Windows System Administrator

Windows System Administrator

Requisition Number: 69646 Location: Boulder, Colorado City: Boulder State: Colorado Employment Type: University Staff Schedule: Full-Time Posting Close Date: 29-Jan-2026 Date Posted: 22-Jan-2026

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.

• 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).

• Accurately track effort each day for client billing purposes.
• Develop scripts (Power Shell, 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.

• Be motivated and capable of working both independently and in a collaborative, positive, and instructive team…