Associate Director for Sheps Integrated Research Solutions (SIRS)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an Associate Director for Sheps Integrated Research Solutions (SIRS). This role provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership to design, build, and support secure web-based applications and data platforms for health services research and multisite clinical studies.

Based in North Carolina, the Associate Director will ensure alignment with security, privacy, and institutional policies while driving strategic initiatives for

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 7+ years in leadership of software development, digital products, or technology-enabled teams.
• Experience translating complex research requirements into effective technical solutions.
• Familiarity with Agile or iterative methodologies and health research environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for SIRS.
• Oversee delivery, quality, and sustainability of SIRS solutions across health services research projects.
• Collaborate with PIs, study teams, and IT leadership to translate workflows into scalable systems.

Skills

Leadership experience

Agile methodologies

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree in information systems, computer science, public health, health informatics, or related field

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Posting Information

Department Sheps Ctr for Hlth Serv Res-633100

Career Area Research Professionals

Posting Open Date 08/25/2026

Application Deadline 09/24/2026

Open Until Filled No

Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title Associate Director for Sheps Integrated Research Solutions (SIRS)

Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number 20064061

Vacancy ID NF0009978

Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent

FTE 1

Hours per week 40

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range $115,000 - $135,000

Proposed Start Date 09/28/2026

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. This is accomplished through an interdisciplinary program of research, consultation, technical assistance, and training that focuses on timely and policy-relevant questions concerning the accessibility, adequacy, organization, cost, and effectiveness of health care services, and the dissemination of this information to policymakers and the general public.

Position Summary

The Associate Director for Sheps Integrated Research Solutions ( SIRS ) provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. SIRS designs, builds, and supports secure web-based applications, databases, and workflow systems that enable health services research, multi-site clinical studies, community engagement, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.

While Sheps( DATA )+ is not a Contract Research Organization ( CRO ), it functions similarly by providing the full suite of technical, data, and operational infrastructure needed to support health services research, while scientific leadership remains with the Principal Investigator. SIRS is a core component of this integrated service model, contributing to critical application development, data collection platforms, and workflow systems that enable coordinated, multiservice research efforts across the Sheps Center.

In this role, the Associate Director is responsible for overseeing the delivery, quality and long-term sustainability of SIRS solutions, ensuring alignment with research goals, institutional policies, security and privacy requirements, and best practices in software engineering and product management. The Associate Director also plays a key role in identifying and advancing strategic initiatives for SIRS that are aligned with Sheps( DATA )+ strategic priorities and the broader mission of the Sheps Center.

The Associate Director works closely with Principal Investigators, study teams, Sheps IT leadership, and technical staff to translate complex research workflows into reliable, scalable, secure and compliant digital systems.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Masters’ and 2-4 years’ experience; or Bachelors and 3-5 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Master’s degree in information systems, computer science, public health, health informatics, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing software development, digital products, technical programs, or technology-enabled service delivery teams.
• Demonstrated understanding of software development lifecycles, systems architecture, and the ability to translate complex user, research, or business requirements into eBective technical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Experience working in research, healthcare, or similarly regulated environments involving sensitive or confidential data.
• Experience supporting health services research, clinical research, or public sector research programs.
• Familiarity with HIPAA , research data governance, accessibility requirements, and institutional security practices.
• Experience using Agile or other iterative methodologies
• Prior experience in an academic research center, data coordinating center, or CRO -adjacent environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323563

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Diana M. deProphetis, HR Specialist

Department Contact Telephone or Email [e-mail]

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.