Research Operations Manager - Lillehei Clinical Research Unit

About the Job

The primary purpose of the position is to lead the clinical research program and infrastructure of the Lillehei Clinical Research Unit (LCRU) in collaboration with the LCRU Deputy Director and the Lillehei Heart Institute (LHI) leadership.

• Strategic Direction of the Program: develop and implement processes that ensure services are provided to cardiovascular investigators efficiently, integrated, and of high quality; manage the budget, human resources, physical resources, operational policies, and other administrative activities. Collaborate with the Medical School, Clinical Translational Research Institute (CTSI), M Health Fairview, and the University of Minnesota Physicians to meet the clinical and research objectives of the LCRU.
• Strategic Planning and Long‑Range Growth: participate in long‑range planning—including strategic growth planning—to support LHI, serve as a member of the Clinical Research Leadership team, and develop tactics to meet strategic goals.
• Collaboration Across a Matrix Organization: partner with other offices and committees within the University of Minnesota, Office of Academic Clinical Affairs, CTSI, University of Minnesota Physicians, and M Health Fairview to facilitate change, recommend improvements for research compliance and processes, and implement medical‑school‑wide clinical research policies.
• Direct and Oversee Daily Operations: manage and train all non‑physician staff, recommend hiring decisions, provide orientation and training, write and update job descriptions, address employee requests, delegate duties, conduct staff meetings, perform performance appraisals, and monitor achievement of mutually agreed goals for direct reports.
• Fiscal Responsibility: support development of the annual budget, including ISO rate development, assist leadership and finance managers in capital purchases, monitor expenditures, maximize resource efficiencies, and ensure compliance within established budget targets.
• Policies and Procedures: develop policies and procedures that promote adherence to Good Clinical Practice, the Code of Federal Regulations, and University and Fairview policies; ensure safety of study participants and employees.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS with at least 8 years of experience managing/leading clinical studies/teams in a supervisory capacity, or an advanced degree with 6 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience managing direct reports and leading clinical research teams.
• Clinical research experience in an academic or industry setting.
• Expertise with Good Clinical Practice, Code of Federal Regulations, regulatory and compliance guidelines for clinical trials.
• Experience using MS Office suite applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using REDCap, Smartsheet, ETHOS, and OnCore.
• Cost‑center/budget management experience.
• Experience managing clinical trials from start to finish, including grant‑funded trials as well as business‑industry (medical device and pharmaceuticals).
• Leadership skills that include strong communication, problem solving, business integration across cross‑functional teams, and a quality focus.
• Experience in cardiovascular research.

Pay Range: $119,000—$135,000, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% appointment.

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or…