IT Desktop Administrator

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Department

PME Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

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.

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.

• 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…