Deputy Chief Research Officer

Deputy Chief Research Officer

Job no: 553738
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time, Research, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Join Our Team as the Deputy Chief Research Officer!

San Diego State University (SDSU) seeks an experienced and visionary Deputy Chief Research Officer to provide strategic leadership in advancing the university's rapidly expanding research enterprise. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Research & Innovation, the Deputy Chief Research Officer serves as the VP's primary designee, overseeing core research operations, supporting faculty and student research success, and guiding high-impact initiatives that elevate SDSU's national research reputation.

As a newly designated Carnegie R1 university, SDSU is experiencing unprecedented growth in research, scholarship, creative activities (RSCA), and industry partnerships. The Deputy Chief Research Officer will play a central role in sustaining this momentum, strengthening infrastructure, improving processes, developing innovative support programs, and fostering collaboration across campus and beyond.

This position is highly collaborative and cross-functional, engaging senior administrators, deans, faculty, research staff, students, and regional partners. The incumbent must be an exceptional communicator and strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the university research ecosystem.

Key responsibilities include:

Research Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Support and advance the strategic vision of the university's research enterprise.
• Provide oversight of research operations, research support services, and research administration.
• Lead and evaluate faculty research support programs, including assigned time, seed funding, rapid response initiatives, postdoctoral scholar programs, and bridge funding.
• Develop new programs, initiatives, and resources to enhance faculty and student RSCA.
• Leverage institutional data to identify RSCA infrastructure needs and propose solutions.
• Support and co-lead strategic planning efforts to grow campus wide research capacity.

Campuswide Collaboration & Governance

• Serve as a key liaison across Academic Affairs, IT, Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, Business and Financial Affairs, and other divisions.
• Co-lead monthly meetings of the University Research Council and Deans Research Council.
• Represent DRI on major university committees related to research, strategic plan implementation, space allocation, budget, IT governance, and faculty development.
• Partner with Undergraduate Research to plan and deliver the annual Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RSCA) Showcase.

Programs, Policies & Research Infrastructure

• Oversee the administrative processes associated with proposing, reviewing, and reporting on SDSU Centers and Institutes.
• Create and implement plans for establishing, expanding, and overseeing core research facilities.
• Identify new areas for external funding and support teams in developing competitive proposals.
• Manage independent projects, teams, and division-level initiatives.

External Engagement

• Represent DRI and the Vice President at regional events, board meetings, committees, and professional gatherings.
• Build strong relationships with regional partners to advance SDSU's research goals.

Why Join SDSU:

SDSU is one of the nation's fastest-rising public research universities, recently earning the distinguished R1 classification. With major investments in research growth, cutting-edge facilities, and the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District, the university is expanding opportunities for high-impact scholarship, innovation, and partnerships. The Deputy Chief Research Officer will be a key leader in shaping the future of SDSU's research landscape and advancing the university's commitment to excellence, equity, and innovation.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary
The Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) serves as the central hub for advancing San Diego State University's research mission. DRI provides leadership, infrastructure, and strategic direction for the university's rapidly expanding research enterprise and oversees key units including Research Operations, Research Support Services, Research Advancement, Technology Transfer, Innovation, the ZIP Launchpad, Undergraduate Research, Research Communications, and specialized Research IT services.

As SDSU's central research administration and innovation engine, DRI supports faculty and student research, scholarship, and creative activities (RSCA) across all disciplines. The division also provides oversight of the SDSU Research Foundation and leads major…