Scientific Support Specialist

Bethesda, MD
Full Time
Mid Level
Grow, innovate, and generate progress: Harness your expertise to solve challenges and celebrate success! 

Job Summary
JCS Solutions LLC is seeking a mid‑level Scientific Support Specialist to join our team supporting the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). In this role, you will provide high‑quality desktop and scientific computing support to research labs, principal investigators, and other scientific personnel. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in Windows, macOS, and Linux (Ubuntu 24+) environments and is comfortable working in a dynamic research setting with individuals of varying technical backgrounds, including VIP and PI‑level staff. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that desktop systems remain secure, reliable, and optimized to support NICHD’s scientific mission by collaborating closely with cybersecurity teams and implementing technical controls across diverse computing environments.

What’s in it for you:
  • Join a premier technology firm specializing in innovative solutions.  
  • Be part of a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work culture.  
  • Enjoy tremendous growth potential in a high-performing team environment.  
  • A robust benefits package: 
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance  
  • Life insurance  
  • Short-and-long term disability  
  • Paid time off (PTO)  
  • 401k retirement plan with employer match 
  • Annual Professional Development Reimbursement Program  
  • And more! 
 
What you will do:  
  • Provide direct desktop support for Windows, macOS, and Linux (Ubuntu 24+) systems used in scientific research labs across NICHD.
  • Serve as a primary technical liaison to principal investigators, VIPs, lab managers, and scientific staff, demonstrating professionalism, strong communication, and customer‑focused support.
  • Identify, diagnose, and resolve hardware, software, operating system, and network issues with minimal supervision.
  • Utilize ServiceNow to manage tickets, document troubleshooting steps, and ensure timely resolution of incidents and service requests.
  • Provide remote support using BeyondTrust/Bomgar and other collaboration platforms as needed.
  • Collaborate with the cybersecurity team to address vulnerabilities identified through Tenable scans, coordinating with scientific users to validate patches, schedule remediation, or support the development of POA&Ms or waiver requests.
  • Implement and support endpoint security controls including BitLocker and FileVault.
  • Support the configuration, deployment, and maintenance of desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and peripherals.
  • Assist with updates, patches, and vendor‑supported upgrades for systems that interface with scientific instruments (but not the instruments themselves).
  • Maintain documentation including system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Track trends and recurring issues within the scientific environment to support proactive improvements, stability, and consistency.
  • Work both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment, providing exceptional service to on‑site and remote users.  

What you will bring: 
  • U.S. citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an HHS Public Trust (Tier 2).
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred; additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • 5–8 years of experience in desktop support in mixed OS environments.
  • Strong proficiency supporting Windows 10/11, macOS (Sequoia–Tahoe), and Linux desktops (Ubuntu 24+).
  • Experience using ServiceNow or similar ticketing systems.
  • Experience with BeyondTrust/Bomgar for remote support.
  • Familiarity with vulnerability remediation workflows and tools such as Tenable.
  • Hands‑on experience with some combination of Intune, BigFix, Absolute, Jamf, SCCM, Active Directory, and Azure AD.
  • Experience supporting VIPs or senior scientific personnel, with an understanding of appropriate communication style and urgency.
  • Experience implementing and supporting disk encryption tools (BitLocker, FileVault).
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • At least one relevant certification required (examples: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ CE, Microsoft MD‑102/Endpoint Administrator, Apple Device Support or ACSP, Linux+, Jamf 200, or similar).  

How you will wow us:
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with scientific and technical users with professionalism, clarity, and empathy.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
  • Experience working in research, healthcare, or federal scientific environments, ideally NIH.
  • Familiarity with data privacy considerations involving PHI/PII and the secure handling of research data.
  • Comfortable balancing independent work with collaborative engagement across IT, cybersecurity, and scientific teams.
  • Detail‑oriented, organized, and proactive in managing workload, documentation, and follow‑through.
  • Adaptable, customer‑focused, and committed to delivering high‑quality service in a dynamic research setting.
  
JCS Solutions (JCS) is a premier technology firm providing innovative solutions and high-quality services in defense, national security, and civilian sectors. JCS offers enterprise-wide solutions including cloud computing, software development, cybersecurity, digital modernization, and management consulting for the federal government. At JCS, we elevate our customers’ mission through the application of technology and professional services. Our commitment to investing in our workforce drives innovation and progress for our clients, employees, and communities.
JCS is both a Great Place to Work and a Washington Post’s Top Places to Work certified company.
  
Our employees embody our core values, and we are looking for others who do too!
  • Customer Experience: Strive for excellence and delight our clients 
  • Innovation: Embrace creative thinking to enable continual growth and powerful solutions 
  • Accountability: Take ownership of and pride in our actions and service delivery 
  • Inspire: Be inspired to be your best self and have fun in the process 
  • Integrity: Do the right thing, the right way, every time! 
  • Stewardship: The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to our          care. 
  
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
 
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