Associate Director of Research Technology and Innovation

Location: Chicago, Illinois Business Unit: Rush Medical Center Hospital: Rush University Medical Center Department: Road Home Research Admin Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0) Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM) Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.

rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range

$45.59 - $66.16 per hour Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case. Summary: The Associate Director of Research Technology and Innovation serves as a senior program leader for the research enterprise of the Road Home Program (RHP) within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. RHP research has evolved substantially in recent years, with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications now central to the program's federally funded, industry-funded, and philanthropically funded portfolio.

This role is accountable for exploring, evaluating, and implementing innovative technologies across the program and across research practice more broadly, ensuring that emerging tools are adopted responsibly, integrated effectively, and translated into measurable improvements in how research is conducted. This position provides associate director-level leadership over the program's technology and innovation strategy, including AI and ML applications, digital data collection platforms, and the integration of new tools with information systems in use across the institution.

The Associate Director supervises research managers and coordinators, who oversee day-to-day study execution, regulatory submissions, and participant-facing operations, and builds sustainable team structures, cross-training, and continuity plans that support consistent execution as the portfolio grows. In close collaboration with the Director of Research and Innovation, this role serves as a strategic advisor on grant proposals and new research initiatives, including their technology and innovation components, and serves as a primary point of contact for institutional partners involved in technology review, data governance, and information systems.

Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures. Required Job Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Health Sciences, Health Informatics, Data Science, Health Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of 7 years of combined relevant experience in research, technology implementation, or innovation-focused roles, including progressive responsibility for evaluating and implementing new technologies, systems, or workflows. Minimum of 3 years of people management experience, including coaching, performance management, and team development.

Demonstrated experience exploring, evaluating, and implementing technologies in research, healthcare, or similarly complex environments. Working knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, including considerations for their responsible use. Familiarity with information systems commonly used in healthcare and research environments, such as electronic health records, data capture and management platforms, and scheduling and administrative systems.

Sufficient knowledge of human subjects research and regulatory processes to effectively oversee teams responsible for regulatory submissions and study execution. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives in parallel. Preferred Job Qualifications: Master's degree in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Health Sciences, Health Informatics, Data Science, Health Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience in an academic medical center or similarly complex research environment. Experience with federally funded research and associated requirements. Familiarity with mental health, PTSD, or veteran-focused research. Experience coordinating with institutional governance processes for new technologies, such as AI review, data governance, or security review.

Relevant certifications in project management, informatics, or clinical research (for example, PMP or CCRP). Physical Demands: Physical demands typical of a hybrid office environment. Includes occasional travel for sponsor meetings, site visits, and conferences. Mental demands include concentration, problem-solving, and deadline-driven work.

Competencies: Technology and Innovation Leadership Strategic Thinking Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Literacy Technology Evaluation and Implementation Systems Integration and Change Management Cross-Functional Collaboration Data-Driven Decision Making Team Development and Talent Management Responsible Innovation and Governance Job Responsibilities:

1. Technology and Innovation Strategy Develop and lead the program's research technology and innovation strategy, identifying emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, with the potential to advance research quality, efficiency, and impact. Continuously scan the research and technology landscape for tools, platforms, and methods relevant to the program's scientific priorities and to research practice in general. Partner with the Director of Research and Innovation on short- and long-term innovation planning, prioritization, and roadmap development. Represent the program in institutional and external forums focused on research technology and innovation.
2. Technology Exploration and Evaluation Design and lead structured evaluations of new technologies, assessing feasibility, usability, scientific value, and fit with program and institutional requirements. Develop evaluation frameworks, criteria, and pilot designs that support evidence-based adoption decisions. Lead pilots and proof-of-concept projects, translating findings into clear recommendations for adoption, refinement, or discontinuation. Assess externally developed platforms and internally developed tools for alignment with program needs, data standards, and institutional expectations.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications Lead the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications across the research portfolio, including AI-enabled data capture, analysis pipelines, and research workflow tools. Coordinate with institutional technology review and governance processes to ensure AI and ML applications are deployed in accordance with institutional standards. Ensure AI and ML applications meet applicable data governance, privacy, and security expectations. Build AI and ML literacy across the research, clinical, and admin teams through training, documentation, and knowledge sharing.
4. Implementation and Information Systems Integration Lead the implementation of adopted technologies across research workflows, including planning, training, change management, and adoption measurement. Ensure new tools integrate effectively with information systems in use across the institution, including electronic health records, data capture and management platforms, and scheduling and administrative systems. Partner with institutional information services and technology teams on deployment, access, security, and support. Establish documentation, training, and support standards that sustain effective use of new tools over time.
5. Grant and Research Strategy Advisement Advise the Director of Research and Innovation on grant proposals and new research initiatives, including technology and innovation components, feasibility considerations, and infrastructure requirements. Contribute to the development of proposals involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, or novel data collection approaches. Identify funding opportunities aligned with the program's technology and innovation priorities. Provide technology-related input for sponsor communications, progress reports, and presentations.
6. People Leadership, Workforce Planning, and Team Development Provide direct leadership over research managers and coordinators, who oversee day-to-day study execution, regulatory submissions, and participant-facing operations. Oversee hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and professional development for the research team. Establish clear priorities, workflows, and quality standards to ensure consistent execution across studies and functions. Develop staffing contingency plans and cross-training strategies that maintain continuity during absences, transitions, and periods of peak demand.
7. Research Practice Modernization and Process Improvement Continuously refine research workflows and practices through technology, automation, and evidence-based process improvement. Develop standards and best practices for the use of new technologies in research practice. Promote a culture of curiosity, continuous improvement, and responsible innovation across the research team. Share learnings, tools, and implementation models across the program and with institutional partners.
8. Compliance and Institutional Alignment Ensure that technology exploration, evaluation, and implementation adhere to HIPAA, human subjects protections, Rush policies, and sponsor-specific requirements. Coordinate with Legal, Compliance, Research Affairs, Information Services, and other institutional stakeholders to ensure new technologies meet applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements. Maintain clear guardrails and documentation practices that protect participant safety, data integrity, and institutional trust. Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.