IT Support Specialist

The Florida State University Physics Department IT group is a small, three-person team supporting a department whose IT needs span everything from standard office and classroom support to custom hardware builds, computational clusters, and specialized research instrumentation. The work is varied, the environment is collaborative, and no two weeks look the same.

This position serves as an IT generalist for the research, teaching, and administrative missions of the Physics Department. Using strong skills in Linux/Unix office & research environments, provides computer support (hardware & software) for faculty, staff, students, and post-docs. Develops, installs, and supports Linux clusters including computational clusters. Assembles, installs, diagnoses and repairs computer systems at the component level. Performs preventive maintenance, hardware upgrades & software updates. Implements networking and security solutions for Linux, Macs and Windows workstations. Performs routine backups of systems and user-data.

Supports the department’s network infrastructure by identifying infected computers and resolving PC/workstation security matters. Supports server functions like DHCP, LDAP, routing, firewalls, clustering, email, wiki and web services. Installs and oversees the network security software on computers. Provides software support for all operating systems including Linux (Ubuntu, AlmaLinux, and openSUSE), macOS, and Windows, including drivers/utilities, office productivity suites/apps. Supports the installation of physics instructional-laboratories’ apps/utilities, data visualization software, data acquisition software, symbolic mathematical packages, and programming languages. Installs and supports printing and copying functions on Windows/Macs/Linux workstations to various printers and copiers. Maintains records and documentation as needed. Scrubs data off old PCs before repurposing/surplus., The ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes ownership of problems and sees them through to resolution without close supervision. Equally comfortable working a helpdesk queue, tackling a Linux administration task, or explaining a technical issue to a faculty member in plain language. Strong critical thinking matters more here than a checklist of certifications - this environment rewards people who can figure things out, not just follow a runbook.

What is a typical day in this position? There isn’t one, and that’s part of what makes this role a good fit for the right person. Depending on the time of semester, a day might be dominated by end-user support requests, or it might be largely project-driven work on infrastructure, systems, or professional development. Semester starts to end to be busier on the helpdesk side; mid-semester shifts toward longer-horizon work. Comfort with that variability is essential.

What can I expect in the first 60-90 days? The first 60-90 days will focus on getting oriented - learning the environment, the people, and the existing infrastructure. Beyond that, the specific work that takes shape will depend on what is in motion at the time of hire. The honest answer is that it depends on timing, ongoing projects, and departmental need. What remains constant is direct access to a manager and a team that supports its members throughout the onboarding process.

Bachelor’s degree or a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience. (Note: or combination of high school education and experience equal to four years)., * IT related degree would be a plus.

• Information/endpoint security
• Linux/Unix systems administration
• Scripting and automation (Bash, Python)
• Computational cluster operations
• Independent work and self-direction, This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

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One of the nation’s elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!