog, digital and mixed-signal chips;
• RF, mm-Wave, and Terahertz circuits; advanced data converters and analog signal chain design;
• New radio system architectures from very small scale to long-range 5G+ applications, focusing on energy efficiency with low latency and high robustness;
• Algorithms and signal processing for next generation wireless system-on-chip design;
• High speed, high efficiency, wireline communication circuits;
• Bio-medical and neurobiological circuits and systems;
• Highly integrated wearable technology for future human intranet;
• Human-machine interactions;
• New materials and technologies, including photonics, and flexible electronics.

The position requires significant knowledge and expertise in building and maintaining technical infrastructure as are significant problem solving skills and working with shifting organization needs. While the position requires a great deal of autonomy, working closely with people and organizations inside and outside of BWRC is required to determine goals and priorities is needed.

The First Review Date for this job is: 8/4/25 - Open until filled

30% Operating Systems and Applications Performance Analysis and Management:

Working independently and with minimal technical supervision performs highly complex performance analysis of infrastructure computing systems to proactively specify modifications, enhancements or extensions to systems to achieve greater user productivity and improve systems cost/performance. Acquire, install, modify and support operating systems, databases, utilities and lnternet/intranet-related tools including web services. Direct required patching of production operating systems including appropriate patch testing prior to distribution. Analyze new operating system releases to determine the appropriate time frame to upgrade. Perform comprehensive performance testing, interoperability verification with application software and bug resolution with the research team prior to production roll out.

20% Computing Infrastructure Architecture and Design:

Working independently Designs, proposes and directs the implementation of advanced computing systems to meet critical performance demands imposed by computer aided design software used by researchers at BWRC. These systems include all elements of the computing infrastructure; computing platforms, storage and file service systems, communications networks and security mechanisms. Independently specifies enhancements including software and hardware updates that will improve the performance and reliability of center computing systems, clusters and services. Architects and Manages centralized compute servers, cluster management policies and storage servers. Independently performs analysis and prepares specifications and budgetary justifications for purchase or upgrade of new computer.

20% Research User Support:

Working independently, diagnose and correct highly complex computer system and software execution problems encountered by faculty, graduate student researchers, staff and industrial collaborators. Create support documentation as required to build research community knowledge base.

15% Systems Security:

Performs complex security control, audit and analysis activities to prevent unauthorized access to highly sensitive, confidential BWRC information assets. Maintains complex security systems protecting BWRC information assets and implementing internal access control policies.

15% Systems and Applications Programming: Performs highly complex systems programming and systems support activities. Designs and implements systems to support.

• Ability to elicit and communicate technical and non-technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team. Demonstrates problem-solving skills. Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
• Basic knowledge of how to apply technologies and systems to meet business needs.
• Ability to write technical documentation in a clear and concise manner.
• Understanding of system performance monitoring and actions that can be taken to improve or correct performance.
• Knowledge of the design, development and application of technology and systems to meet business needs.
• General knowledge of other areas of IT. Thorough understanding of and experience with systems-related issues and actions that can be taken to improve or correct performance.
• Demonstrated skills associated with adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs. Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of how system management actions affect other systems, system users and dependent / related functions.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills and abilities associated with system problem identification and resolution. Experience with design, configuration, operation, repair, and tuning of technology systems.
• Advanced experience writing and editing the most complex scripts used to perform system maintenance and administration.
• Advanced knowledge of computer security best practices and policies including demonstrated experience securing most complex server-based software.
• Experience leading a team of IT professionals.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $120,000 - $140,000.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.