University of Utah
Associate Director, Clinical Research
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84193
Associate Director, Clinical Research
– University of Utah
Location: Salt Lake City, UT – Campus Employment type: Full Time
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to elevate and expand the clinical trials enterprise within the Department of Surgery.
The 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, and will mentor research managers and coordinators to streamline clinical trial processes and deliver high‑quality outcomes aligned with the University’s strategic research objectives.
Responsibilities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Preferred Qualities
Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for advancing surgical research.
Experience with industry sponsors, CROs, academic medical centers or large healthcare systems.
Track record of securing funding and expanding clinical trial programs.
Requisition Number: PRN43704B
Pay Rate Range: $75,398 – $142,285
Close Date: 3/1/2026
To apply, visit
https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/193000
#J-18808-Ljbffr
– University of Utah
Location: Salt Lake City, UT – Campus Employment type: Full Time
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to elevate and expand the clinical trials enterprise within the Department of Surgery.
The 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, and will mentor research managers and coordinators to streamline clinical trial processes and deliver high‑quality outcomes aligned with the University’s strategic research objectives.
Responsibilities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Preferred Qualities
Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for advancing surgical research.
Experience with industry sponsors, CROs, academic medical centers or large healthcare systems.
Track record of securing funding and expanding clinical trial programs.
Requisition Number: PRN43704B
Pay Rate Range: $75,398 – $142,285
Close Date: 3/1/2026
To apply, visit
https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/193000
#J-18808-Ljbffr