INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, DIRECTOR

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary:

The Director of Information Technology provides operational and strategic leadership for the Institute’s technology environment, managing a team of 20+ IT professionals. This role focuses on delivering technology solutions that support research activities, ensure reliable infrastructure, and maintain strong security and compliance standards. The Director collaborates with research teams and administrative departments to implement cost-effective IT services that advance the Institute’s mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• IT Strategy & Execution: Support the development of IT strategy and lead implementation of initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.
• Research Technology Enablement: Partner with faculty and research teams to understand computational needs and deploy specialized scientific software, data analysis platforms, and cloud-based compute options.
• Emerging Technology Integration: Evaluate and implement technologies such as GPU computing, AI/ML platforms, and distributed computing models.
• Infrastructure & Operations Management: Ensure reliability, security, and performance of IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud services, storage, and enterprise applications.
• Data Management: Implement policies for data retention, sharing, and archiving large research datasets.
• Business Systems Management: Provide expertise and leadership in the selection, implementation, integration, and maintenance of all core enterprise applications, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Financial Management Systems, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), and Grant Management Software.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: Enforce cybersecurity policies and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans. 
• Budget & Resource Management: Oversee IT operating and capital budgets, optimize resource allocation, and manage vendor relationships.
• Cost Recovery & Allocation: Develop and implement fair and transparent IT chargeback or cost allocation models for shared IT research resources (e.g., HPC time and storage).
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor IT staff, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on high-quality support and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related tasks, duties, and responsibilities as required, assigned, or directed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: 

• 10+ years of progressively responsible IT experience, including at least 5 years in a management role
• Background in a research or academic environment is preferred.
• Expertise in enterprise systems, networking, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and data analytics. 
• Familiarity with HPC architecture, GPU computing, AI/ML frameworks preferred.
• Strong track record of successful budget management, contract negotiation, and resource optimization.

Certifications, Licenses, etc: None required

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Strong leadership and project management skills; proven success in complex system implementations.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, particularly with technical information, and ability to customize communications for stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking to align IT initiatives with overall Institute goals

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct: Yes

Indirect: Yes

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

When working on-site, the work environment is in a standard office setting. Frequently exposed to low to moderate noise, various odors, temperature changes, and equipment with moving parts, including but not limited to computers, phones, printers, and other standard office equipment.

If working from home, you are responsible for ensuring a quiet, organized, and comfortable setting, free from significant noise or distractions. This role requires the use of standard home office equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. As you may be exposed to minimal noise and temperature variations depending on your home setup, it's important to maintain a workspace that supports productivity and well-being. Reliable internet connection and a suitable workstation are essential to fulfill job responsibilities effectively.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to execute those physical activities required to perform the essential functions, including, but not limited to, regular sitting and being mobile; continual communicating both in person and on the telephone; regular keyboarding; regular reading of both print and digital material; and all other activities required to perform essential functions.

Work Location: This role is hybrid eligible; however, candidates must live in Southern California and be able to report onsite in San Diego on a daily basis if requested. Out-of-state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Compensation: The expected hiring rate for this position is $200k - $225k/annually commensurate with experience.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Benefits Team at (858) 646-3100 or via e-mail at benefits@sbpdiscovery.org

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