The pay range for this position is $5,833.33 per month to $6,000.00 per month and is non-negotiable.

The South Bay Latino Research Center (SBLRC) promotes and advances research aimed at improving cardiovascular disease outcomes among low-income Hispanic/Latino communities living in the San Diego border region. As San Diego State University’s (SDSU) community-based clinical research field site, the SBLRC conducts a wide range of research activities.

The Center primarily focuses on epidemiologic, behavioral, and genetic research to improve the prevention, treatment, and overall care provided to Hispanic/Latino populations at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

This position supports the SBLRC’s technology infrastructure. The SBLRC network includes local area network servers, shared printers, and communications equipment. The network hosts sensitive research data from projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Heart Association, and other grant and contract sponsors.

Purpose of the Position

Under the general supervision of the SBLRC Project Director and the SDSU IT Division, this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and university information security policies and guidelines. Core responsibilities include maintaining systems security and control, as well as the planning, implementation, management, and analysis of the SBLRC Network System. The position also provides IT technical support, system maintenance, integration, and configuration, along with user support and training.

The position is responsible for but not limited to:

Systems Administration (35%)

• Install, configure, and maintain servers, workstations, and operating systems.
• Ensure proper maintenance of equipment, network systems, and file/network servers.
• Recover data from the Azure cloud environment and re-install damaged or deleted software.
• Respond to and resolve system crashes in collaboration with the SDSU IT Department.
• Manage data systems, including storage, backups, and recovery.
• Support the instructional, research, and computing needs of the SBLRC network and projects.

Information Security (30%)

• Monitor and maintain network activities and security to ensure reliable operations and compliance with regulations.
• Collaborate with the University’s security team to conduct vulnerability assessments, identify risks, and implement remediation plans.
• Research emerging threats and implement best practices for IT security policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Center’s NIST-based Security Plan, Disaster Recovery Plan, and Business Continuity Plan.
• Assess proposed system and physical changes for potential security impact.
• Perform antivirus monitoring and manage tools for tracking data access and user activity, ensuring compliance with SBLRC Data Use Agreements.
• Manage user accounts, VPN access, and file server permissions, including onboarding and separation processes.
• Act as primary contact during security incidents, overseeing investigation and remediation.
• Develop reports, maintain data security policies, and coordinate with Center leadership, Information Security Consultants, and the SDSU IT Department.
• Oversee annual security audits and maintain logs of security issues/resolutions.
• Stay current on NIST standards and industry security trends.

Systems Evaluation (10%)

• Evaluate user needs, system performance, and new technologies to recommend effective solutions.
• Assess system performance, capacity, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
• Analyze requirements for data processing, cabling, software, and system expansion.
• Evaluate software and hardware features and coordinate implementation of network development activities.
• Serve as the technical liaison with system and product vendors.

Technical Support (15%)

• Provide technical support for users, including troubleshooting PCs, printers, and related equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions and perform corrective actions.
• Configure and test equipment and systems in accordance with service procedures.
• Establish and maintain network connections and telephone lines.

Hardware Operations & Maintenance (5%)

• Perform preventative maintenance, calibration, and repairs to keep systems and equipment in good working condition.
• Set up, maintain, and monitor performance of media/video production and teleconferencing systems.
• Manage technical facilities, including inventory, repair logs, licensing agreements, and work order systems.
• Coordinate vendor-supported repairs and maintain documentation.
• Respond promptly to service requests from project staff.

Other Duties (5%)

• Participate in research team meetings, data management groups, and related conference calls.
• Attend university trainings to stay current on security threats, best practices, and developments relevant to the SBLRC network.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, educational technology, communications, or related field or similar certified coursework in applicable field of study, or a combination of education and relevant technical experience.

Minimum Experience Required

Two-years of progressively responsible work experience.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of information security policies and regulations, including SDSU requirements, FISMA, HIPAA, NIST standards, risk assessments, and security certification/accreditation processes.
• Proficiency in network and systems administration, including Windows Server, Azure virtual machines, Active Directory, file sharing, backups, SANs, DHCP, DNS, and related security software (e.g., Microsoft Defender).
• Skilled in installing, configuring, testing, and maintaining hardware, software, and network systems; troubleshooting and resolving issues with PCs, printers, and related equipment.
• Familiarity with productivity tools such as Microsoft 365, Gmail, and Google Docs.
• Ability to apply project management principles to IT and security initiatives, delivering prompt, efficient, and customer-focused service.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences and foster positive, collaborative relationships.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently with minimal supervision; flexible and responsive to high-priority issues, including after-hours support and travel between research sites as needed.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, diplomacy, tact, and professionalism when interacting with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing Information Systems Security Plans (ISSP), NIST 800-171, and Federal Informational Systems Management (FISMA) requirements.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure, Intune, and Entra ID.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.