Clinical Research Manager

Job Summary

SMHC, a research center within the University of Wisconsin‑Madison’s School of Education, is seeking a Clinical Research Manager to plan, develop, and direct clinical research within K‑12 settings. The role supports faculty and staff under the supervision of a Principal Investigator, develops policies and protocols, solicits research opportunities, and supervises clinical research staff. This position requires a regular in‑person presence at 1025 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI, with limited remote work flexibility determined during the interview process.

• Direct the planning and implementation of clinical research protocols within K‑12 settings, ensuring high‑quality execution of programs focused on student social‑emotional and behavioral success.
• Identify and solicit new internal and external research opportunities to expand SMHC’s impact on policy and practice; promote center capabilities and recommend strategic program enhancements to leadership.
• Develop and maintain internal policies and procedures to ensure all research activities and data documentation comply with University standards and federal regulations (e.g., IRB, FERPA).
• Compose, assemble, and submit grant proposals and research protocols that align with SMHC’s mission and secure sustainable funding.
• Provide comprehensive supervision for clinical research staff (minimum 2.0 FTE), including hiring, performance management, and professional development.
• Manage the overall functioning and fiscal health of clinical research programs by developing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring resources are optimized to meet research goals.

• Demonstrated experience in the coordination and management of clinical research trials or programs involving human subjects.
• Experience exercising supervisory authority, including hiring, performance management, and professional development of staff.
• Proven ability to compose, assemble, and submit grant proposals and research protocols in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Knowledge of institutional policies and procedures related to clinical research, including IRB standards and data privacy (e.g., HIPAA or FERPA).
• Experience developing and monitoring program budgets, including reviewing and approving expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research data into clear documentation for audits and strategic recommendations.

• Experience managing research within school and community settings or focused on student social‑emotional and behavioral health.
• Experience working with families and youth within a community or medical context focused on mental and behavioral health.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team (e.g., faculty, project staff, and school administrators) to implement complex research protocols.
• Proficiency in high‑level data auditing and the use of research management software to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Familiarity with the University of Wisconsin‑Madison’s administrative systems or similar large‑scale research university environments.

Master’s Degree Required, Doctoral Degree Preferred. Preferred degree fields include education, psychology, social services, or a related field such as School Psychology or Social Work.

Minimum: $95,000.00, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax‑advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW‑Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinions enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of…