IT Support Specialist for JILA Computing Group

Summary

Job Summary

The JILA Computing Group is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled IT Support Specialist to provide frontline computing support for JILA’s scientists, students, and staff across a wide variety of devices and operating systems. This role requires broad technical expertise across many computer system environments and software packages. This position primarily interacts with Windows systems, but will also resolve macOS and desktop Linux. This role involves the hands-on fixing of hardware, software, and network issues; system specification, assembly and deployment; user support and consultation; and collaboration with research staff in a dynamic laboratory environment, often in dark laboratories surrounded by lasers.

Beyond daily support, the position will help plan and provision computing infrastructure (workstations, servers, peripherals), discuss practices, and assist users with accessing both departmental and campus computing resources.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

JILA is a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. We support eclectic and innovative research programs that foster creative collaborations among our scientists. The wide-ranging interests of our scientists have made JILA one of the nation's leading research institutes in the physical sciences. JILA science encompasses eight broad categories: Astrophysics, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Laser Physics, Nanoscience, Precision Measurement, and Quantum Information Science & Technology.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

System Administration, Configuration, and Support:

• Provide strong end-user support: respond to help requests, diagnose problems, work with coworkers, and provide resolution.
• Install, configure, and maintain Windows desktops, laptops, peripherals, and expansion cards (e.g. USB devices, specialized scientific devices).
• Install, configure, and maintain Apple devices.
• Specify, build, and deploy computer systems.
• Provide first-line support for malware detection, removal, and system restoration.
• Resolve hardware failures, driver issues, peripheral malfunctions, registry issues, and system performance problems.
• Create, update, and maintain Active Directory Group Policy Objects for departmental Organizational Unit.
• Assist users with software installation, licensing, updates, and compatibility issues.
• Offer consultation and guidance to users on standard processes (data storage, backups, security).
• Resolve e-mail client issues (Outlook, IMAP, SMTP settings).
• Assist in network problem-solving (connectivity, IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, VLANs).
• Occasionally work in lab spaces, restricted or dark areas, and under experimental constraints (e.g. minimal lighting, vibration sensitivity).
  
  

Group Advancement

• Accurately track effort each day for client billing purposes.
• Develop scripts (PowerShell, batch, or other scripting languages) to automate routine administrative tasks.
• Maintain documentation, including support procedures and configurations.
• Know the latest on emerging technologies, recommend upgrades or replacements, and participate in evaluating new tools or services.
• Proactively suggest improvements, efficiencies, and upgrades to computing infrastructure.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and continuing education.
• Collaborate with CU Boulder’s Office of Information Technology and Research Computing departments as needed.
  
  

Departmental Interaction

• Be motivated and capable of working both independently and in a collaborative, positive, and instructive team environment.
• Conduct oneself professionally with faculty, students, and research staff, maintaining confidentiality and discretion.
• Interact with and assist research students, postdocs, and faculty in translating computing needs into workable solutions.
• Serve as a resource and mentor to other members of the institute.
  
  

What You Should Know

• Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. A “Flexible Business Hours” work week, on-site at JILA on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. 5 days a week on-site to start, with 1 day remote to be coordinated after the training period.
• Occasional after-hours work to complete projects on a schedule that suits users.
• Infrequent after-hours/emergency support (e.g. system outages).
• Regular work in experimental physics labs, which may involve cramped or low-light environments.
• Must follow lab safety protocols and respect constraints of sensitive research equipment (i.e. lasers, working near chemicals, etc.).
  
  

What We Can Offer

• The hiring range for this position is $72,000-$85,000 annually. Relocation is available for eligible candidates.
  
  

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be authentic. Be professional. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree (may substitute with relevant professional experience) and 1+ years of experience installing, configuring, and fixing Windows in both standalone and managed configurations.
• Experience specifying, building, imaging, and deploying desktops and laptops.
• Experience working with Active Directory infrastructure.
• Experience creating and modifying Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce Windows deployment and configurations.
• Experience with malware detection, removal, and system recovery tools.
  
  

What You Will Need

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to translate technical information for nontechnical users.
• Familiarity with printer setup and driver configuration.
• Basic networking knowledge (MAC addresses, IP addressing, DHCP, DNS).
• Familiarity with other operating systems (macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
• Familiarity with Audio/Visual equipment (projectors, microphones).
• Ability to lift computer hardware (~40 lbs), installing cabling, and moving peripherals.
  
  

What We Would Like You To Have

• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Professional, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with remote access tools.
• Experience with imaging tools (e.g. Acronis TrueImage, Clonezilla, dd) or deployment automation.
• Experience with JAMF is a plus.
• Experience with Ubiquiti UniFi is a plus.
• Experience in higher education, research labs, or technical service environments is a plus.
• Familiarity with scientific computing software (e.g. LabVIEW, MATLAB, Mathematica, Python, data acquisition tools).
• Understanding of virtualization, containerization.
  
  

Special Instructions

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• A current resume.
• A cover letter that briefly describes how your background and experience align with this position.
  
  

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by January 29, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.