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IDI

Intern Volunteer - Server Systems Administration

IDI

Uganda Full time IT & Software
Posted: Jul 24, 2026 1 week ago Deadline: Aug 05, 2026 42 views

Job Description

 

Intern Volunteer – Server Systems Administration (ACE Uganda)

Organisation: Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)
Project: African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences (ACE Uganda)
Job Type: Volunteer Internship
Industry: Healthcare | Health Research | Information Technology
Category: Computer & IT | Science & Engineering
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Duration: 6 Months
Deadline: Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Number of Positions: 1
Reports To: Bioinformatics Scientist

About Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)

The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is a leading Ugandan health organisation involved in infectious disease research, healthcare delivery, training, and strengthening health systems.
Through the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences (ACE Uganda), IDI supports advanced research using data science, computing infrastructure, and technology to address healthcare challenges.
The internship opportunity is supported by the SHEDS Project in partnership with the Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS), University of California San Francisco (UCSF).
The programme provides recent graduates with practical exposure to server administration, high-performance computing (HPC), cybersecurity, networking, and health data research environments.

Internship Summary

The Intern Volunteer – Server Systems Administration will support the ACE Uganda systems team in managing server infrastructure, providing technical support, maintaining computing systems, and learning best practices in IT infrastructure management.
The intern will gain hands-on experience working with Linux servers, cloud platforms, networking technologies, cybersecurity controls, and high-performance computing environments.
This opportunity is ideal for recent graduates interested in careers in:
  • Systems Administration
  • Cloud Computing
  • Cybersecurity
  • DevOps
  • IT Infrastructure
  • Research Computing

Key Responsibilities

1. Server Installation and Configuration Support
  • Assist in installing and configuring server hardware and software under supervision.
  • Support deployment and setup of technology systems.
  • Learn server management procedures from experienced administrators.
  • Assist with system upgrades and technology improvements.
2. Systems Administration Support
  • Support management of network servers and IT infrastructure.
  • Assist with creating user accounts for ACE High Performance Computing (HPC) users.
  • Provide first-line technical support to system users.
  • Escalate complex technical issues to senior administrators.
3. System Monitoring and Maintenance
  • Monitor server performance and system availability.
  • Support routine maintenance activities.
  • Assist in identifying and reporting system issues.
  • Participate in troubleshooting outages and technical challenges.
4. Cybersecurity and Data Protection Support
  • Assist with implementing security controls.
  • Support user access management and permissions.
  • Participate in backup procedures.
  • Support firewall and security monitoring activities.
5. Software and Technology Support
  • Assist with upgrading systems to new software releases.
  • Learn and support technologies such as Slurm for high-performance computing environments.
  • Participate in testing new technology solutions.
  • Develop technical knowledge through mentorship.
6. Documentation and Knowledge Management
  • Assist in creating and updating technical documentation.
  • Support development of:
    • IT manuals
    • System guides
    • Internal wikis
    • IT policies
7. Training and Workshop Support
  • Provide IT support during workshops and training sessions.
  • Assist bioinformatics lecturers and trainers with technical requirements.
  • Participate in cyberinfrastructure meetings and change request discussions.
  • Document key technical updates and decisions.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must have:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • Qualification from a recognised university or institution.
Applicants should preferably be:
  • Recent graduates within the last year.
  • Interested in building a career in systems administration and research computing.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Linux / Unix Administration
Understanding of Linux operating systems, command-line tools, file systems, and server environments.
Python Programming
Ability to use Python for automation, scripting, and technical problem-solving.
Windows and Linux Systems
Knowledge of operating systems including:
  • Windows Server environments
  • Linux distributions
  • Basic system administration concepts
Networking Knowledge
Understanding of:
  • Local Area Networks (LAN)
  • Wide Area Networks (WAN)
  • IP addressing
  • Network troubleshooting
Server Hardware Knowledge
Basic understanding of:
  • Servers
  • Storage systems
  • Hardware components
  • Infrastructure monitoring
Cloud Computing Knowledge
Familiarity with cloud platforms such as:
  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Programming Knowledge
Knowledge of:
  • R programming language
  • JavaScript programming language

Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should be:
  • A recent Computer Science or Software Engineering graduate.
  • Passionate about technology and healthcare innovation.
  • Interested in Linux systems and server administration.
  • Willing to learn from experienced IT professionals.
  • Able to work collaboratively in a research environment.
  • Curious, analytical, and willing to solve technical problems.

Skills the Intern Will Gain

During the six-month internship, the successful candidate will gain experience in:
  • Linux server administration
  • High Performance Computing (HPC)
  • Cloud infrastructure
  • Cybersecurity practices
  • Networking
  • System monitoring
  • IT documentation
  • Research technology environments
  • Bioinformatics computing systems

Career Opportunities After Internship

This internship can support career progression into roles such as:
  • Junior Systems Administrator
  • Linux Systems Engineer
  • Cloud Support Engineer
  • DevOps Engineer
  • IT Infrastructure Specialist
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Research Computing Specialist

Salary and Benefits

This is a volunteer internship opportunity. The organisation has not disclosed a salary package.
The major benefits include:
  • Practical professional experience.
  • Mentorship from experienced technology professionals.
  • Exposure to international research collaborations.
  • Development of advanced IT infrastructure skills.
  • Professional networking opportunities.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit one PDF document containing:
  • Certified academic transcripts or stamped testimonial if awaiting graduation.
  • Copy of UACE results.
  • Two reference letters on institutional letterhead from academic referees.
  • Statement of motivation (maximum 1,500 words).
  • Updated CV (maximum 3 pages).

Important Notes

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • Only one application per individual will be accepted.
  • Application deadline: 5 August 2026 at 5:00 PM

Interview Preparation – Possible Questions and Answers

1. Tell us about yourself and your IT background.
Answer Guide:
Introduce your education background, programming knowledge, operating system experience, networking skills, and interest in server administration and healthcare technology.
2. What experience do you have with Linux systems?
Answer Guide:
Explain any experience using Linux distributions, managing users, installing software packages, using terminal commands, configuring services, or troubleshooting system issues.
3. Explain the difference between LAN and WAN.
Answer Guide:
A LAN connects computers within a limited geographical area such as an office or laboratory, while a WAN connects networks across larger distances using technologies such as internet connections.
4. How would you troubleshoot a server performance issue?
Answer Guide:
I would check system monitoring tools, review CPU and memory usage, analyse logs, verify network performance, identify the cause, and apply corrective actions while documenting the process.
5. Why are you interested in this internship?
Answer Guide:
Explain your interest in gaining practical experience in systems administration, contributing to healthcare research technology, improving your technical skills, and learning from experienced professionals.



About Company

IDI

IDI

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Job Overview

  • Job Type: Full time
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Education Level: Bachelors
  • Vacancies: 1
  • Category: IT & Software
  • Location: Uganda
  • Application: External Website

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