IT Desktop Administrator

Department

PME Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs. 

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, PME Information Technology, this position works to develop and implement systems, evaluate new applications and recommend enhancements to current systems, along with coordinating IT Projects. This role is expected to provide robust contributions to internal and University-wide IT initiatives and projects as directed by the PME Executive Director of Information Technology. The Desktop Administrator participates in diagnosing and resolving system operational problems quickly and effectively; documenting system administration procedures; and implementing and maintaining security protocols. This position also solves complex end-user issues regarding hardware, site licensing, software, and networking. Uses best practices and IT knowledge to guide customers through the installation of applications and computer peripherals. Deploys a variety of devices to customers, including computers, tablets, mobile phones, and printers/copiers. The PME continues to employ a hybrid remote working policy based on the ability to perform technical support-related tasks. The role will require approximately 60% on-campus availability.

Responsibilities

• Designs, implements, and maintains complex IT infrastructure systems, including servers, networks, storage solutions, and cloud platforms, to support organizational operations and scalability requirements.
• Continuously monitors system performance, identifies potential issues, diagnoses problems, and implements solutions to minimize downtime and ensure optimal system reliability.
• Implements and maintains security protocols, conducts regular security assessments, ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations, and protects systems from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
• Analyzes computing systems, processes, and controls to ensure that all operations are efficient and functional.
• Ensures communication tools are functional and creates secondary support systems in the event of equipment failure.
• Integrates various hardware and software components, optimizes system performance, and ensures seamless communication between different technological platforms and applications.
• Maintains industry standards and stays abreast of new software, solutions, releases, and product enhancements.
• Provides consistent support relating to the PME Core Facilities, Laboratory environments, and external entities, while providing support for day-to-day requests as a whole for the PME community.     
• Creates and maintains comprehensive technical documentation, collaborates with cross-functional teams including developers and IT support staff, and provides technical guidance and support to stakeholders across the organization. Uses best practices and IT knowledge to guide customers through the installation of applications and computer peripherals.
• Deploys a variety of devices to customers, including computers, tablets, mobile phones, and printers/copiers.
• Assists and responds to all queries, questions, concerns, and requests on behalf of the entire PME user base.
• Contributes to providing feedback on best practices supporting various IT projects and is an active participant in improving infrastructure.
• Actively participates, communicates, develops, oversees, and coordinates internal and University-wide IT initiatives and projects as directed by the PME Executive Director of Information Technology.
• Works independently to solve complex end-user issues regarding hardware, site licensing, software, and networking.
• Assists in transitioning manual processes to electronic workflows including operational improvement initiatives.
• Establishes and manages existing vendor relationships.
• Implements functional, system, and program specifications. Assists in revising existing system logic difficulties as necessary, under the direction of more experienced colleagues.
• Supports the IT development group in building new systems and enhancing existing systems. Assists in coding, testing, debugging, and implementing software solutions. Prepares documentation on system enhancements and/or alternatives.
• Administers new IT developments, keeps up with evolving business requirements and uses knowledge of University systems to recommend appropriate systems alternatives and/or enhancements to current systems.
• Performs other related work as needed.     

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or related discipline.
   

Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience as a support specialist.
• Demonstrated experience in computer user and infrastructure support in resolving issues and providing a high level of service.
• Background in data management and proper protocols/procedures.
• Setup and maintain digital signage solutions. 
• Maintain a searchable and accessible knowledge base.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of professional IT practices with a concentration on data privacy and security.
• Knowledge of Office 365 environment, creation of domain system, etc. 
• Knowledge of remote management toolsets. 
• Demonstrated ability to design, configure, deploy, and maintain software and computer infrastructure. 
• Implement and utilize systems management tools for server monitoring, root-cause analysis, and remediation while instituting appropriate security strategies for safeguarding infrastructure resources. 
• Strong understanding of ITIL and ITSM frameworks.

Preferred Competencies

• Accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels.
• Demonstrate creativity, problem-solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and, decision-making skills.
• Effectively manage projects in a cross-functional environment while adapting to rapidly changing technology and applying it to business needs and presenting tools and methods to improve workflow. 
• Demonstrate solid planning and organizational skills emphasizing detail and thorough follow-up.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
• Assess the IT needs on a proactive vs. reactive basis and provide recommendations for future technology for the University.
• Communicate technical information to a non-technical audience in a clear and coherent manner.

Working Conditions

• Office environment, hybrid schedule. 
• Occasional extended work hours and some weekend days. 
• Lift up to 30 lbs. 

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required) 
• Cover Letter (required)                                                                  

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $95,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.