IT Support Specialist (Systems Administrator III) - College of Arts & Sciences - IT (Physics-LASSP)

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 86,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences is seeking an IT Support Specialist for Physics IT, based in Clark Hall on Ithaca campus. You will support Linux-based servers and workstations in a research environment, and assist Windows and macOS systems across multiple departments, balancing local needs with centralized IT policies.

You’ll provide consulting, diagnostics, and troubleshooting for faculty, graduate students, and staff, manage equipment records, and collaborate with A&S IT and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years’ experience or equivalent combination.
• Intermediate to advanced Linux knowledge and ability to compile, install, and maintain software on Linux systems.
• Working knowledge of web technologies such as Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Drupal.
• Programming/scripting in Perl, Python, PHP, and Unix shell.

Responsibilities

• Support Linux-based servers and workstations in a research environment.
• Oversee networking, backup, security, software and hardware installations, troubleshooting, and general systems maintenance.
• Support Windows and macOS computers across departments.
• Provide consulting, diagnostic and troubleshooting support for faculty, graduate students and administrative staff.

Skills

Linux

Windows

Mac OS

Networking

Scripting

Web technologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Apache

MySQL

Drupal

DNS/DHCP

Ansible

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

AS THE OLDEST, LARGEST, AND MOST ACADEMICALLY DIVERSE COLLEGE AT CORNELL, THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES SERVES AS “THE NEXUS OF DISCOVERY AND IMPACT” AND IS COMMITTED TO WORLD-CLASS EXCELLENCE. LOCATED ON CORNELL’S MAIN CAMPUS IN ITHACA, THE COLLEGE REMAINS THE CENTER OF CORNELL’S ACADEMIC UNIVERSE. ITS RESEARCH AND TEACHING SPAN THE HUMANITIES AND PERFORMING ARTS, BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS, AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES. IT OFFERS EXTRAORDINARY BREADTH AND DEPTH IN ITS PROGRAMS OF STUDY, A WORLD-RENOWNED FACULTY THAT INCLUDES INTERNATIONAL LEADERS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISCIPLINES, AND CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL FACILITIES. IT PROVIDES A HIGH-QUALITY LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION TO ITS OWN STUDENTS, AND INTRODUCTORY INSTRUCTION IN BASIC DISCIPLINES TO ALMOST ALL UNDERGRADUATES IN THE OTHER COLLEGES AT CORNELL.

THE COLLEGE HAS OVER 500 TENURE-STREAM FACULTY, OVER 400 OTHER ACADEMICS AND 300+ NON-ACADEMIC STAFF IN APPROXIMATELY 40 ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS AND PROGRAMS, A STUDENT POPULATION OF 4,600 UNDERGRADUATES AND 1,300 GRADUATE STUDENTS SPREAD ACROSS 27 ACADEMIC BUILDINGS.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Summary of position responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities of the IT Support Specialist for Physics IT reside in the departments of Physics/LASSP (the position is physically located Clark Hall). However, the position will work closely with members of Chem and Tower Rd IT and will be a fully participating and integrated member of A&S IT. The Systems Support Specialist is responsible for supporting Linux-based computer servers and workstations in a research environment. The position will also oversee networking, backup, security, software and hardware selection and installations, troubleshooting, and general systems maintenance.

The Specialist must also support Windows and macOS computers, which comprise a significant number of systems across the departments. The Specialist provides consulting, diagnostic and troubleshooting support for faculty, graduate students and administrative staff. The Specialist manages and keeps current IT equipment resources and record keeping. Represents departments at appropriate college and university meetings/committees.

Participate in planning and coordination of departmental computer needs. Works as assigned with and in support of other team members of A&S IT.

This position also assists the A&S college server administrator with various special projects as and day-to-day tasks as assigned.

This Specialist supports both departmental priorities and centralized IT frameworks and requires the ability to balance and advocate for local research and administrative needs within broader institutional context.

The Physics IT Systems Support Specialist provides backup coverage for other A&S IT team members, joins projects across the College and learns from colleagues. It assists in the development of common practices across all A&S IT.

The Systems Support Specialist stays informed of and complies with policies identified by IT at Cornell and the College of A&S and implements and communicates these policies to their supported department.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Minimum education and experience equivalency:
• An individual who is passionate about diverse technologies, eager to make a meaningful impact, and enjoys a role that blends technical acumen with excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Willingness and ability to support a dynamic and diverse computing environment with Linux, Windows, and Mac OS devices.
• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years’ experience, or equivalent combination of course work. Intermediate to advanced Linux knowledge. Experience compiling, installing, and maintaining software on Linux systems. Working knowledge of web technologies, such as Apache, mysql, PHP, and Drupal.
• Working knowledge of programming/scripting in languages like Perl, Python, PHP, and Unix shell.
• Possess the initiative and ability to keep informed of current and emerging technologies relevant to departmental support.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and prioritization skills are required.
• Must be able to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing several tasks simultaneously.
• Proficient with supporting Macintosh and/or Windows operating systems and hardware (or a willingness to learn about an unfamiliar OS).
• Experience with networking concepts like Virtual Local Area Networks(VLANS), DNS/DHCP, firewalls.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Linux automation tools like Ansible or Puppet.
• Experience with supporting Linux clusters.
• Familiarity with linux in AWS/Azure.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies like Docker, Kubernetes.

_ No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance provided. _

University Job Title:

Systems Administrator III

Job Family:

Information Technology

Level:

F

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$86,321.00 - $100,320.00

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Melissa Oliver

Contact Email:

[e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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EEO Statement:

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Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-11-02