110730-Director of Research Computing

Location: TN, United States

Job Summary
    
The Director of Research Computing provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university's research computing portfolio, including high-performance computing resources, services, and support programs. This position partners closely with faculty and researchers to advance all aspects of research computing, such as computationally intensive research, generative AI, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud computing, data management planning, data analytics, and the selection and integration of local and cloud-based resources. The director also plays a key role in evaluating and adopting emerging technologies that drive innovation across disciplines.

Responsibilities include managing staff, guiding resource allocation, and ensuring that research computing environments remain secure, scalable, and aligned with institutional priorities. The Director reports to the ETSU Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer and serves as the primary liaison between researchers and Information Technology Services to ensure technology investments effectively support evolving research needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High-Performance Computing: architectures, clusters, storage, networking, and job scheduling.
• Cloud and hybrid computing: A WS, Azure, Google, and higher education focused solutions.
• Research Technologies: AVML, data analytics, computational modeling, and scientific software environments.
• Cyber infrastructure & Security: research data security, compliance, identity management, and secure collaboration.
• Research Data Management: storage, curation, archival, sharing, and data principles.
• Software and Tools: Scientific programming, workflow management tools, and containerization.
• Grant Funding and Research Administration: knowledge of federal agencies and requirements for cyberinfrastructure components in proposals.
• Higher Education: academic culture, shared governance, IT governance, and faculty research workflow.
• Emerging Technologies: generative AI, advanced analytics, and new hardware trends.
• Strategic Planning: ability to define and implement a long-term vision for research computing aligned with institutional goals.
• Technical Leadership: leading HPC/cloud adoption, infrastructure design, and operational optimization.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: building research collaborations and external partnerships.
• Grant Support: assist faculty in writing cyberinfrastructure components for grant proposals.
• Program Management: coordinating complex projects and deliverables.
• Leadership: supervising, mentoring, and developing technical staff.
• Visionary Thinking: align research services with current and future research needs. 

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, or related field with seven (7) years’ experience in computer science, engineering, high-performance computing, or advanced information technology infrastructure.

OR

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, or related field with ten (10) years’ experience in computer science, engineering, high-performance computing, or advanced information technology infrastructure.

   

• Demonstrated leadership in managing technology environments and/or technical teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, or related field.
• Experience with compliance frameworks such as HIPAA or FERPA.

Physical Demands 

• Repetitive wrist or arm movements 
• Remaining in one position for extended periods 
• Visual acuity to read printed and electronic materials 
• Hearing to distinguish sounds (e.g. phone calls, alarms)
• Sitting for extended periods (e.g. at a computer or workstation)
• Carrying files, equipment, or supplies short distances.

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – IT Administrator/Analyst 4
• Market Range – 11 (Salary Schedules)
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.