Director, Research IT

Position Summary

The University at Buffalo (UB), a leading public research university and member of the SUNY system, is seeking a strategic and collaborative Director of Research IT to support and advance its growing research enterprise. This senior leadership role offers a unique opportunity to help shape how secure, compliant, and innovative technologies enable discovery across a diverse and interdisciplinary research community.

Reporting within UB Information Technology and partnering closely with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, the Director of Research IT provides vision,direction, and partnership for research cyberinfrastructure, data environments, and emerging technologies. The role aligns institutional research priorities with scalable, resilient IT solutions that support faculty success and meet federal and sponsor requirements.

In this position, you will guide and oversee research IT strategy, support secure data environments and advanced analytics platforms, pilot emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning, and ensure compliance with frameworks including NIST and CMMC. You will serve as a trusted advisor to faculty and campus partners while building and mentoring a high-performing research IT team. This is a campus based position with the possibility of hybrid work.

Additional Information:

It is a great time to join UB Information Technology (UBIT)! Our staff are highly skilled and motivated to succeed and have cutting-edge training and technical resources at their disposal. For more information about UBIT visit our website. All the duties and responsibilities listed above continue to occur in a 247 environment, therefore, working extended hours, holidays, or varied hours may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree with 5 years of experience or masters degree or professional certification with 3 years of experience. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated success in supporting complex research environments and interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of compliance frameworks (e.g., HIPAA, FISMA, NIST) and data governance in research settings.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in computer science or PhD, information systems, engineering, or a related field Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in research IT, academic technology, or innovation leadership.
• 7 or more years of progressive experience in research IT, academic technology, or innovation leadership. Experience in a large public research university or similar academic institution.
• Familiarity with UBs strategic research priorities and digital transformation initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead change and drive innovation in a decentralized environment.