AI Lab Technician

This position is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and validating software and hardware used in teaching laboratories. The AI Lab Technician works closely with faculty, teaching assistants, facilities, and vendors to ensure laboratories are safe, current, reliable, and aligned with instructional needs. The role serves as a first point of contact for lab-related technical issues and supports the academic mission through responsive, professional service.

Opened in 2025 and powered by a University of South Florida record $40 million gift from Arnie and Lauren Bellini, USF’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is the first in Florida, and among the first in the nation, to unify AI, cybersecurity, and computing within a single college. More than 65 faculty members focus on cutting-edge research and educating 3,000+ bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students across 15 degree programs in computer science, cybersecurity, AI, information technology, and computer engineering. The college emphasizes industry-relevant education and experiential learning to prepare students for real-world challenges. It also serves as the central hub for AI and cybersecurity research and teaching at USF, collaborating with colleges and units across the university.

This position is 100% on campus.

• Install, configure, and maintain software and hardware in instructional and teaching laboratories.
• Coordinate repair and ongoing maintenance of laboratory computing hardware and peripherals.
• Liaise with faculty to ensure instructional software and lab configurations align with teaching plans and course requirements.
• Liaise with teaching assistants to ensure laboratories are maintained in a professional, organized, and instructional-ready condition.
• Monitor laboratory technology needs and notify management when purchases or replacements are required to maintain current and functional lab environments.
• Periodically validate and document configurations of laboratory hardware, including but not limited to PCs, network equipment, oscilloscopes, and other instructional devices.
• Respond to and resolve trouble tickets in accordance with departmental service policies and timelines.
• Coordinate with facilities to ensure laboratory safety equipment is available, functional, and up to date.
• Provide courteous, helpful, and timely support to students, faculty, and staff using laboratory resources.
• Work with vendors to troubleshoot issues, coordinate repairs, and support equipment lifecycle management.
• Follow all applicable university, college, department, and laboratory policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned in support of instructional and laboratory operations.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four (4) years of relevant technical experience in computer or laboratory support roles
• Appropriate vocational training, certifications, or college coursework may substitute for required experience at an equivalent rate.
• Ability to lift up to approximately 20 pounds and perform tasks such as standing, stooping, or climbing as required in a lab environment.

 

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

 

Preferred Requirements

• Windows, Linux, hardware testing equipment (TDRs, function generators, oscilloscopes, multimeters, etc.)

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot a wide variety of computer hardware and software.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues independently.
• Ability to work with vendors, service providers, and internal support teams.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and respond effectively in a teaching lab environment.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and operating procedures.
• Ability to follow established policies, procedures, and technical standards

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.