Associate Director for Sheps Integrated Research Solutions (SIRS)

Posting Information

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

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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.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions 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 dianadep@email.unc.edu 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 (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

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.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
• Bachelor's degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
• Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
• Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
• Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
• None of the above