Desktop Support Specialist

Overview

The Oden Institute is an interdisciplinary research unit within the University of Texas at Austin that fosters programs in computational sciences, engineering, medicine, geosciences, mathematics, applied mathematics, data science, software engineering, and computational visualization. The University is a nationally ranked tier‑one research institution and one of the largest employers in central Texas.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package for this desktop support role:

• 100% employer‑paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Must be eligible to work in the US on a full‑time basis.

Job Posting

Title:

Desktop Support Specialist
Hiring Department:
Oden Institute
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40
FLSA Status:
Non‑Exempt
Earliest

Start Date:

Jan 01, 2026
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

The Desktop Support Specialist is an essential member of the Oden Institute Sysnet team, providing technical expertise and assistance to faculty, staff, researchers, and students. The role supports and maintains institute computer hardware and peripherals, installs, diagnoses, repairs, and upgrades desktop hardware, and ensures optimal system and network performance. The Specialist will provide critical customer support by troubleshooting problem areas and providing end‑user assistance to faculty, staff, and students.

• Help define, implement, and support network solutions for the Institute's printing facilities, including CUPS in a heterogeneous environment and familiarity with Xerox or Lexmark printers.
• Participate in system‑related activities such as purchasing supplies, database management, networking, mail services, and other assigned functions.
• Provide end‑user support and troubleshooting for software applications on laptops and desktops running Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• Perform skilled technical work related to the installation and maintenance of software and hardware in a personal computer environment.
• Other related functions as assigned.

• 1‑3 years of experience with computer and peripheral operations, installation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience using directory services and remote access tools.
• 1‑3 years of demonstrated experience in IT customer service and/or help desk environment.
• Experience with email clients, setup and support of email services in a personal computer environment.
• Experience providing support for Microsoft Outlook, calendaring, and Office 365.
• Familiarity with Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong command of English, and the ability to communicate with both technical and non‑technical users.
• Demonstrated customer service mindset, ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast‑paced environment, and strong decision‑making, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and with team members.
• Demonstrated initiative to solve problems and manage multiple priorities.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent.
• Three (3) or more years experience in IT customer service and/or help desk environment working with faculty, staff, research staff, and students.
• Experience with triaging help desk incidents and requests in a central ticketing system in a multi‑tier IT support environment.
• Experience in a higher education IT support setting.
• Familiarity with university‑level desktop security requirements and IT resources.
• Familiar with tools:
  Code
  42, Jamf, Office 365 Suite, macOS Terminal (Bash/Zsh), One Drive/SharePoint,  (Enterprise), Zoom, Virtual OS Applications (e.g., VBox, VMware Fusion, Parallels).
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

$55,000 + depending on qualifications

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Climbing of stairs.
• Lifting and moving.

• Monday - Friday, 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 5 pm
• Position is eligible for flexible work schedule.
• Position is not eligible for…