Windows System Administrator

Job Summary

The JILA Computing Group is seeking a highly motivated and

technically skilled IT Support Specialist to provide frontline

computing support for JILA’s scientists, students, and staff across

a wide variety of devices and operating systems. This role requires

broad technical expertise across many computer system environments

and software packages. This position primarily interacts with

Windows systems, but will also resolve macOS and desktop Linux.

This role involves the hands-on fixing of hardware, software, and

network issues; system specification, assembly and deployment; user

support and consultation; and collaboration with research staff in

a dynamic laboratory environment, often in dark laboratories

surrounded by lasers.

Beyond daily support, the position will help plan and provision

computing infrastructure (workstations, servers, peripherals),

discuss practices, and assist users with accessing both

departmental and campus computing resources.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all

applicable federal, state, and local laws governing

nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a

workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and

dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to

apply, including protected veterans and individuals with

disabilities.

Who We Are

JILA is a joint institute of the

University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of

Standards and Technology. We support eclectic and innovative

research programs that foster creative collaborations among our

scientists. The wide-ranging interests of our scientists have made

JILA one of the nation's leading research institutes in the

physical sciences. JILA science encompasses eight broad categories:

Astrophysics, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Biophysics, Chemical

Physics, Laser Physics, Nanoscience, Precision Measurement, and

Quantum Information Science & Technology.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

System Administration, Configuration, and Support:

• Provide strong end-user support: respond to help requests,

diagnose problems, work with coworkers, and provide

resolution.

• Install, configure, and maintain Windows desktops, laptops,

peripherals, and expansion cards (e.g. USB devices, specialized

scientific devices).

• Install, configure, and maintain Apple devices.
• Specify, build, and deploy computer systems.
• Provide first-line support for malware detection, removal, and

system restoration.

• Resolve hardware failures, driver issues, peripheral

malfunctions, registry issues, and system performance

problems.

• Create, update, and maintain Active Directory Group Policy

Objects for departmental Organizational Unit.

• Assist users with software installation, licensing, updates,

and compatibility issues.

• Offer consultation and guidance to users on standard processes

(data storage, backups, security).

• Resolve e-mail client issues (Outlook, IMAP, SMTP

settings).

• Assist in network problem-solving (connectivity, IP addressing,

DNS, DHCP, VLANs).

• Occasionally work in lab spaces, restricted or dark areas, and

under experimental constraints (e.g. minimal lighting, vibration

sensitivity).

Group Advancement

• Accurately track effort each day for client billing

purposes.

• Develop scripts (PowerShell, batch, or other scripting

languages) to automate routine administrative tasks.

• Maintain documentation, including support procedures and

configurations.

• Know the latest on emerging technologies, recommend upgrades or

replacements, and participate in evaluating new tools or

services.

• Proactively suggest improvements, efficiencies, and upgrades to

computing infrastructure.

• Participate in team meetings, training, and continuing

education.

• Collaborate with CU Boulder’s Office of Information Technology

and Research Computing departments as needed.

Departmental Interaction

• Be motivated and capable of working both independently and in a

collaborative, positive, and instructive team environment.

• Conduct oneself professionally with faculty, students, and

research staff, maintaining confidentiality and discretion.

• Interact with and assist research students, postdocs, and

faculty in translating computing needs into workable

solutions.

• Serve as a resource and mentor to other members of the

institute.

What You Should Know

• Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. A “Flexible Business Hours” work week,

on-site at JILA on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. 5

days a week on-site to start, with 1 day remote to be coordinated

after the training period.

• Occasional after-hours work to complete projects on a schedule

that suits users.

• Infrequent after-hours/emergency support (e.g. system

outages).

• Regular work in experimental physics labs, which may involve

cramped or low-light environments.

• Must follow lab safety protocols and respect constraints of

sensitive research equipment (i.e. lasers, working near chemicals,

etc.).

What We Can Offer

• The hiring range for this position is $72,000-$85,000 annually.

Relocation is available for eligible candidates.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are

committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our

employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,

dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition

assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local

transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder

offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class

outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through

the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be authentic. Be professional. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree (may substitute with relevant professional

experience) and 1+ years of experience installing, configuring, and

fixing Windows in both standalone and managed configurations.

• Experience specifying, building, imaging, and deploying

desktops and laptops.

• Experience working with Active Directory infrastructure.
• Experience creating and modifying Group Policy Objects (GPOs)

to enforce Windows deployment and configurations.

• Experience with malware detection, removal, and system recovery

tools.

What You Will Need

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including

ability to translate technical information for nontechnical

users.

• Familiarity with printer setup and driver configuration.
• Basic networking knowledge (MAC addresses, IP addressing, DHCP,

DNS).

• Familiarity with other operating systems (macOS, Linux, iOS,

Android).

• Familiarity with Audio/Visual equipment (projectors,

microphones).

• Ability to lift computer hardware (~40 lbs), installing

cabling, and moving peripherals.

What We Would Like You to Have

• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft

Certified Professional, or equivalent experience.

• Experience with remote access tools.
• Experience with imaging tools (e.g. Acronis TrueImage,

Clonezilla, dd) or deployment automation.

• Experience with JAMF is a plus.
• Experience with Ubiquiti UniFi is a plus.
• Experience in higher education, research labs, or technical

service environments is a plus.

• Familiarity with scientific computing software (e.g. LabVIEW,

MATLAB, Mathematica, Python, data acquisition tools).

• Understanding of virtualization, containerization.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials

• A current resume.
• A cover letter that briefly describes how your background and

experience align with this position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by January 29, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via

email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through

CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in

any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying

information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school

attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting

or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: [email protected]