Director – Research Information Systems

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

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​

The Office of Research Information Systems within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research is seeks applications for the position of a Director.

The Director - Research Information Systems is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the vision, development, and operational oversight of information systems that support the research enterprise within Penn State. As the bridge between research administration, IT, and the research community, the Director will ensure the delivery of innovative, robust, and compliant systems that facilitate research productivity and uphold the institution’s commitment to data stewardship.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the strategic direction for research information systems, ensuring alignment with institutional research goals, regulatory compliance obligations, and emerging technology trends. Develop long-term roadmaps that anticipate and meet the evolving needs of Penn State’s diverse research community.
• System Development and Integration: Oversee the selection, development, and seamless integration of research administration system components including proposal management, awards management, compliance, and data warehouse systems. Champion the adoption of scalable, secure, and user-centered platforms that support both current and future research initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison among research faculty, administrative staff, IT professionals, external partners, and vendors. Foster strong, collaborative relationships to ensure that systems meet and exceed the needs of the research enterprise.
• Project and Program Management: Direct multidisciplinary teams in planning and executing system implementations, upgrades, and process improvements. Employ industry best practices to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Data Governance and Compliance: Establish and enforce rigorous policies for data stewardship, privacy, security, and regulatory compliance (including IRB, IACUC, and federal grant requirements). Stay abreast of changing regulations to safeguard the university’s data assets.
• Innovation and Best Practices: Identify, evaluate, and champion emerging technologies and industry best practices that enhance research administration, foster collaboration, and fuel research excellence.
• User Support and Training: Oversee the development and continuous improvement of training programs and user support services. Advocate for researcher success by ensuring system accessibility, usability, and satisfaction.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead ongoing assessment of system performance and user feedback, driving continuous enhancement through data-driven decision making.
• Resource Management: Develop and manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and allocate resources efficiently to support the research information systems portfolio.
• Reporting and Analytics: Enable advanced reporting, analytics, and business intelligence capabilities to support research activities, compliance tracking, and institutional reporting.
• Crisis Management: Develop and implement comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery strategies for mission-critical research systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale, complex technology projects within a research or IT environment.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks relevant to research data (e.g., IRB, IACUC,  federal and state requirements).
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Experience in budget development, resource planning, and vendor contract negotiation.
• Expertise with research administration systems (e.g., grants management, protocol tracking, data repositories, electronic lab notebooks).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in information systems, computer science, research administration, or a related field.
• Experience with cloud-based research infrastructure and SaaS research administration solutions.
• Familiarity with data standards, ontologies, and interoperability frameworks for research data.
• Active participation in national or international research IT or research administration associations.

Work Arrangement: This position is eligible to work remotely within the US. Standard work times will be in EST.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required 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 $97,100.00 - $145,700.00.

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.

The Pennsylvania State University 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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