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Director - Research Support Services
Information Technology and CIO Position Description Directs, plans, coordinates and supervises the operations and activities of a specialized unit or small department; develops and implements policies and procedures, administers the budget, organizes tasks and sets priorities. Serves as liaison with university personnel and community at large. Works under general supervision with broad latitude for initiative and independent judgement.
The Director of Research Support Services is a senior leadership role that supports the advancement of Texas Tech's research mission by aligning secure, scalable, and compliant computing infrastructure with the needs of faculty, research teams, and state and federal sponsors. This position provides strategic and operational leadership in developing and maintaining high-performance computing environments, research data platforms, and cybersecurity frameworks-including implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), NIST 800-171, and other regulatory requirements related to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The Director will have a dual reporting line to the Office of Research & Innovation to build secure and enabling environments for research excellence. About the University Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories. Major/Essential Functions
- Lead the development and management of IT services that support the institution's research activities, with a strong initial focus on security and compliance.
- Lead the strategic planning, design, and operations of secure research computing platforms including cloud, and hybrid systems that support sponsored research.
- Oversee implementation and sustainment of CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance programs for environments handling CUI and export-controlled research data.
- Serve as the technical lead for secure and compliant research enclaves ensuring systems meet DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other applicable state and federal requirements.
- Collaborate with faculty and research staff to enable the integration of compliant computing into grant-funded projects.
- Assist in developing and managing policies and controls for data governance, access control, monitoring, and incident response within research environments.
- Coordinate with Research Security, Export Control, General Counsel, Office of the CIO, and Sponsored Programs to ensure holistic compliance and operational readiness.
- Represent the University in federal and industry forums related to secure research infrastructure, regulated data environments, and emerging sponsor expectations.
- Supervise research IT support team promoting a culture of service, collaboration, and proactive compliance.
- Oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to research activities in coordination with TTU IT Division staff.
- Act as primary liaison between the TTU IT Division, the Office of Research and Innovation, and external auditors and regulators.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Proficient in one or more programming languages, including Python, C++, Java, etc.
- Demonstrated experience implementing cybersecurity frameworks such as CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, or DFARS 252.204-7012. In-depth understanding of secure enclaves, cloud research platforms, and regulatory research environments.
- Familiarity with controlled research and export compliance including handling of CUI and FISMA-moderate data.
- Ability to comply with Export Control requirements. (will need language from OGC)
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in related area required plus five years progressively responsible management experience. Additional education may substitute for experience on a year for year basis. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or a related field. 10+ years experience in research computing, cybersecurity, or IT management roles within an academi, government, or research-intensive environment. Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Does this position work in a research laboratory? No Required Attachments Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV Pay Statement Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan. Schedule Details M - F 8am - 5pm Job Group First line Managers EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran. |
Texas Tech University
Jun 24, 2025