"Academic Computing Support Specialist"

Help Lead the Future of Academic Computing with High-End Technology. Are you a tech-savvy innovator with a passion for high-performance computing and a vision for the future of digital services? We’re looking for a forward-thinking professional to join our team and help lead the development and management of desktop technology infrastructure that supports teaching, learning, and research.

In this role, you’ll work hands-on with high-end computing equipment, advanced software platforms, and data-intensive applications. You’ll be responsible for deploying and maintaining sophisticated systems and peripherals that meet university standards for performance, security, and compatibility. Your work will support a wide range of academic and research needs across campus.

But this role is more than just support—you’ll help define service standards, streamline operations, and ensure our technology offerings evolve with the needs of the campus community. From implementing high-performance computing solutions to evaluating emerging technologies, your contributions will directly shape how students, faculty, and the public engage with digital resources.

If you're a computing technologist who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and enjoys the challenge of managing specialized computing environments, we encourage you to apply.

This position reports to the Head of the Library Information Technology Department and provides technical support and guidance for the public computing environment and all specialized computing equipment.

Major Responsibilities:

• Advise and help guide the development and management of desktop technology infrastructure with a focus on public computing services and specialty computing needs.
• Deploy and maintain computing equipment, peripherals, other technology solutions, and associated hardware, ensuring compatibility with university IT policies and security standards. Help coordinate purchases and replacements as needed.
• Diagnose and repair computer hardware and software problems with varying degrees of difficulty. Work with campus Information Technologies to resolve institution-wide software and connectivity issues.
• Develop and maintain documentation for system configurations, update schedules, troubleshooting guides, and user support materials, including hardware inventories, software licenses, and accessories.
• Establish and maintain appropriate working relationships with colleagues engaged in public and student-focused computing with a goal towards establishing service norms, reducing duplication of effort, and aligning public computing offerings with future campus needs.
• Remain current on Library and institution-supported computing and technology solutions, as well as available resources, new technologies, and best practices. Keep colleagues informed of these to promote productivity, security, and compliance.
• Assist in the evaluation and implementation of new technologies that enhance the public computing environment.
• Monitor system performance and maintain metrics to aid in decision-making.
• Work independently and as part of a team to complete tasks and help develop effective procedures and policies for technology use. Regularly communicate work status and updates to the manager, team, and clients.
• Acquire new skills as needed and perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field, and three years of experience in computer support, preferably in an academic or research computing environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in managing and troubleshooting Windows and macOS operating systems, as well as experience with Linux-based environments.
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, ArcGIS, Tableau, R, Python, MATLAB, SAS, or Stata).
• Familiarity with cloud computing and remote desktop solutions for data-intensive applications.
• Knowledge of scripting or automation tools to streamline system updates and maintenance.
• Experience with software licensing, update management, and IT security best practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, research-focused setting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing system updates and user support requests.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Ability to lift and move, with or without assistance, computing-related equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive research and learning environment.