Department: Libraries - NSRC
Rank: Research Assistant
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
January 4, 2026; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure consideration, a complete application must include:
1. A current resume/CV.
2. A cover letter demonstrating any skills and experience you have utilizing RouteViews data in your work.
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted until you are notified.
Department Summary
About the UO Libraries
The UO Libraries’ mission is informing research and learning breakthroughs for Oregon. We strive to realize our vision of being a model for the enduring, positive impact that research libraries can have on their academic and civic communities. We do that with an unwavering commitment to our values. Learn more about the UO Libraries’ strategic design, our values, and our goals at library.uoregon.edu/strategy
The University of Oregon Libraries is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Orbis Cascade Alliance, SPARC, the Center for Research Libraries, DuraSpace, the Coalition for Networked Information, EDUCAUSE, and other major organizations.
About the Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC)
The Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC) was established in 1992 to provide technical assistance to organizations setting up computer networks to connect scientists engaged in collaborative research and education. For the past 30+ years, the NSRC has helped develop Internet infrastructure and network operations communities in 130+ countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America-Caribbean, and the Middle East. The NSRC is partially funded by the International Research Network Connections (IRNC) program of the U.S. National Science Foundation, Google, and the Internet Society, with additional contributions from dozens of public and private organizations.
About RouteViews
The University of Oregon’s RouteViews platform provides detailed public views of Internet routing data. It was originally conceived in 1995 as a tool for Internet operators to obtain real-time Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) information about the global routing system from the perspectives of several different backbones and locations around the Internet. BGP is a networking standard that helps connect and integrate autonomous network systems around the world that form the Internet. RouteViews data continuously archived since 1997 helps network operators and researchers identify and address issues related to routing stability, security, and performance of the global Internet. Network operators and researchers utilize RouteViews data to understand Internet routing, hijack attempts, peer visibility, and Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) status. The NSRC provides technical and operational management of the RouteViews BGP data collectors deployed around the world.
Position Summary
RouteViews is an important source of data for monitoring global BGP and routing infrastructure. The work is specialized and requires advanced level network engineering and data analytics skills to design, operate and maintain the global RouteViews research infrastructure. The research support activities require creativity and autonomy to complete tasks and achieve objectives in coordination with the NSRC team at the University of Oregon. Work activities include: 1) Help maintain RouteViews global research infrastructure; 2) Develop new tools and services for RouteViews; 3) Support work with industry partners and the research community to expand BGP data collection and ensure stability of the collector ecosystem; 4) Support and enable the research community focused on network measurement, data integrity, Internet routing security, and integrative research.
This role requires excellent communication skills, initiative, and the ability to work independently and handle non-routine situations. This role requires a collaborative team player committed to the successful execution of NSRC's activities for stable, reliable operation of the RouteViews ecosystem.
We are aware that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every preferred qualification in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career trajectory, such as having operational skills and abilities gained experientially outside a classroom context, or an equivalent skill set. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
Minimum Requirements
● Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline OR equivalent network engineering and operations experience.
● Operational experience with developing and using network automation tools to manage Internet Service Provider and research infrastructure.
● Operational experience using a Linux server environment.
● Experience using tools such as git, python, Ansible, Apache Kafka, and/or time series databases (Prometheus or InfluxDB, etc.).
● Operational experience with IPv4 and IPv6 protocols in a service provider environment.
● Operational experience securing production network infrastructure and systems, network monitoring, and incident response.
Professional Competencies
● Knowledge of the global Internet peering ecosystem.
● Knowledge of virtualization and containers (such as KVM and LXD).
● Operational knowledge of BGP, monitoring (BMP) and Layer 3 routing principles.
● Knowledge of software routing daemons such as FRR, BIRD, and OpenBGPD.
● Excellent interpersonal skills and customer service orientation.
● Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with the community to problem-solve.
● Ability to self-organize and prioritize work objectives.
● Knowledge of responsible and ethical use of data analytics.
● Effective public speaking skills.
Preferred Qualifications
● Master’s degree.
● Research experience.
● Experience with systems programming and software development.
● Experience developing and supporting research infrastructure.
● Experience with data center operations and documentation.
● Experience with routine system maintenance (such as patches, OS upgrades).
● Experience with data streaming platforms such as Apache Kafka.
● Experience working with Internet standards and protocols.
● Experience working with federal grant awards and administration.
● Experience mentoring and collaborating with students.
● Demonstrated experience collaborating with Internet measurement and data analysis researchers.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.