Program Manager, Clinical Research Operations

Grade 105

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $125,000 - $129,000
  
  

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Program Manager, Clinical Research Operations plays a critical role within the Clinical Protocol & Data Management (CPDM) Office of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) at Columbia University Medical Center. The CPDM supports investigators and research staff in the development and conduct of oncology clinical trials and provides the infrastructure to sustain investigator-initiated, industry-sponsored, and federally funded clinical research.

The Program Manager is an experienced research professional who provides leadership ensuring high-quality, compliant, financially responsible, and efficient conduct of clinical trials. The position carries a heightened emphasis on financial oversight, budget management, and strengthening collaboration between CPDM, Finance, the Clinical Trials Office (CTO), and clinical departments.

This position reports directly to the Director of Clinical Research Operations and collaborates closely with Assistant Director of Clinical Research Operations and other CPDM leadership team members, investigators, and research staff.

Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Responsibilities

Administrative and Operational Oversight

• Serve as a role model and resource to team members, providing mentorship and guidance
• Participate in CPDM leadership and other cancer center committees as assigned.
• Help streamline workflows and processes to enhance operational efficiency and consistency.
• Collaborate on the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including investigators, clinical departments, sponsors and finance partners.
• Communicate effectively across the organization, escalating unresolved operational or financial issues appropriately.
• Support recruitment and retention strategies
• Work collaboratively with the Medical Director, investigators, and other CPDM leadership to promote compliant conduct of research.
  
  

Research Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between CPDM leadership, CTO, and Finance managers to strengthen coordination on financial processes, study funding, and operational oversight.
• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and risks in financial workflows, research billing processes, and budget governance, recommending and implementing improvements.
• Assist in the development, negotiation, interpretation, and monitoring of study budgets across all phases of the trial in partnership with the CTO CPDM DBT and leadership.
• Lead the creation and delivery of training for research staff on budgets, billing compliance, and financial components of trial management, including how financial elements align with operational workflows.
• Develop and institute CTMS financial management training with the CTO to ensure accurate and consistent documentation of budgets, accruals, milestones, and billing.
• Develop and manage a compliance oversight system for CTMS, ensuring data accuracy and alignment between operational and financial reporting.
• Support the pre-award, post-award, and close-out processes for all projects, serving as a resource.
• Identify, analyze, and address budget variances
• Support initiatives related to participant recruitment and retention, evaluating the financial feasibility of proposed strategies.
• Provide oversight for multicenter trial activities, including sub-site budget review, invoicing, reimbursement tracking, and monitoring.
• Serve as a liaison with institutional partners including the CTO, Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), IRBs, and Research Billing Compliance.
• Contribute to development and refinement of SOPs and guidance documents, including those related to financial workflows, CTMS documentation, and billing compliance.
  
  

Other Duties

• Lead special projects and additional assignments as requested by the Director of Clinical Research Operations.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience plus 4 years of related experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years Management experience.
• 5 years of Oncology Research experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Computer Skills: proficiency with MS Word programs and familiarity with Mac and PC platforms.
  
  

Other Requirements

• CCRP/CCRC certification preferred but should be completed within 6 months.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.