Manager – Clinical Research (Non‑Oncology)

Hybrid | Onsite presence and travel to Mercy sites as needed
Service Areas: North Central, South Central, and West Communities (Springfield, NW Arkansas, Oklahoma)

Position Overview

Mercy Research is seeking a Clinical Research Manager – Non‑Oncology to provide dedicated leadership and operational oversight for industry‑sponsored clinical research across Mercy’s North Central, South Central, and West Communities. This role is critical to supporting Mercy providers and patients as our non‑oncology research portfolio continues to expand across multiple specialties.

The Manager of Clinical Research will lead, coordinate, and directly supervise clinical research team members engaged in industry‑sponsored clinical trials. This role ensures high‑quality study execution, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across multiple studies, therapeutic areas, and phases of research.

About Mercy Research – Non‑Oncology

Mercy’s growing non‑oncology research portfolio spans a wide variety of specialties, including:

• Cardiovascular
• Orthopedics
• Gastroenterology
• Trauma and Burn
• Infectious Disease
• Surgery
• Endocrinology
• Imaging
• Ophthalmology
• Critical Care
• Pharmacy
• Pulmonology

Current research activity includes:

• Support for 200 providers
• 200 active studies across industry‑sponsored and investigator‑initiated programs
• Rapid growth driven by expanding academic and industry partnerships, including Alice Walton School of Medicine and the Digestive Health Institute

This role provides dedicated leadership for industry‑sponsored clinical trials, enabling sustained growth, improved compliance, and expanded access to innovative therapies for Mercy patients.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Research Oversight

• Coordinate, perform, and oversee study‑specific activities across multiple non‑oncology clinical research studies.
• Supervise clinical research coordinators, nurses, and support staff within the assigned research core.
• Oversee complex activities related to the collection, documentation, compilation, and analysis of clinical research data.
• Ensure all research activities comply with FDA, NIH, ICH/GCP guidelines, Mercy policies, and study‑specific protocols.

Leadership & Operational Management

• Provide direct leadership, mentoring, and performance management to clinical research team members.
• Support workforce planning, onboarding, training, and professional development.
• Monitor study conduct to ensure high standards, minimal protocol deviations, and timely execution.
• Identify operational risks and recommend corrective action plans as needed.
• Serve as a key liaison with Principal Investigators, sponsors, and internal partners.

Program Growth & Collaboration

• Support expansion of Mercy’s non‑oncology industry‑sponsored research portfolio.
• Collaborate with research leadership to establish research infrastructure in new Mercy markets.
• Partner with providers and operational leaders to identify new study opportunities.
• Contribute to long‑term strategy that expands patient access to clinical trials and innovative treatment options.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or graduation from an accredited nursing school
• Licensure:
  • Valid RN license in the state of practice (if applicable)
  • Licensure not required for non‑nursing candidates
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in clinical research, clinical team leadership, or healthcare management
• Other Skills & Knowledge:
  • Expert understanding of ICH/GCP guidelines and clinical research regulatory requirements
  • Strong knowledge of ethical and regulatory standards governing clinical research
  • Excellent verbal, written, and critical thinking skills
  • Familiarity with medical terminology and electronic medical records
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects independently with minimal supervision
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and research databases
  • Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
  • Strong customer service mindset and collaborative leadership approach
  • Willingness to mentor and develop research staff
  • Ability to travel up to 20% as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience: Supervisory or management experience in clinical research
• Certification: CCRC or CCRP (or willingness to obtain within 12 months)

Why Join Mercy Research?

Mercy Research offers the opportunity to lead impactful, non‑oncology clinical research programs that directly improve patient outcomes and expand access to cutting‑edge treatments. This role plays a critical part in advancing Mercy’s mission, supporting providers, and strengthening research excellence across growing communities.