"Deputy Chief Research Officer"

Deputy Chief Research Officer

Job No: 553738

Work Type: Management (MPP)

Locations: Southern California: San Diego

Categories: Bargaining Unit: MPP, Appointment Type: At-Will, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Research, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac): On-site (work in-person at business location)

Join Our Team as the Deputy Chief Research Officer!

San Diego State University (SDSU) seeks an experienced and visionary Deputy Chief Research Officer to provide strategic leadership in advancing the university's rapidly expanding research enterprise. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Research & Innovation, the Deputy Chief Research Officer serves as the VP's primary designee, overseeing core research operations, supporting faculty and student research success, and guiding high-impact initiatives that elevate SDSU's national research reputation.

As a newly designated Carnegie R1 university, SDSU is experiencing unprecedented growth in research, scholarship, creative activities (RSCA), and industry partnerships. The Deputy Chief Research Officer will play a central role in sustaining this momentum, strengthening infrastructure, improving processes, developing innovative support programs, and fostering collaboration across campus and beyond.

This position is highly collaborative and cross-functional, engaging senior administrators, deans, faculty, research staff, students, and regional partners. The incumbent must be an exceptional communicator and strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the university research ecosystem.

Key responsibilities include:

Research Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Support and advance the strategic vision of the university's research enterprise.
• Provide oversight of research operations, research support services, and research administration.
• Lead and evaluate faculty research support programs, including assigned time, seed funding, rapid response initiatives, postdoctoral scholar programs, and bridge funding.
• Develop new programs, initiatives, and resources to enhance faculty and student RSCA.
• Leverage institutional data to identify RSCA infrastructure needs and propose solutions.
• Support and co-lead strategic planning efforts to grow campuswide research capacity.

Campuswide Collaboration & Governance

• Serve as a key liaison across Academic Affairs, IT, Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, Business and Financial Affairs, and other divisions.
• Co-lead monthly meetings of the University Research Council and Deans Research Council.
• Represent DRI on major university committees related to research, strategic plan implementation, space allocation, budget, IT governance, and faculty development.
• Partner with Undergraduate Research to plan and deliver the annual Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RSCA) Showcase.

Programs, Policies & Research Infrastructure

• Oversee the administrative processes associated with proposing, reviewing, and reporting on SDSU Centers and Institutes.
• Create and implement plans for establishing, expanding, and overseeing core research facilities.
• Identify new areas for external funding and support teams in developing competitive proposals.
• Manage independent projects, teams, and division-level initiatives.

External Engagement

• Represent DRI and the Vice President at regional events, board meetings, committees, and professional gatherings.
• Build strong relationships with regional partners to advance SDSU's research goals.

Why Join SDSU:

SDSU is one of the nation's fastest-rising public research universities, recently earning the distinguished R1 classification. With major investments in research growth, cutting-edge facilities, and the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District, the university is expanding opportunities for high-impact scholarship, innovation, and partnerships. The Deputy Chief Research Officer will be a key leader in shaping the future of SDSU's research landscape and advancing the university's commitment to excellence, equity, and innovation.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) serves as the central hub for advancing San Diego State University's research mission. DRI provides leadership, infrastructure, and strategic direction for the university's rapidly expanding research enterprise and oversees key units including Research Operations, Research Support Services, Research Advancement, Technology Transfer, Innovation, the ZIP Launchpad, Undergraduate Research, Research Communications, and specialized Research IT services.

As SDSU's central research administration and innovation engine, DRI supports faculty and student research, scholarship, and creative activities (RSCA) across all disciplines. The division also provides oversight of the SDSU Research Foundation and leads major institutional initiatives such as the development of the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District, a growing hub for public-private partnerships, translational research, and entrepreneurship.

DRI works collaboratively with SDSU's academic colleges and divisions to expand corporate and foundation partnerships, increase funding opportunities, strengthen research infrastructure, and advance SDSU's position as a Carnegie-classified R1 research university.

For more information regarding DRI, click here.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. or related doctoral degree
• Associate Professor or higher with tenure
• Minimum of 5 years of academic leadership experience, preferably in research administration
• Academic background in a STEM discipline is preferred

Key Qualifications

• Strong understanding of university research operations, including compliance requirements, sponsored programs processes, and the administrative structures that support faculty and student research.
• Experience facilitating or supporting large, multi-disciplinary or multi-institutional research projects, with the ability to coordinate across diverse teams, priorities, and academic areas.
• Knowledge of research infrastructure such as research development services, research-focused IT systems (e.g., secure computing, data management, HPC), or core research facilities that support shared instrumentation and specialized research needs.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that's just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $180,000-$200,000

Supplemental Information
Apply by January 4, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

To apply, visit https://careers.sdsu.edu/en-us/job/553738