What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director, Clinical Research position at University of Utah Health Research?
Details
Open Date 12/01/2025
Requisition Number PRN43704B
Job Title Clinical Research Management
Working Title Associate Director, Clinical Research
Career Progression Track M00
Track Level M5 - Associate Director
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? Yes
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00263 - Surgery Research
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range 75,398 - 142,285
Close Date 03/01/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to elevate and expand the clinical trials enterprise within the Department of Surgery. This 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. Additionally, the role includes mentoring research managers and coordinators to streamline clinical trial processes and deliver high-quality outcomes, aligning with the Department’s and University’s broader strategic research objectives.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Growth
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).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
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.
Preferences
Preferred Qualities
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Open Date 12/01/2025
Requisition Number PRN43704B
Job Title Clinical Research Management
Working Title Associate Director, Clinical Research
Career Progression Track M00
Track Level M5 - Associate Director
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? Yes
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00263 - Surgery Research
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range 75,398 - 142,285
Close Date 03/01/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to elevate and expand the clinical trials enterprise within the Department of Surgery. This 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. Additionally, the role includes mentoring research managers and coordinators to streamline clinical trial processes and deliver high-quality outcomes, aligning with the Department’s and University’s broader strategic research objectives.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Growth
- 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.
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).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
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.
Preferences
Preferred Qualities
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for advancing surgical research.
- Experience with industry sponsors, CRO , academic medical centers or large healthcare systems.
- Track record of securing funding and expanding clinical trial programs.
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Salary : $75,398 - $142,285