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Research Systems Director - 526858
Job no: 526858
Position type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Division/Equivalent: Research
School/Unit: Assoc VP Research
Department/Office: 702203 - AVP for Res Spon Prog & CGA
Categories: Director/Executive, Research/Scientific
Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $101,900 - Midpoint: $142,700 (Salaried E15)
Department/Organization: 702203 - AVP for Res Spon Prog & CGA
Normal Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for remote work subject to University policy.
Job Summary: The Research Systems Director provides strategic leadership in the implementation, integration, and long-term sustainment of enterprise electronic research administration (eRA) systems. Ensures research systems support the university’s research strategy, compliance responsibilities, and operational needs. Provides ongoing oversight and integration of current internal research administration systems and the effective use of external sponsor systems. Serves as a connector across administrative units, academic departments, IT, and external partners to modernize and support research infrastructure.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree and six (6) years of experience in research administration systems or enterprise system implementation in a higher education or research-intensive environment; OR bachelor's degree and eight (8) years of experience in research administration systems or enterprise system implementation, in a higher education or research-intensive environment.
Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated leadership of major system implementations and post-launch operations.
Strong understanding of the research lifecycle, federal compliance regulations, and sponsored project administration. Proven experience managing cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholder groups.
Strategic thinking with a systems-focused mindset. Ability to manage and sustain complex research IT infrastructure.
Strong written and verbal communication skills across various constituencies. Commitment to data integrity, compliance, and user-centered service delivery. High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Experience with major eRA platforms (e.g., Cayuse, Kuali, InfoEd, Huron). Familiarity with cloud ERP systems, effort reporting systems, and research system integrations. Prior supervisory experience and vendor management expertise.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
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