Deputy Chief Research Officer

Join Our Team as the Deputy Chief Research Officer!

San Diego State University (SDSU) seeks an experienced and visionary Deputy Chief Research Officer to provide strategic leadership in advancing the universitys rapidly expanding research enterprise. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Research & Innovation the Deputy Chief Research Officer serves as the VPs primary designee overseeing core research operations supporting faculty and student research success and guiding high-impact initiatives that elevate SDSUs national research reputation.

As a newly designated Carnegie R1 university SDSU is experiencing unprecedented growth in research scholarship creative activities (RSCA) and industry partnerships. The Deputy Chief Research Officer will play a central role in sustaining this momentum strengthening infrastructure improving processes developing innovative support programs and fostering collaboration across campus and beyond.

This position is highly collaborative and cross-functional engaging senior administrators deans faculty research staff students and regional partners. The incumbent must be an exceptional communicator and strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the university research ecosystem.

Key responsibilities include :

Research Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Support and advance the strategic vision of the universitys research enterprise.
• Provide oversight of research operations research support services and research administration.
• Lead and evaluate faculty research support programs including assigned time seed funding rapid response initiatives postdoctoral scholar programs and bridge funding.
• Develop new programs initiatives and resources to enhance faculty and student RSCA.
• Leverage institutional data to identify RSCA infrastructure needs and propose solutions.
• Support and co-lead strategic planning efforts to grow campuswide research capacity.

Campuswide Collaboration & Governance

Programs Policies & Research Infrastructure

External Engagement

Why Join SDSU :

SDSU is one of the nations fastest-rising public research universities recently earning the distinguished R1 classification. With major investments in research growth cutting-edge facilities and the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District the university is expanding opportunities for high-impact scholarship innovation and partnerships. The Deputy Chief Research Officer will be a key leader in shaping the future of SDSUs research landscape and advancing the universitys commitment to excellence equity and innovation.

Position Information

Department Summary

The Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) serves as the central hub for advancing San Diego State Universitys research mission. DRI provides leadership infrastructure and strategic direction for the universitys rapidly expanding research enterprise and oversees key units including Research Operations Research Support Services Research Advancement Technology Transfer Innovation the ZIP Launchpad Undergraduate Research Research Communications and specialized Research IT services.

As SDSUs central research administration and innovation engine DRI supports faculty and student research scholarship and creative activities (RSCA) across all disciplines. The division also provides oversight of the SDSU Research Foundation and leads major institutional initiatives such as the development of the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District a growing hub for public-private partnerships translational research and entrepreneurship.

DRI works collaboratively with SDSUs academic colleges and divisions to expand corporate and foundation partnerships increase funding opportunities strengthen research infrastructure and advance SDSUs position as a Carnegie-classified R1 research university.

For more information regarding DRI click here.

Education and Experience

Key Qualifications

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But thats just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance :

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $180000-$200000

SDSU Values

At SDSU our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives beliefs and identities. This diversity lends our community strength and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSUs Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act the California Equity in Higher Education Act Californias Proposition 209 (Art. I Section 31 of the California Constitution) other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws and CSUs Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment segregation based on race or any other protected status and all forms of discrimination harassment and retaliation in all university programs policies and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives beliefs and identities committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue mutual respect and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs student organizations and activities faculty initiatives and community partnerships we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development faculty and staff training student mentorship and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU excellence is built on merit talent diversity accessibility and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by January 4 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g. H-1B visa).Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a persons identity and authorization to work in the United States which are consistent with the provisions of theImmigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and / or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Casie Martinez at

Required Experience :

Chief

Key Skills

Business,Criminal Justice,Security Management,Compliance,Clearance,General Managements,Security Requirements,Security Systems,General studies,Access Control,Security Procedures,Information Security,Risk Assessments,Security Issues,Physical Security

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 180000 - 200000