IT Support Specialist

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! Job Description JOB PURPOSE: The Howard University Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program – Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CCBB) is seeking a highly motivated IT Support Specialist. The successful candidate will provide technical support across multiple environments, including desktop support, Linux server administration, and open-source virtualization platforms. The role involves troubleshooting, configuring, and maintaining hardware, software, and network systems. The candidate will also support researchers and clinicians by learning and assisting with REDCap for research data management and using SQL for basic data queries. Effective communication of technical solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders is essential. This position reports to the IT Director. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: Responsible for providing guidance, orientation, and training to others, as well as assigning and reviewing their work. May serve in a lead or senior capacity over other staff performing related technical tasks. NATURE AND SCOPE: Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff, and students across the department and University. External contacts include vendors, service providers, consultants, and technical support representatives. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: • Provide first- and second-level desktop support for hardware, software, and peripherals across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. • Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot desktops, laptops, printers, and peripheral devices. • Administer Linux servers, including user management, system monitoring, patching, updates, and security hardening. • Manage open-source virtualization environments, including OpenStack, KVM, or other community virtualization platforms, for testing, research applications, and server provisioning. • Monitor and maintain IT infrastructure to ensure high availability, performance, and security. • Troubleshoot network, system, and application issues; escalate complex problems as needed. • Provide technical support for REDCap, including installation, configuration, access management, and troubleshooting, to enable researchers and clinicians to use the platform effectively for data collection and management. • Perform basic SQL queries (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) to extract or manipulate research data. • Maintain accurate IT documentation, including system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides. • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to resolve technical issues and implement solutions. • Provide training and technical guidance to staff, students, and faculty on IT systems, software, and best practices. • Ensure compliance with IT policies, cybersecurity standards, and data protection regulations. • Recommend improvements to IT infrastructure, open-source virtualization platforms, and processes to enhance efficiency and user experience. • Prepare reports on system performance, incidents, and service requests. • Perform other related duties as assigned. CORE COMPETENCIES: • Proficiency in Linux system administration (Red Hat, Ubuntu, or similar). • Experience with open-source virtualization platforms, including OpenStack, KVM, or similar technologies. • Strong desktop support skills for Windows, macOS, and peripheral devices. • Basic SQL knowledge for database querying and reporting. • Willingness and ability to learn and support REDCap for research and clinical data management. • Networking knowledge (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP) and system administration concepts. • Familiarity with Active Directory, Office 365, and enterprise IT service management tools. • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices. • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. • Excellent documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills. • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently or collaboratively in a team. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Linux+, RHCSA/RHCE, OpenStack Administrator, or similar) preferred. Minimum of 1–3 years of experience in IT support, Linux administration, desktop support, or open-source virtualization environments. Basic experience or coursework in SQL and database concepts preferred. Willingness to learn and support REDCap or similar research data management platforms. Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Expected Pay Range: $25- $30 per hour Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at View phone number on click.appcast.io. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.