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Director Research Computing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Director Research Computing information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Research Computing, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Research Computing, you need advanced expertise in computational science, IT infrastructure, and leadership, often supported by a graduate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) systems, cloud platforms, data storage solutions, and project management tools, as well as certifications like PMP or ITIL, are commonly required. Strong communication, strategic planning, and collaboration skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively leading technical teams, supporting complex research initiatives, and aligning computing resources with institutional goals.

How does a Director of Research Computing typically collaborate with faculty and research teams to support their computational needs?

A Director of Research Computing works closely with faculty and research teams to understand their specific computational requirements and ensure that the institution's infrastructure can support diverse research projects. This often involves consulting on technical solutions, prioritizing resource allocation, and facilitating access to high-performance computing systems or specialized software. Regular meetings, training sessions, and collaborative problem-solving are common, as the director acts as a bridge between IT staff and researchers. Effective communication and a proactive approach help anticipate challenges and ensure that research activities progress smoothly.

What is a Director of Research Computing?

A Director of Research Computing is a leadership position responsible for managing and overseeing computing resources and services that support scientific research at an institution or organization. This role involves strategic planning, budgeting, and ensuring that researchers have access to high-performance computing, data storage, and specialized software. Directors often collaborate with faculty, IT staff, and external partners to develop and implement technology solutions that advance research goals. They also play a key role in supporting grant proposals and staying current with emerging technologies in research computing.

What is the difference between Director Research Computing vs Research Computing Manager?

AspectDirector Research ComputingResearch Computing Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees research computing strategy, manages teams, and aligns technology with research goalsManages daily operations, supports research computing services, and supervises technical staff
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or Master's), leadership experience, technical expertiseBachelor’s or Master’s degree, technical background, management experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-department collaboration, high-level decision makingTechnical support, project management, team supervision

The main difference between a Director Research Computing and a Research Computing Manager lies in scope and focus. The Director is responsible for strategic leadership and long-term planning, while the Manager handles daily operations and technical support. Both roles require relevant technical credentials, but the Director typically has more leadership experience and a broader organizational impact.

What job categories do people searching Director Research Computing jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Director Research Computing jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Director Research Computing jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Director Research Computing job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Research Computing job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Research Assistant Professor - Electrical and Computer Engineering

Research Assistant Professor - Electrical and Computer Engineering

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Research Assistant Professor - Electrical and Computer EngineeringAppointment Type:FacultyJob Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ece.iastate.edu), in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University, invites applications for the position of Research Assistant Professor. This is a 3-year term research faculty position that holds responsibilities primarily contributing to the research mission of the department through scholarly impact and an externally funded research program in the areas of wireless and network systems. Specifically, besides contributing to the research, education, and innovation projects led by the Center for Wireless, Communities and Innovation (wici.iastate.edu), the responsibilities include mentoring graduate and undergraduate students working on research and design projects.

Term Faculty hold limited-term, full or part-time, renewable appointments that are not eligible for tenure, but have the potential to be reviewed for advancement into senior ranks. Research faculty must secure extramural funding to fully support their research program and at least 80% but no more than 90% of their salary, with the remainder salary provided by the department.

Successful candidates will have experience that demonstrates exceptional ability or potential to produce scholarship, compete for and secure funding from external sources, and the capability for long-term leadership in their research field. They will also exhibit excellent communication skills.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ph. D. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Research experience and quality publications in advanced wireless and network systems (e.g., safety-critical wireless, URLLC, Open RAN, 6G/NextG);

  • Hands-on experience with cellular network platforms (e.g., O-RAN, srsRAN, OpenAirInterface, Aether/SD-RAN), edge/cloud computing platforms (e.g., Kubernetes, OpenStack), SDN, and/or VNF;

  • Hands-on experience in designing, developing, deploying, and/or operating field-deployed wireless, network, and/or distributed systems;

  • Hands-on experiences in edge/cloud systems management, virtual machines/containers, Linux systems administration, shell scripting, etc;

  • Capability of building systems prototypes based on reference publications and/or open-source software;

  • Knowledge of wireless systems, networked/distributed systems, operating systems, virtualization, systems and network security;

  • Programming skills: Python, C, C++, Java, Web etc.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University is home to 60 faculty and is associated with 11 research centers and institutes, for instance, the Center for Wireless, Community and Innovation (WiCI). The department boasts 20 IEEE Fellows, over $15.4M in research expenditures (FY20), and one of the largest ECpE enrollments in the nation.

About Iowa State University and the Ames Community

Iowa State University is classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University-Extensive. More than 30,000 students are enrolled and are served by over 6,200 faculty and staff. The College of Engineering consists of eight departments with annual research expenditures exceeding $105 million.

Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA, a progressive community of 66,000, located approximately 30 minutes north of Des Moines, one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest, and is beaming with community pride and accolades.

Iowa State University and the College of Engineering are responsive to the needs of dual-career couples and are dedicated to work-life balance through an array of flexible work policies.

Department Unit/Website:


For more information about our department's engineering programs, go to www.ece.iastate.edu.

Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2026Proposed End Date or Length of Term:May 15, 2029Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timeApplication Instructions:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by May 31st, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at jobs.iastate.edu.

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae

  • Letter of Application/Cover Letter that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications

  • Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information

  • Research statement

Inquiries regarding this position may be directed to Hongwei Zhang (hongwei@iastate.edu) or Sara K. Harris (skharris@iastate.edu).


Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:March 4, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R18719

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