Senior Desktop Support Specialist

Fate Therapeutics is seeking a hands-on, service-driven Senior Desktop Specialist to own and enhance the end-user technology experience in a fast-paced biotech environment. This role offers the exciting opportunity to own and improve the end-user IT experience, from onboarding and help desk support to system upgrades, vendor management, and cloud administration, while partnering closely with internal teams and external providers. Ideal candidates bring strong technical expertise in Microsoft and enterprise platforms, proven project and vendor management skills, and the ability to communicate clearly, prioritize effectively, and collaborate cross-functionally. This is a full-time, exempt position located at our corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA.

Responsibilities

• Manage desktop support requests and triage to external IT providers and internal staff as appropriate to ensure coverage and acceptable response times to end user requests; Hands on help desk support required.
• Lead and manage the schedule and timeframes for major desktop support projects including system updates, migrations, and outages. Ensure companywide notification of any outages – with mitigation plans for any issues.
• Manage IT department service contracts through the full contract lifecycle including identifying vendors, negotiating pricing and terms, entering new requests and renewals into the procurement system, managing budgets and implementing systems; Support the head of IT with critical contracts and procurement requests as needed.
• Manage and report on allocation of desktop support budget and inventory.
• Drive user onboarding and offboarding processes and automation.
• Support Audio Visual systems, conference rooms, and printers.
• Assist with SOX 404(b) documentation and internal controls.
• Support GxP compliant validated systems and networks.
• Administer various cloud and on-premises systems and applications, such as Office 365, Adobe, Active Directory, Zoom, Teams, Fraxion, etc.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/information technology or equivalent experience and AS/BS degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or other relevant field and 5+ years of relevant IT desktop support experience, preferably in biotech/life science industry.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Operating Systems required.
• Strong skills with SharePoint and other document sharing platforms preferred.
• Experience working in a regulated 21 CFR Part 11 IT environment preferred.
• Experience leading projects with a proven track record of managing desktop support requests and supervising help desk and support teams; Proven ability to work with external partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work onsite at corporate headquarters during business hours; high degree of flexibility to work off hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and be able to wear multiple hats, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Multiple computer-related qualifications and certifications will be viewed favorably.

Working Conditions

• Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.
• Subject to extended periods of sitting and standing, vision to monitor, and moderate noise levels.
• This is a full-time role based in San Diego, residing within one hour of site in case of emergency.

Compensation

• The salary offer will be based on a variety of factors, including level, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and location.
• Fate offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package.
• The anticipated salary range for this role is $90,000 - $100,000.

The preceding job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. Additional and incidental duties related to the primary duties may be required from time to time.
Equal Employment OpportunityFate Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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About Fate Therapeutics, Inc.Fate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing a pipeline of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cellular immunotherapies to patients. Using its proprietary iPSC product platform, the Company has established a leadership position in creating multiplexed-engineered master iPSC lines and in the manufacture and clinical development of off-t