Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System

Director of Clinical Research Operations

PI: Dr. Stephen Freedland

The Institute for Medical Research, (IMR), a private nonprofit organization that conducts cutting edge research for the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System (DVAHCS), is seeking to hire a full-time Director of Clinical Research Operations for the Freedland Research Team.  The successful candidate would be employed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Freedland, a nationally recognized leader in urology research. The Freedland Urology Research Group primarily examines prostate and bladder cancer in veterans with a particular focus on lifestyle, race, and risk stratification, and is supported by numerous federal grants as well as leading industry sponsors.  The position will report directly to Dr. Freedland and will oversee coordinators and other study staff.

Location:  This position is hybrid, with 40-60% of time spent in-office. Up to 10% of time will be spent traveling. This position is located in Durham, North Carolina and candidates must be willing to relocate prior to start date.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversee Clinical Research Operations:

• Direct clinical research activities of the study team
• Make decisions about day-to-day operations of the team including: program development, team performance, and larger scale operations of the research group
• Delegate responsibilities and supervise work of management staff to ensure quality and timeliness of post-award research activity deliverables
• Ensure IMR, VA, and team policies, in addition to legal guidelines and research best practices, are communicated to and followed by study staff
• Plan for long-term development of the team and its research initiatives
• Perform risk analysis and develop solutions to ensure survival and growth of the team
• Spearhead team policy development and enforcement

Personnel Oversight:

• Provide executive-level management of research operation personnel
• Make staffing decisions to support immediate research needs and long-term health of the team
• Ensure study personnel receive necessary training and are successfully able to perform research activities
• Read and listen to reports from staff; provide positive reinforcement, prevent issues, and resolve problems
• Assist with career development of staff members

Manage Research Project Finances:

• Plan for long-term personnel, facility, and study expenses to ensure continued viability of the team
• Oversee and track invoicing and spending related to clinical research operations
• Participate in project budget development

Collaboration and Communication:

• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partners to support project implementation.
• Ensure effective communication with the study team and relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in research networks, meetings, and working groups as appropriate to represent the study team and promote research collaborations.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Qualifications:

• Requires a Master’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Candidates must be able to deal diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, and subjects.
• Demonstrated the ability to lead and manage projects and teams including using skills such as work ethic, professional initiative, teamwork abilities, strong interpersonal relationship skills, and time management.
• Excellent written and oral skills, Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, editing, and proper telephone etiquette skills are required for this position.
• Incumbent should possess professional knowledge of clinical research sufficient to provide training and guidance to others in the clinic.
• Prior experience with clinical research, clinical trials, FDA regulations, and HIPAA considerations is required.
• Candidates must be able to sit for long periods in front of computers, type on a keyboard, and be fluent in English.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows:  Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 25 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

Supervisory Controls: The position of Director of Clinical Research Operations is under the direct supervisor of the Director.

The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Salary Range: $111,800 - $159,000 per year

Status:  Exempt

Start Date:  Expected start date will be 4- 6 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, short and long term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan, and paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit https://imr.org/benefits/ for information about employee benefits.

All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS).  As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.  

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.

Click here to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page!