Associate Vice President of Research Computing

Witt/Kieffer, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University in Houston invites applications for the Associate Vice President of Research Computing (AVP). The AVP will lead the Center for Research Computing, partnering with researchers and campus units to scale on‑premise and cloud resources, storage, and emerging technologies.

Reporting to the CIO, the AVP will shape strategic investment, foster external collaborations with national supercomputing centers, secure funding, and advance workforce and user engagement to widen access to

Job description

Rice University, one of the nation’s elite universities for scholarly research and societal impact, seeks a dynamic leader to serve as the institution’s Associate Vice President of Research Computing (AVP). This is an exciting time to join Rice and make a significant impact in supporting a growing research enterprise. The AVP will report to the Vice President & Chief Information Officer and will play an integral role within Technology Solutions & Services (TS&S) at Rice. The AVP partners closely with stakeholders across Rice University to understand the evolving computational needs of the research community and develop sustainable solutions that leverage on-campus infrastructure, cloud technologies, advanced storage, and emerging computing resources. This leader will collaborate across the enterprise to establish investment priorities while strengthening relationships with regional and national supercomputing organizations to expand access to advanced research resources.

In support of the University’s research mission, the AVP works across campus to assist in securing internal and external funding opportunities, engage faculty in the effective use of research computing resources, and enhance Rice’s ability to recruit and retain research-active scholars. The role also focuses on broadening access to advanced computing capabilities through outreach, reducing barriers, and aligning workforce and user engagement strategies with institutional objectives. Additionally, the AVP helps position Rice at the forefront of emerging technologies by fostering partnerships with industry leaders in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, data storage, and advanced applications.

Operationally, the AVP is responsible for developing effective service models, facilities, and capabilities that support the University’s research enterprise. The role provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Center for Research Computing, ensuring efficient operations, effective communication with the Research Computing Committee, and strong alignment with partner organizations across the technology enterprise, including information security functions. Through these efforts, the AVP ensures that research computing services remain responsive, innovative, and aligned with the University’s strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience leading research computing, a proven track record of collaboration and faculty partnerships, and the ability to be an effective and persuasive leader. The successful AVP candidate will serve as a strong strategic partner with research faculty and will continue to develop and shape a compelling, integrated service offering for the research community. The AVP will be a visible leader who communicates effectively and can develop, articulate, and execute the future vision for research computing.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [e-mail] for support.