Demo

IT Desktop Support Specialist

University of Chicago
Chicago, IL Other
POSTED ON 1/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/6/2026
Department

ISAC: Administrative Staff

About The Department

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind’s progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world’s leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC's collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC's centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is 'The University of Chicago.' The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.

Job Summary

This position provides critical IT support for the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC). The role supports ISAC's research and educational mission by assisting faculty, staff, and researchers with technology onboarding, equipment management, user support, and security compliance. Working closely with ISAC leadership, this role ensures effective coordination of systems, services, and resources that enable ISAC's research initiatives.

This position provides first-tier support to resolve end-user issues related to computing hardware, networking, software, and site licensing. Supports ISAC faculty and staff through the configuration and installation of basic applications and computing peripherals. With moderate direction from others, deploys a variety of devices to end users, including computers, tablets, printers/copiers, and maintains servers.

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the maintenance of ISAC server infrastructure (including both on-premise & cloud-based/virtual machine servers) in partnership and collaboration with IT Services (ITS).
  • Serves as a technical resource for new and existing ISAC research projects and programs.
  • Manages, maintains, and supports ISAC’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals for the ISAC Museum Shop & other revenue-generating programs.
  • Actively participates in, oversees, develops, and coordinates internal and University-wide IT initiatives.
  • Represents ISAC at the monthly University-wide Information Technology Leadership Council (ITLC) meetings.
  • Works independently to solve complex end-user issues involving hardware, site licensing, software, and networking.
  • Administers operating systems, maintains security, and implements backup procedures for the unit’s information systems and peripheral equipment, such as servers, desktops, printers, and storage devices.
  • Manages, maintains, and supports audio/visual infrastructure that supports ISAC research, teaching and programming.
  • Represents and serves as a lead on internal meetings and that require input and involvement from an IT perspective (including but not limited to the website redesign committee, hiring committees, and ad-hoc committees for new research and programming initiatives).
  • Manages and records the inventory of ISAC-owned computers, laptops, and tablets.
  • Builds strong professional relationships with ISAC faculty and staff to understand and address ongoing issues through weekly meetings with stakeholders.
  • Communicates with users to understand their computing needs and implements procedures to accommodate them.
  • Provides advice and consultation on all information technology issues, including procurement of computing hardware, and interaction with hardware and software vendors as required.
  • Maintains a high level of awareness of current issues in technology and engages in continuing education.
  • Guides a variety of IT support activities for end-user hardware/software resolution, and guides end users through troubleshooting procedures. Uses fundamental knowledge of University software systems to recommend system modifications to reduce user problems.
  • Uses in-depth knowledge of IT support best practices and experience with the University IT systems to conduct analyses and contribute to the resolution of complex problems.
  • Provides technical guidance in setup, installation, and configuration of desktop hardware and software in compliance with internal controls, policies, and standards.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Education

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

Technical Skills Or Knowledge

  • Knowledge of basic networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP).
  • Familiarity with ServiceNow ticketing system.
  • Understanding of PC/Mac platforms.
  • Proficiency supporting Microsoft 365 Applications (Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
  • Effective time management skills.
  • Effective decision-making skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills with an emphasis on resolution and follow-through.
  • Ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience.

Working Conditions

  • Office environment, hybrid schedule.
  • Requires occasional extended work hours.
  • Requires the ability to lift & carry loads up to 49lbs.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Three professional references (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$5,692.00 - $9,483.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Salary : $5,692 - $9,483

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