Academic Computing Specialist

University-of-Main; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible remote work environment

Professional development opportunities

Travel to campuses across Maine

Job summary

The University of Maine System (UMS) seeks an Academic Computing Specialist to join our IT team supporting the University of Southern Maine's Computer Science & Technology programs. You will maintain Linux-based instructional and research environments, assist with JupyterLab/JupyterHub, virtualization, and container platforms, and develop automation scripts using Python and Bash.

Ideal for an early-career IT professional or recent graduate eager to learn modern infrastructure, cloud services,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience through internships, undergraduate research, student employment, open-source contributions, or significant technical projects.
• Experience supporting computer hardware and software.
• Proficiency with Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS/RHEL, or similar) in a support or administrative capacity.
• Familiarity with system imaging, system administration, endpoint management, cloud technologies, virtualization, and software development.
• Knowledge of at least one scripting or programming language, such as Python, Bash, Java, C++, or similar
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and collaborative skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds to move equipment.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain Linux-based instructional and research computing environments.
• Support academic technologies including JupyterLab, JupyterHub, virtualization, and container platforms.
• Develop automation tools and scripts using technologies such as Python and Bash.
• Assist with infrastructure automation, configuration management, and cloud-based services.
• Partner with faculty to implement computing solutions that support teaching and research.
• Support specialized software used in computer science and STEM programs.
• Create technical documentation and provide training and technical assistance to faculty, staff, and students.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies that enhance academic computing services.

Skills

Linux administration

Python scripting

Bash scripting

Cloud technologies

Automation tools

Documentation

Communication skills

Driver's license

Physical lifting

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Tools

JupyterLab

JupyterHub

Docker

Podman

Ansible

Git/GitHub

Job description

Academic Computing Specialist

The University of Maine System (UMS) is seeking an Academic Computing Specialist to join our Information Technology team supporting the University of Southern Maine's Computer Science & Technology programs.

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career IT professional or recent graduate who enjoys Linux, automation, programming, and emerging technologies. You'll help build and support the computing environments that faculty and students rely on for teaching, research, and software development while gaining hands‑on experience with modern infrastructure and cloud technologies.

Working closely with faculty and UMS IT professionals, you'll support Linux-based systems, virtualization platforms, automation tools, and research computing environments that advance student success and innovation.

What You'll Do

• Administer and maintain Linux-based instructional and research computing environments.
• Support academic technologies including JupyterLab, JupyterHub, virtualization, and container platforms.
• Develop automation tools and scripts using technologies such as Python and Bash.
• Assist with infrastructure automation, configuration management, and cloud-based services.
• Partner with faculty to implement computing solutions that support teaching and research.
• Support specialized software used in computer science and STEM programs.
• Create technical documentation and provide training and technical assistance to faculty, staff, and students.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies that enhance academic computing services.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience gained through internships, undergraduate research, student employment, open-source contributions, or significant technical projects.
• Experience supporting computer hardware and software.
• Proficiency with Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS/RHEL, or similar) in a support or administrative capacity.
• Familiarity with system imaging, system administration, endpoint management, cloud technologies, virtualization, and software development.
• Knowledge of at leas one scripting or programming language, such as Python, Bash, Java, C++, or similar
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and collaborative skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds to move equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with JupyterLab, JupyterHub, Docker, Podman, Ansible, Git, GitHub, or similar technologies.
• Experience working in higher education, research, or STEM-related environments.
• Experience supporting Linux-based computer environments.

Please review the full job description for more information.

Schedule

The standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during system maintenance or academic events.

Salary

The hiring range for this position is $53,000 to $57,000 and is commensurate with training, education, and experience.

Why Join the University of Maine System?

At UMS, technology plays a critical role in advancing education, research, and public service across the state of Maine. This position offers the opportunity to lead transformational infrastructure initiatives while working with talented professionals dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and service.

We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible remote work environment with occasional travel to campuses across Maine
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on higher education throughout the state

Important items to know about the recruitment process

• The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, applications need to be submitted by July 27, 2026.
• Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide three (3) names and contact information for references.
• The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in and reside in the United States. Please Note: We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship now or in the future.

EEO Statement

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.