Senior Director Of Clinical Research

Director of Clinical Research

No relocation offered.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Director of Clinical Research to lead and transform clinical trials operations across the institution. This is a highly visible, strategic leadership role central to the mission of achieving NCI (National Cancer Institute) designation.

This leader will provide enterprise-wide oversight of clinical research operations, drive standardization and efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance while fostering a collaborative and high-performing research environment.

Key Responsibilities

+ Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for clinical trials across departments

+ Centralize and standardize clinical research processes, infrastructure, and governance

+ Ensure full compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and research standards

+ Develop, implement, and maintain policies, SOPs, and best practices for clinical research

+ Lead efforts to identify operational gaps and resolve systemic challenges impacting research teams

+ Oversee clinical trial lifecycle operations, including billing compliance, contracts, and budget approvals

+ Monitor trial performance, metrics, risks, and financials; provide updates to leadership

+ Partner with institutional leaders, faculty, and external stakeholders to grow and strengthen research capabilities

+ Support education, training, and onboarding initiatives to enhance research excellence

+ Lead and mentor a team of 15-20 staff, including:

+ Program Manager III

+ CTMS Analyst

+ Financial Analyst

+ Office of Clinical Trials (Supervisor-level oversight)

+ Clinical Research Support Program Team

+ Operate effectively within a matrixed academic medical center environment

Required Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree AND 7+ years of clinical research experience (operations, regulatory, or trials management)

+ Minimum 2 years of leadership/supervisory experience

+ Deep knowledge of federal clinical research regulations and compliance standards

+ Proven experience overseeing clinical trials operations at scale

+ Regulatory compliance and policy leadership

+ Clinical trial operations oversight and centralization

+ Policy and SOP development

+ Budgeting, contract management, and billing compliance

+ Program and operational management across multiple teams

+ Exceptional relationship-building abilities across all levels of the organization

+ Strong problem-solving and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

+ Confident and effective communicator with the ability to influence faculty and leadership

+ Highly personable, collaborative, and approachable

+ Strategic thinker with operational execution capability

Preferred Qualifications

+ Master's degree

+ SOCRA or CCRP certification

+ Experience in an academic medical center environment

+ Experience in oncology or cancer research

Work Environment

This role may require occasional extended hours, travel to offsite locations, and exposure to clinical/research

environments. Work includes a mix of administrative and operational responsibilities with frequent interaction across departments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Jackson, MS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

UMMC will provide official benefits package, but details are provided below:
Benefits:
As a state institution, UMMC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

- State retirement plan
- Good health insurance
- Generous personal and medical time off that rolls over each year
- Accumulated leave can be paid out or applied toward years of service at retirement

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Jackson,MS.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 2026.

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