Associate Director C, Research

Job Description Summary

The Penn Memory Center conducts a wide range of studies focused on Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, mild cognitive impairment, cognitive aging, and lifelong brain health. We are seeking an Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations to oversee the operational aspects of our clinical research program. This role ensures alignment with University of Pennsylvania policies as well as all applicable regulatory bodies and guidelines. The Associate Director will lead research teams, manage resources, and guide the implementation of policies and procedures to advance the Center's mission.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage research staff, including hiring, training, mentoring, performance management, and workload distribution
• Provide day-to-day operational leadership and functional coverage for Project Managers and research staff as needed
• Monitor study progress and ensure compliance with protocols, regulatory requirements, and institutional policies
• Advise faculty clinicians and oversee all clinical research personnel activities, including the development of training programs, audit manuals, and standard operating procedures
• Streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and promote sound financial stewardship of space, equipment, and expenditures
• Oversee internal audits to ensure compliance with quality standards, best practices, and risk mitigation
• Partner with leadership to track performance metrics, allocate resources, and drive process improvements
• Collaborate with regulatory, finance, compliance, and contracting teams to support efficient study operations
• Serve as a subject matter expert in meetings and working groups to improve research quality and workflow
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Center's mission

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• 5+ years of Good Clinical Practices (GCP) related experience required.
• Through knowledge of relevant regulations for the conduct of clinical trials including Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) Guidelines. Knowledge of IRB and human research protection regulations.
• Supervisory experience and/or managing teams preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing SOPs and other training tools preferred.
• Strong planning, time management, and organizational capabilities along with attention to detail, excellent follow-through, and problem-solving skills necessary.
• Must be effective in setting and meeting personal short and long-term goals to complete assignments, with multiple project tasks ongoing simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and writing skills. Strong MS office Skills.
• Must display strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently. Strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of funding policies, NIH, and other grant procedures is desired.

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$66,000.00 - $88,000.00 Annual Rate