The Math Institute of South Africa is looking for suitable young people to apply for their Systems Administrator role. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026 – so grab a copy of your CV and get going today.
What the job actually looks like
If you land this gig you’ll be the backbone of a cutting‑edge research lab that teaches maths at the university level. Your day‑to‑day work will involve:
- Keeping the servers humming – monitor, troubleshoot and fix both physical and virtual machines.
- Building the network – design VPNs, VLANs and wireless hotspots that keep lecturers and staff connected.
- Running the virtual playground – create and manage KVM virtual machines and LXC/LXD containers.
- Managing the cloud – administer Google Workspace: users, groups, Drive, Sites.
- Helping people – Tier‑1 support for staff who run into networking or server snags.
- Writing the playbook – keep detailed records of every network diagram, server config and software rollout.
It’s a role that blends hands‑on tech work with a little bit of admin and teaching. If you’re a beginner, you’ll get a lot of hands‑on experience; if you’re a recent graduate, you’ll step into a professional environment that values both learning and contribution.
Who’s a good fit?
| Skill | What we’re looking for |
|---|---|
| Linux | Strong on Debian or Ubuntu – you can navigate the command line like a pro. |
| Networking basics | TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, OpenVPN – can you explain how a router works? |
| Certs? | CompTIA Network+, MikroTik or similar training is a plus. |
| Advanced stuff | Experience with Radius/Eduroam, VXLAN, NFS – extra points. |
| Server software | Know Apache, LDAP, Samba, CUPS? Great! |
| Automation | Scripting in Shell or Python – you can write scripts to make life easier. |
| Cloud & storage | Prior work with Google Workspace and ZFS storage gets you ahead. |
You don’t need a PhD – just a passion for tech and a willingness to learn. We’ll help you grow.
What you’ll get
- Competitive salary based on your experience and skill set.
- On‑site perks – free Wi‑Fi, coffee, and the chance to work in a modern office in Gauteng (exact location on request).
- Career ladder – move into senior admin or DevOps roles, or even explore research projects if that’s your vibe.
How to apply – step by step
- Update your CV – keep it clear and concise. Highlight any Linux or networking projects.
- Write a quick cover note – let us know why you love IT and what makes you a great fit.
- Gather documents – a copy of your ID, any relevant certificates, and references if you have them.
- Send everything to
[email protected]
(the email address is hidden in the original to keep it private – you can find it on the official page). - Check the application link for the exact closing date and any extra forms:
Apply right here before it closes.
Quick tips to stand out
- Show real‑world proof – add screenshots of projects, code snippets, or links to GitHub if you’ve done any.
- Speak the language – mention any experience with Linux commands or network diagrams.
- Be proactive – ask a question in your cover letter that shows you’re curious (e.g., “How does the institute manage its ZFS backups?”).
This could be a game‑changer if you’re into building and maintaining tech systems. Think you’ve got what it takes? Head over to the Math Institute’s homepage for more context and don’t miss out – the role is filling fast. Happy applying!
