Job Description

Astex Pharmaceuticals is a world leader in innovative drug discovery and development. The company has successfully applied its proprietary Fragment-Based Drug Discovery platform to generate multiple new drug candidates that are progressing in clinical development. Successful collaborations have led to three launched oncology drugs (Kisqali partnered with Novartis, Balversa partnered with Janssen and Truqap(TM) partnered with AstraZeneca). Astex continues to grow and focuses on Neurological Disorders and Oncology.

The Opportunity

Astex is looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated Linux Systems Administrator to join the IT team. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and developing the scientific computing infrastructure to support the scientific research activities of Astex.

Principle Responsibilities

Maintenance and development of Linux infrastructure, both on-premises and in the cloud Installation, upgrade, troubleshooting scientific computing hardware and software Backup and archiving of scientific data Maintenance of Oracle databases

Desirable Experience

Building, deploying and maintaining Linux servers (Red Hat/Rocky Linux) Batch queuing systems (Slurm) Cloud computing, in particular AWS Scripting/programming languages Software compilation, installation and management Good knowledge of IT security Virtualisation/container technologies Good general knowledge of networking (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP etc.) Oracle DBA experience

Why Astex

We offer excellent training and career development opportunities as well as highly competitive salary and benefits package including hybrid working options to promote a flexible and inclusive work environment.


At Astex we embrace diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse Company representing all backgrounds, harnessing industry-leading scientific innovation and behaviours.


Astex is situated 2.5 miles from Cambridge City centre on the Cambridge Science Park. The Park has onsite sports facilities and excellent transport links to London.