Technical Support Specialist

Department: WCAS Linguistics
Salary/Grade: NEX/15

Job Summary:

Northwestern's Department of Linguistics seeks a Technical Support Specialist to coordinate its research facilities, equipment, and resources, and to oversee day-to-day research activities. The Specialist will support Linguistics researchers (faculty, research staff, and graduate students) in all aspects of experiment implementation and data collection, including equipment solutions and data management methods, assessment of software programs, and developing new user interfaces where necessary. The Specialist will conduct training for researchers, create and maintain user documentation, oversee the acquisition and maintenance of hardware, and ensure the smooth functioning of computers and equipment for researchers and study participants.

This is a part-time position at 20 hours per week where work is performed on site. The target hiring range for this position will be between $27.06 - $38.00 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical expert within the Linguistics research labs, establish and optimize protocols, and coordinate multiple complex experiments.
• Collaborate with researchers to assist in designing procedures for data collection and analysis, and recommend alternatives to improve processes, validity, and/or accuracy.
• Maintain and manage recording equipment, sound isolation booths, eye-tracking equipment, and other equipment.
• Provide programming support and, if needed, develop web-based experiments for researchers.
• Advise researchers on best practices, programming, and data management.
• Manage crowd-sourcing pipelines, including participant information and expenses.
• Develop protocols and assist with Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 2-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to an associate's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2 years IT, CS user support or other relevant experience required.

Minimum Competencies:

• Excellent working knowledge of NoSQL, Firebase, SQL/MySQL/Postgres
• Familiarity with Microsoft Exchange, Lync, Office, SharePoint, plus GlobusOnline
• Experience with the following languages and platforms: Mac OS X, Linux, Windows; CSS, HTML 5, JavaScript, Vue.js, Node.js, PHP, PL/SQL, Python
• Comfort with Service-oriented Architecture design

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Audio/Music Technology or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science plus 1 year experience in audio-related web design, programming and archiving
• Familiarity with higher-education/lab-based research
• Understands basic audio and video recording principles in the context of lab-based recording sessions; Able to troubleshoot and resolve sound-related technical issues
• Experience with eye-tracking and related methodologies
• Familiarity with specialized speech and language software including Praat, ELAN, Montreal Corpus Tools, PsychoPy and crowdsourcing platforms (e.g., Prolific, Pavlovia)

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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