Assistant Director Research Operations and Project Management

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pittsburgh is seeking an Assistant Director for Research Operations and Project Management to lead complex IT initiatives within Health Sciences IT. The role requires strategic thinking, hands‑on technical insight, and strong leadership to drive projects from conception to completion.

The incumbent will supervise research operations and compliance, coordinate budgets and monthly effort reporting, and partner across schools to deliver innovative IT solutions while aligning with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced IT/health sciences experience preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in research IT, operations, or project management.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple complex IT projects with Agile/Scrum governance.
• Lead research operations and compliance teams; manage budgets.
• Collaborate with PIs, cross‑functional teams, and stakeholders.
• Develop processes, documentation, and success metrics for projects.

Skills

Agile/Scrum

App Dev

Systems Architecture

Databases

Security Standards

Budgeting

Product Management

Team Leadership

Staff Allocation

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

PMP Certification

Minimum 5 Years Experience

Job description

Job Description - Assistant Director Research Operations and Project Management (26004534)

Assistant Director Research Operations and Project Management

Health Sciences IT (HSIT) is seeking a dynamic professional to fill a dual role that encompasses both Research Operations and Project Manager Supervisor responsibilities. The HSIT Research team provides support for the six schools of the health sciences. As such, they will collaborate closely with research teams and their Principal Investigators (PIs) to recommend existing solutions or design new services in support of research.

This position requires a strategic thinker with the ability to implement comprehensive IT solutions while overseeing project/product management activities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical acumen and leadership skills to drive complex projects from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives and stakeholder expectations. Key responsibilities include strong technical knowledge (on-prem, Azure, AWS), project management (Agile/Scrum), team supervision, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative and efficient solutions.

The incumbent will lead research operations and compliance team members as well. Experience with IRB/DUA compliance as well as various security standards such as NIST 800-171 and HIPAA is expected. Experience with budgets and effort is preferred but not required as this person will ensure other teams complete monthly effort reports and collect and finalize project budgets from other team leaders.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of research experience, ideally in health sciences, along with solutions architecture, compliance, and project/product management.

Job Summary

Oversees and manages multiple large, diverse, and very complex technical projects. Ensures compliance with project expectations, schedule, budget, scope, and projected outcome. Oversees staff, establishes project teams, distributes workload, and monitors workflow. Assists in developing processes for tracking and delivering projects.

Essential Functions

• Technical Project Management (Agile/Scrum)
• Technical experience with App Dev, Systems Architecture, or Databases.
• Understanding of Security Standards, NIST 800-171/ HIPAA etc. and system validation techniques
• Budgeting Projects
• Understanding of technical architecture.
• Product Management
• Collaboration with various teams to complete projects
• Process improvement
• Experience leading teams.
• Assign staff and ensure resources are available according to project timelines
• Create project documentation and assets such as functional specs, user stories, timelines, etc.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort largely sedentary may be required to move objects up to 25 lbs.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category Full-time regular

Job Classification Staff.Assistant Director - Information Technology Project Management

Job Family Information Technology

Job Sub-Family IT Project Management

Campus Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required 5

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification -PMP License

Work Schedule M-F 8am-4:30pm; 2 days in office, 3 days remote.

Work Arrangement Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range To be determined based on qualifications

Relocation Offered No

Visa Sponsorship Provided No

Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.