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

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

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, seeks an IT Systems Administrator III to support Linux-based servers and workstations in a dynamic research environment. You will oversee networking, backups, security, and software/hardware installations while assisting faculty, graduate students, and staff with diagnostics and troubleshooting.

The role requires strong communication, documentation and collaboration skills, plus the ability to balance local IT needs with college-wide policies and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting Linux, Windows, and macOS in a research environment.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Experience with Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Drupal.
• Scripting experience in Perl, Python, PHP, or Unix shell.
• Familiarity with networking concepts (VLANS, DNS/DHCP, firewalls).
• Bachelor’s degree with 3–5 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Support Linux-based servers and workstations in a research setting.
• Oversee networking, backups, security, and software/hardware installs.
• Provide consulting and troubleshooting for faculty, staff, and students.
• Maintain equipment inventory and documentation.
• Represent departments in college and university meetings.
• Balance departmental needs with broader IT policies.

Skills

Linux administration

Windows/macOS support

Networking basics

Scripting (Perl, Python, PHP, Unix)

Web technologies (Apache, MySQL, PHP,

Education

Bachelor’s degree

3-5 years experience

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS/Azure familiarity

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

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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

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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2026-11-02