Associate director for sheps integrated research solutions (sirs)

Position Summary

The Associate Director for Sheps Integrated Research Solutions (SIRS) provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. SIRS designs, builds, and supports secure web-based applications, databases, and workflow systems that enable health services research, multi-site clinical studies, community engagement, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.

While Sheps(DATA)+ is not a Contract Research Organization (CRO), it functions similarly by providing the full suite of technical, data, and operational infrastructure needed to support health services research, while scientific leadership remains with the Principal Investigator. SIRS is a core component of this integrated service model, contributing to critical application development, data collection platforms, and workflow systems that enable coordinated, multiservice research efforts across the Sheps Center.

In this role, the Associate Director is responsible for overseeing the delivery, quality and long-term sustainability of SIRS solutions, ensuring alignment with research goals, institutional policies, security and privacy requirements, and best practices in software engineering and product management. The Associate Director also plays a key role in identifying and advancing strategic initiatives for SIRS that are aligned with Sheps(DATA)+ strategic priorities and the broader mission of the Sheps Center. The Associate Director works closely with Principal Investigators, study teams, Sheps IT leadership, and technical staff to translate complex research workflows into reliable, scalable, secure and compliant digital systems.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Master’s degree in information systems, computer science, public health, health informatics, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing software development, digital products, technical programs, or technology-enabled service delivery teams.
• Demonstrated understanding of software development lifecycles, systems architecture, and the ability to translate complex user, research, or business requirements into effective technical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Experience working in research, healthcare, or similarly regulated environments involving sensitive or confidential data.
• Experience supporting health services research, clinical research, or public sector research programs.
• Familiarity with HIPAA, research data governance, accessibility requirements, and institutional security practices.
• Experience using Agile or other iterative methodologies.
• Prior experience in an academic research center, data coordinating center, or CRO-adjacent environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills.