Associate Director, Clinical Research

Details

Open Date 12/01/2025

Requisition Number PRN43704B

Job Title Clinical Research Management

Working Title Associate Director, Clinical Research

Career Progression Track M00

Track Level M5 - Associate Director

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code? Yes

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department 00263 - Surgery Research

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range 75,398 - 142,285

Close Date 03/01/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to elevate and expand the clinical trials enterprise within the Department of Surgery. This role will lead industry engagement efforts, build strategic partnerships with sponsors and CROs, and grow the department’s capacity to conduct high-quality, industry-sponsored research. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned clinical trials expert with a proven track record in operational leadership, relationship development, and team growth. Additionally, the role includes mentoring research managers and coordinators to streamline clinical trial processes and deliver high-quality outcomes, aligning with the Department’s and University’s broader strategic research objectives.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Spearhead strategic initiatives to expand the department’s clinical research portfolio, with a strong emphasis on industry-sponsored trials.

• Develop and implement strategies to increase trial volume, visibility, and impact.

• Actively seek and secure new research opportunities and funding sources through academic and industry collaboration.

• Lead high-level initiatives in partnership with initiative directors to shape and guide long-term research strategy.

External Partnerships & Business Development

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal principal investigators, industry sponsors, CROs, and external stakeholders.

• Negotiate and manage clinical trial budgets and contracts to align with department and institutional goals and sponsor expectations.

• Represent the department and research portfolio to corporate, external sponsors, and institutional visitors.

Team Leadership & Development

• Expand and manage the clinical trials team to support increased operational capacity.

• Mentor and train research managers and coordinators across all trial phases to ensure excellence in execution and compliance.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.

Operational Oversight & Compliance

• Ensure all trials adhere to regulatory and ethical standards.

• Monitor and evaluate trial performance to ensure milestones and objectives are met.

• Identify process inefficiencies and lead improvement initiatives to optimize workflows and reduce timelines.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Present clinical trial strategy and performance updates to department leadership.

• Develop and execute communication plans to engage internal and external stakeholders in the department’s clinical research mission.

Proposal & Program Development

• Coordinate multi-investigator proposals and peer review processes to enhance competitive submissions.

• Oversee the design and development of new protocols and research initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Associate Director, Clinical Research: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Preferred Qualities

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for advancing surgical research.

• Experience with industry sponsors, CRO , academic medical centers or large healthcare systems.

• Track record of securing funding and expanding clinical trial programs.

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

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