Director of Research Engineering, Wharton Computing

The Wharton School

1d•$120,000 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Research Engineering in Wharton Computing is responsible for organizing, directing, and managing the integrated Research Programming and Behavioral Lab technology functions within Wharton Computing. The position oversees the development, prioritization, and delivery of research-related software solutions; the planning and maintenance of laboratory information systems and electronic instrumentation supporting experimental research; and the governance and operation of enterprise research platforms, including Qualtrics. The Director works closely with faculty, doctoral researchers, the Executive IT Director of Research & Analytics and the Behavioral Lab Faculty Director to define project scope, establish technical standards, evaluate emerging technologies, and ensure alignment with School and University objectives. The role includes advising departments and centers that partner with external development vendors, providing oversight and guidance to ensure technical quality, compliance, and integration with existing systems. The role supervises research engineering staff and is accountable for workflow management, technical architecture, compliance, service quality, and the effective operation and results of the Research Engineering function. Wharton Computing’s Research & Analytics team (https://research-it.wharton.upenn.edu) is seeking an experienced IT Director to lead the Research Engineering function. You will be responsible for managing Research Programming and Behavioral Lab technology operations, including overseeing research software development, experimental systems, workflow prioritization, and service delivery. You will supervise all aspects of research engineering projects, including faculty engagement, application enhancements, experimental platform support, and ongoing system improvements. You will work closely with the Executive IT Director and the Behavioral Lab Faculty Director to define overall strategy and direction. You will manage the team’s projects and work directly with faculty and researchers to scope and develop technical solutions that contribute to research success. Responsibilities will include ensuring adherence to technical standards, quality assurance, data integrity, security, and regulatory compliance requirements. This position requires a strong commitment to teamwork, the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives, and a dedication to delivering high-quality, high-impact research technology services. While there may be some flexibility for a hybrid schedule, the majority of time is expected to be spent on campus. Occasional after-hours support may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Demonstrated management or supervisory experience required.
Must have strong technical abilities and demonstrated experience using technology to solve complex problems.
Experience leading software development projects and managing operational workflows required.
Must have strong analytical skills and demonstrated experience in needs assessment and requirements gathering.
Knowledge of database design, data engineering practices, and secure application development required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills required.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives and work effectively within defined timelines.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a related technical field.
Experience supporting academic research or experimental laboratory environments.
Experience administering or governing enterprise research platforms such as Qualtrics.
Familiarity with cloud infrastructure, research computing environments, or AI-enabled research tools.

Responsibilities

managing Research Programming and Behavioral Lab technology operations
overseeing research software development, experimental systems, workflow prioritization, and service delivery
supervising all aspects of research engineering projects, including faculty engagement, application enhancements, experimental platform support, and ongoing system improvements
defining overall strategy and direction
managing the team’s projects
working directly with faculty and researchers to scope and develop technical solutions that contribute to research success
ensuring adherence to technical standards, quality assurance, data integrity, security, and regulatory compliance requirements

Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.