Director of Computer and Network Resource Group (CNRG) - Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

Director of Computer and Network Resource Group (CNRG) - Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, built on a team-science approach. Its mission is to advance life sciences research, engage the public in understanding the impact of genomic discoveries, and foster bioeconomic development across Illinois. IGB researchers lead groundbreaking genomic studies that tackle critical societal challenges in food security, energy, health, technology, and environmental sustainability. The institute's administrative infrastructure is designed to support dynamic research themes, enabling them to evolve with emerging discoveries, innovative methods, and changing needs.

Job Summary
IGB faculty, staff, and researchers address complex scientific grand challenges in a robust team science environment, where each member contributes directly towards the mission of the institute. The Director of the Computer and Network Resource Group (CNRG) at the IGB serves as a senior advisor and solutions architect, working collaboratively and proactively with IGB leadership, faculty, researchers, and campus partners to plan, develop, and maintain IT systems and services that advance the institute's research mission. The Director provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for a diverse team of IT professionals who deliver advanced services including research computing, IT help desk operations, development of research and administrative IT solutions, and audiovisual support for the institute.
Operations Leadership
* Provide operational leadership for CNRG by overseeing service delivery and research support.
* Supervise team leads across three integrated functional areas: IT Help Desk, IT Solutions, and Research Computing.
* Assess and manage staffing needs across CNRG, including workload planning, recruitment, hiring, and retention of highly skilled technical professionals to support evolving research demands.
* Lead regular CNRG group meetings and leadership team meetings to ensure effective communication of IGB operational priorities, guidance from the Office of the CIO, research computing infrastructure updates, and address timely operational needs.
* Direct annual staff performance evaluation and goal setting processes, aligning individual and team objectives with IGB strategic priorities and research operations requirements.
* In partnership with team leads, proactively support staff professional growth by identifying training, skill development, and career advancement opportunities that strengthen CNRG's research support capabilities.
* Serve as a mentor and coach to CNRG staff, fostering a culture of open communication, shared accountability, continuous improvement, and high standards of individual and team performance.
* Represent CNRG in IGB-level operational and administrative activities, working closely with administrative office directors and contributing to institute wide planning and coordination efforts.
* Provide technical hands-on leadership and work closely with the team to employ the technical development lifecycle for software and HPC environments.

Strategic Technical Leadership
* Provide strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of advanced technical solutions that support the IGB's research themes and institutional IT needs.
* Partner closely with the Director of Computational Genomics and IGB leadership to shape and execute a technology vision that addresses current and emerging research priorities; serve as solutions architect to guide the design, development, and deployment of research computing platforms.
* Engage regularly with IGB theme leaders and principal investigators, particularly those leading large, complex grants, to understand evolving research directions and ensure CNRG services are aligned to support scientific innovation and funding success.
* Develop, implement, and maintain IT operational policies and service frameworks, ensuring comprehensive documentation and periodic evaluation of services to meet researcher needs with effective and scalable technology solutions.
* Stay current with rapidly evolving research technologies-including artificial intelligence, computing infrastructure, and workflow platforms-to advise IGB leadership and the CNRG team; establish and maintain productive relationships with industry vendors, peer institutions, and campus collaborators.

Campus Engagement and Representation
* Work closely with leadership in units supported by CNRG and campus counterparts to develop opportunities to collaborate and offer relevant sustainable services to the research communities we serve.
* Actively participate and contribute to IT Council and serve as a resource and connection between campus and IGB.
* Stay abreast of the research IT security compliance and advise IGB researchers, faculty and leadership on changing policies.

Financial Management
* Conduct biannual staffing and service cost reviews and collaborate in the development and monitoring of the annual CNRG operating budget.
* Partner with the IGB Business Office to develop, manage, and monitor service billing funds, including active participation in rate development, periodic rate reviews, and audit processes.
* Provide guidance, training, and oversight to CNRG team leads to ensure their effective participation in the financial planning, monitoring, and management of assigned funds.

Physical Demands
Lifting up to 75 pounds : Occasionally
Additional Physical Demands
As an interdisciplinary research institute, IGB operates a 24/7 research facility. This position requires a dominant on-site presence with a possible flex hybrid option. There might be occasional after-hour and weekend work to address priorities. Occasionally lifting servers in the server room. Networking cables in the server room. Minimum Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree required in the fields of science, engineering or business IT. Alternative degree fields will be considered/accepted if accompanied by equivalent, relevant experience (depending on nature and depth of experience as it relates to current IGB research activities). * 10 years' required experience in research cyberinfrastructure services, advanced technology environments that supports scientific research needs.
* 5 years' senior leadership experience in the management of technical personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
* Master's degree in the fields of science, engineering or business IT.
* Demonstrated experience advising researchers and research faculty on programming and cyberinfrastructure solutions at Higher Education institutions.
* In-depth hands-on demonstrated experience in developing and deploying research computing and/or IT solutions.
* Relevant professional certifications/designations.
* Experience participating in proposal development for federal and non- federal funding opportunities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Service oriented and adaptable, with the ability to multi-task and lead team efforts to address IGB priorities.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to facilitate presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work in collaboration with a diverse stakeholder community, including technical staff, faculty, administrators, and representatives of industrial partners, to address complex IT-related issues.
• Ability to articulate a vision, set high standards, and effectively guide teams and stakeholders in the realization of expectations set.
• Ability to cultivate shared accountability and ownership of CNRG-supported services.
• Have technical knowledge of all and hands-on experience with one or more of the bullet points below: o Enterprise networking solutions. o High performance computing from a hardware, software, and management perspective. o Data management standards and strategies. o Research software development and maintenance.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 7/16/2026. The budgeted annual salary range is $155,000 to $175,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 17, 2026 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at [email protected] . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1036408

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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