"Director of Research Technology"

Job Details

Department: Industry & Defense Programs

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically, 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends may be required dependent upon business needs. The job is performed in person and on-site in Wichita, KS.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Details

This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Wichita State University’s research computing and technology infrastructure. They are responsible for aligning research technology services with the university’s strategic vision and research priorities, ensuring faculty, staff, and students have access to advanced computing resources that enable innovation and discovery. They will develop and implement a comprehensive research computing strategy encompassing high-performance computing (HPC), cloud services, data storage, networking, and operations technology (OT). They will foster collaboration across colleges, research centers, and external partners, promoting shared infrastructure and cost-effective solutions.

A key part of this role includes supporting faculty in securing and managing technology-related research grants—reviewing proposals for technical feasibility, guiding technology budgeting and compliance, and ensuring that new equipment aligns with the university’s broader IT architecture. They play a leading role in communicating research technology capabilities and outcomes, providing regular reports and metrics to stakeholders, and demonstrating return on investment. A strong technical foundation in research computing and data management, deep understanding of academic research environments, and proven leadership in building and managing interdisciplinary teams is a must. The ideal candidate is a collaborative innovator who bridges technology and research, advancing the university’s mission through cutting-edge digital infrastructure.

Job Summary

Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the research computing and technology infrastructure. Responsible for aligning research technology services with the university’s strategic vision and research priorities, ensuring faculty, staff, and students have access to advanced computing resources that enable innovation and discovery. Communicates research technology capabilities and outcomes, provides regular reports and metrics to stakeholders, and demonstrates return on investment.

Essential Functions

• Develops the vision and strategy for research technology services in alignment with the University and the needs of the users.
• Drives innovation in research computing tools and processes; Stays current with industry trends.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of advanced research infrastructure (e.g., High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, high-throughput computing, cloud computing, research data storage, research networks, Operations Technology (OT)), ensuring researchers have access to necessary tools and resources.
• Supports the use of research computing in education (e.g., courses, workshops, workforce development and applied learning).
• Ensures that the value from investments made in Information Technology (IT) and OT is maximized and avoids unnecessary duplication. Defines and tracks the return on investments.
• Assists faculty and researchers in identifying and securing research grants from various funding sources (e.g., providing guidance on grant writing, budget management, and compliance with funding requirements for technology-oriented activity).
• Reviews technology requirements in applications and/or documentation to ensure compliance and need.
• Provides reports and metrics to stakeholders regarding usage, growth, and changes to research technology services.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree

Six (6) years of related experience in information technology

Two (2) years of experience in a leadership role

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in leading projects and managing research teams
• Process optimization skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• A commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
• A focus on customer service
• Extensive architectural and technical understanding of computing systems, software, data storage, data visualization and research networks and other cyber infrastructure
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles, security standards and regulations impacting research data
• Familiarity with hardware and software management tools, support models, product life cycles, and Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) processes
• The capability and willingness to provide instruction to students, staff, faculty, administration and other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in university research programs
• Experience as a faculty member of a university

Physical Requirements

Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to move or traverse across campus, within buildings and offices, and/or across external environments.