The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is seeking a Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
The Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (VP–CTO) is the senior executive responsible for information technology strategy, information systems, and digital transformation across the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Reporting to the President and Chief Scientific Officer, the VP–CTO is a key member of the leadership team and a strategic partner in advancing the Institute’s scientific mission, AI initiative, and enterprise operations. The VP–CTO provides architecture and leadership for research computing (including high-performance computing, data platforms, and visualization), enterprise applications, cybersecurity, and core infrastructure, ensuring that technology capabilities are secure, scalable, and aligned with institutional priorities and values. This leader builds and leads a high-performance IT team and advises Institute leadership on technology-related opportunities, risks, and policies that impact research excellence, operational effectiveness, and the responsible use of AI.
Key Responsibilities
Technology and AI strategy
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Develop and maintain a multi year IT and AI strategy and roadmap tightly aligned with the Institute’s scientific goals, AI initiative, and enterprise needs.
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Proactively advise senior leadership on emerging technologies, data and AI trends, and digital capabilities most relevant to a biomedical research organization.
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Evaluate, prioritize, and balance capital investments and risks for enterprise-wide technology and AI initiatives, ensuring sustainability, scalability, and measurable impact.
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Establish governance frameworks for responsible AI (RAI) and data use, including model lifecycle oversight, transparency, and compliance with institutional policies and applicable regulations.
Research and advanced computing
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Partner with scientific leadership to design and operate world-class advanced computing services, including high-performance computing, large-scale storage, scientific SaaS platforms, and data visualization environments.
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Ensure that research labs can securely collect, manage, analyze, and share complex datasets (e.g., genomics, imaging, single cell, multi omics) using modern pipelines, cloud and on prem infrastructure, and AI enabled tools.
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Collaborate with data science, core facilities, and faculty to identify and support high-impact use cases for AI and advanced analytics in discovery, operations, and scientific collaboration.
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Champion interoperability and FAIR-aligned data practices across scientific platforms to accelerate insight and reuse.
Enterprise systems and digital transformation
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Lead the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of enterprise applications and services (e.g., finance, HR, grants/administration, facilities, communications, knowledge management) to support efficient operations.
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Drive digital transformation initiatives that fundamentally improve how services are provided and consumed by Institute members, with a strong emphasis on user experience and adoption.
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Develop and execute an Institute wide analytics program that provides timely, trustworthy data and dashboards to support decision making by leadership and operational teams.
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Establish and steward an IT governance framework that aligns priorities, resources, and portfolio management with institutional goals.
Security, risk, and continuity
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Advance and oversee a comprehensive information security and privacy program that protects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of institutional data and systems.
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Integrate security, privacy, and third-party risk management into technology procurement, contracting, research activities, and technology deployments, in collaboration with scientific leadership, compliance and legal.
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Lead the design, implementation, and regular testing of enterprise-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plans for critical infrastructure and services.
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Oversee technology-related audits and remediation activities, ensuring strong controls and clear accountability.
Leadership, culture, and team development
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Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing IT organization spanning infrastructure, operations, research computing, cybersecurity, applications, and data/AI platforms.
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Foster a culture of innovation, service, transparency, execution and accountability, with strong partnerships across scientific and administrative communities.
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Develop organizational structures and succession plans that support current and emerging needs, including AI, cloud, and data engineering capabilities.
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Plan and execute a clear IT strategy, and communicate the plan and progress against the plan to diverse stakeholders, translating complex concepts into accessible language and building consensus for key initiatives.
Financial and vendor stewardship
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Develop, manage, and optimize the IT budget, balancing in-house capabilities, external partners, and cloud services to deliver value and agility.
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Lead vendor and managed services strategy, negotiations, and performance management for computing, telecommunications, cloud, software, and IT services.
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Define and monitor key performance indicators and service levels for IT, using these measures to drive continuous improvement in reliability, security, and customer experience.
Required qualifications
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10+ years of progressive leadership in information technology or related fields.
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Demonstrated success leading technology strategy and operations in a scientific research institute, academic medical center, pharmaceutical/biotech, or comparable R&D intensive organization.
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Proven experience overseeing advanced research computing (HPC, storage, data platforms) and enabling data intensive or AI driven scientific work.
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Advanced degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related field is strongly preferred.
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Track record of leading complex digital transformation and change initiatives in established organizations.
Knowledge, skills, and attributes
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Deep understanding of enterprise IT, hardware and software applications, cloud architectures, cybersecurity, data governance, and AI/ML platforms, with the ability to integrate them into coherent institutional capabilities.
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Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, influence without formal authority, and collaborate effectively with scientists, executives, and other Stowers members at all levels.
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Strong business and financial acumen, including IT portfolio and vendor management, and experience aligning technology investments with strategic outcomes.
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Commitment to a respectful and diverse workplace modeled on integrity, humility, and a service-oriented mindset.
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Comfort with ambiguity, curiosity about science, and enthusiasm for leveraging technology and AI to advance discovery and institutional impact.
To Apply
Submit the requested documents to [email protected] or to Administration Department, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110.
