Associate Director, Research IT Systems

Overview

The Associate Director, Research Systems and Critical Infrastructure will oversee the implementation, upgrade, system administration, integration, and maintenance of all technical infrastructure and systems that support research operations, animal life and safety, and laboratory animal business operations across multiple locations at Princeton University. This role encompasses both on-campus and off-campus facilities. The Associate Director Research Systems and Critical Infrastructure ensures that software systems, critical infrastructure, desktop support, and data analytics systems are optimized for operational efficiency, security, and regulatory compliance.

This position entails direct, hands-on management responsibilities. This technical leadership role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including OIT, research staff, facilities, building management teams, and external vendors, to implement best practices, mentor technical teams, and lead the implementation, upgrade and integration activities related to technologies in support of lab operations and compliance with all applicable animal care and research regulations.

This is a hybrid role.

Responsibilities

Research Systems and Critical Infrastructure Management:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and ongoing management of critical infrastructure and systems (e.g. Huron, TOPAZ Elements, etc) that support the operation of lab animal research facilities, including animal life support, environmental control, and safety systems.
• Manage lab animal research facility-based software solutions, including tracking, monitoring, and reporting systems for animal care, research data, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure the availability, reliability, and performance of mission-critical infrastructure, including server environments, networks, workstations, and cloud solutions.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans for all critical infrastructure across multiple sites, both on-campus and off-campus.
• Coordinate with other technical teams and stakeholders to align IT solutions with evolving business and research needs at all facilities.
• Manage and execute software and hardware integrations with research, operations, and other campus systems to ensure seamless functionality across multiple platforms and locations.
• Enable change management processes, ensuring that new systems, software updates, and hardware changes are thoroughly evaluated, tested, and implemented with minimal disruption to daily operations across all facilities.
• Apply IT best practices for service delivery, system lifecycle management, and continuous improvement of critical infrastructure and software solutions across multiple facilities.
• Review and recommend the use of new technologies and systems that may improve operational efficiency, security, or research capabilities.

Data Analytics and Business Intelligence:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of data analytics and business intelligence components of ODFR systems to provide actionable insights into lab operations, animal care, and research data.
• Collaborate with research and facilities teams as well as other business and IT teams to gather and interpret data, improving efficiencies, compliance, and operational decisions across all facilities.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory and quality standards for data collection and reporting across multiple locations.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of technical professionals, providing guidance on best practices and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment, promoting knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
• Manage team priorities, workflows, and resource allocation to ensure that business operations are supported, projects are completed on time and within scope, across multiple locations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with other technical teams (e.g., network administration, security, data management) and external vendors to ensure the integrity and performance of all systems supporting animal research and safety across multiple sites.
• Work closely with facilities and building management teams across all locations to ensure that critical infrastructure meets the needs of lab research operations, including climate control, electrical systems, and other animal care support services.

Security, Regulatory and Compliance Oversight:

• Contribute towards and actively participate in cybersecurity, vulnerability management and device management initiatives and activities.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, with specific attention to requirements for animal research facilities.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant research standards and ensure that systems and infrastructure meet both institutional and regulatory requirements at each facility.
• Develop and implement audit and testing procedures to verify compliance with animal safety, research, and infrastructure protocols at all University Animal Research locations.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, systems management, and support, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience managing critical infrastructure systems, ideally in a regulated research or healthcare environment.
• Strong experience in managing systems supporting life safety, security, and compliance in animal research facilities.
• Experience with data analytics and reporting systems.
• Familiarity with lab animal research standards, including regulatory requirements (AAALAC, USDA, FDA, IACUC).
• Experience managing technical operations across multiple locations, both on-campus and off-campus.

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of systems integration, network management, and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Expertise in software and hardware life-cycle management.
• Proficiency with reporting and data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Familiarity with ITIL-based frameworks for service management and change management.

Leadership Soft Skills:

• Strong team management and mentorship skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, especially with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities across different locations.
• A problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

PREFERRED Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Experience, and Other Education

• Master's degree in applicable field is a plus.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Yes

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Drivers License Required

No

Experience Level

Director

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Salary Range

$151,000 to $171,000