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Pennsylvania State University

IT Support Specialist - Materials Research Institute

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $46K - $67K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ April 15th, 2026
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Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an IT Support Specialist for the Materials Research Institute. The role involves providing technical support to faculty, staff, and students, managing hardware and software issues, assisting with interfacing PCs to advanced research equipment, maintaining servers and inventory, and supporting conference room audiovisual systems.

Highlights
  • Provide technical support and customer service for hardware, software, and printing issues.
  • Perform analytical, technical, and administrative support for computer devices and workstations.
  • Troubleshoot and interface PCs with complex research equipment.
  • Install and maintain hardware, software, and server components including Drupal and nextCloud media servers.
  • Support conference room AV including Zoom, Teams, AirTame, and Meeting Owls for hybrid meetings.
  • Maintain inventory of over 300 computers and servers.
  • Required education: GED or High School diploma with 2+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
  • No certifications required.
  • Position is full-time and requires 100% onsite work at University Park campus, no remote or hybrid options.
  • Salary range: $46,400 to $67,300 with competitive benefits including medical, retirement plans, paid time off, and 75% tuition discount.

IT Support Specialist - Materials Research Institute Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Penn State's Materials Research Institute (MRI) seeks a full-time IT Support Specialist to provide technical support to faculty, staff, and students in a highly intensive materials research environment.

MRI is housed in the Millennium Science complex and is home to the Materials Characterization Lab, the Nanofabrication Laboratory and the 2D Crystal Consortium - all highly complex core user facilities with more than 200 analytical and fabrication equipment and nearly 50 technical staff that interface with more than 1500 users annually.   

MRI seeks a highly motivated individual that can work in a fast-paced technical environment with staff and researchers from around the world. This position will: 

  • provide customer service and technical support to end-users for hardware and software and printing. Solve problems. 
  • perform analytical, technical, and administrative work in support of new and existing computer devices and workstations 
  • assist in interfacing PC's to highly complex research equipment and troubleshoot both sides of that exchange 
  • diagnose and resolve problems in response to customer reported incidents; install new hardware and software and maintains existing components 
  • train end users in the use of equipment and software; perform general maintenance tasks 
  • support conference room AV including assist with Zoom and Teams issues with hybrid meetings using AirTame and Meeting Owls.  
  • provide server support and updates 
  • document process and computer/equipment configurations 
  • maintain an inventory of more than 300 computers and servers 
  • responsible for Drupal and nextCloud media servers' updates and configurations 
  • other appropriate IT duties as assigned 

Skills and Experience: Demonstration of exceptional customer service skills, basic problem-solving skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, and attention to detail are essential to the success of this position. 

Work Arrangement: This position will operate 100% onsite at our University Park campus, and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.  

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $46,400.00 - $67,300.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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