Research Technology & Security Director

Children’s Hospital of Orange County; United States; On-site; USD 134,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Orange, California seeks a Research Technology & Security Director, a senior, autonomous leader embedded within the Research Institute and IT. You own research technology environments end-to-end, shaping strategy, architecture, implementation, and operations while ensuring security and regulatory compliance.

This role reports to executive leadership, enforces standards, and serves as the single point of accountability to align with enterprise IT standards.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in federal research regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Strong technical background in infrastructure, cloud platforms, and security architecture.
• Experience with identity and access management, data protection, and system integration.
• Proven ability to resolve complex technical issues in real-world environments.
• Experience operating within enterprise IT service management frameworks.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end ownership of research technology environments including strategy, architecture, implementation, operations.
• Drive regulatory compliance, security posture, and scalable infrastructure aligned with enterprise IT standards.
• Provide technical leadership during incidents and complex problems; translate regulatory requirements into actionable controls.
• Collaborate with research, IT, and executive teams to drive transformations and improvements.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Security architecture

Cloud platforms

Identity and access management

Data protection

System integration

IT service management

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Work Location Orange, California

Work Shift Day – 08hrs (United States of America)

Why CHOC?

At CHOC, we strive to be the leading destination of children's health by providing exceptional and innovative care. We are responsible for the overall health of our community’s pediatric population in our hospitals, clinics, and practices. And because of our breadth of care, your career at CHOC can be as diverse and fulfilling as you determine. CHOC’s compensation structure, benefits offerings, and career development programs are geared to helping you achieve your professional and personal goals.

Environmental Sustainability Statement

Driven by the connection between children's health and a healthy environment, we commit to creating a healthcare model that incorporates environmental sustainability aligned with our mission to protect children's health and patient safety.

Job Summary

The Research Technology & Security Director is a senior, highly autonomous leadership role embedded within the Research Institute and aligned to Information Technology (IT). This position is responsible for end-to-end ownership of research technology environments, including strategy, architecture, implementation, operations, and continuous improvement. This role carries executive-level authority to drive change, enforce standards, and resolve complex technical and regulatory challenges. The Director serves as the single point of accountability for ensuring that research environments are secure, compliant, scalable, and fully aligned with enterprise IT standards. The role requires a blend of regulatory expertise, technical depth, operational execution, and leadership presence. The individual must be equally comfortable designing enterprise architecture, interpreting federal mandates, and stepping into active incidents to resolve technical issues.

Pay Range

Minimum $133,827 Midpoint $177,320 Maximum $220,792 Rate of pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, education, as well as position requirements.

Experience Required

Ten or more (10) years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, or research technology environments. Five or more (5) years in senior leadership roles with demonstrated authority to implement change.

Preferred

Experience in healthcare, academic, or life sciences research environments. Experience supporting large-scale enterprise transformations.

Education Required

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field.

Training Required

None required.

Specialized Skills Required

Deep expertise in federal research regulations and compliance frameworks. Strong technical background in infrastructure, cloud platforms, and security architecture. Experience with identity and access management, data protection, and system integration. Proven ability to resolve complex technical issues in real-world environments. Experience operating within enterprise IT service management frameworks. Strong communication and executive presentation skills.

Licensure Preferred

Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, AWS, or Azure certifications.

Work Environments

Functional Demand: Light - Moderate energy level Lift and carry 25-35 lbs. Push/pull 50-100 lbs. (ie. empty bed, stretcher). Physical Activity Requirements: Bending, Carry Objects, Climbing, Keyboard use/repetitive motion, Pinching/fine motor activities, Push/Pull, Reaching forward, Reaching overhead, Sitting, Squat/kneel/crawl (Squad & Knee), Standing, Talk or hear, Taste or smell, Twisting, Walking, Wrist position deviation Physical Activity Lifting Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Occasional 0-35%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Occasional 0-35% Sensory Requirements: Color Discrimination, Depth Perception, Far Vision, Hearing, Near Vision Environment Requirements: Airborn Communicable Disease, Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical, Dust Particular Matter, Extreme Noise Levels, Extreme Temperatures, Radiation, Uneven Surfaces or Elevations.

Non-Discrimination Statement

CHOC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, disability, sex, gender (including pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, medical condition, sexual orientation, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or other protected characteristics in accordance with state and federal laws. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for positions at CHOC, even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the listed qualifications for a particular role, as your unique experience may be a great addition to our culture for another one of our opportunities. If you desire support or accommodations throughout the Talent Acquisition process, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner.

Recognized year after year as national leader in employee engagement

Named one of the best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, this is an exciting time to be at CHOC. Our campus is constantly growing and offering new state‑of‑the‑art programs and services as we continue to meet the needs of more than 250,000 children annually, making the opportunities for career enrichment endless. We offer highly competitive salary levels and benefits, but the personal growth and fulfillment you’ll find at CHOC, coupled with an inspiring mission to nurture, advance, and protect the health and well being of children, are perhaps the most valuable payouts of all. We hope you will join our dedicated and talented team of associates committed to the highest standards of care and making a difference in the lives of children in Orange County – and beyond.

We're always in search for our next Defender of Childhood!