Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System

Research Manager

PI: Dr. Stephen Freedland

The Freedland Research Group, an affiliate of the Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is looking for a full time Research Manager to oversee study personnel, implementation, and quality assurance in support of clinical research studies conducted by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Stephen Freedland, and his associates in his urology and cancer research lab.

Location: This position is hybrid. This position is located in Durham, North Carolina and candidates must be willing to relocate prior to start date.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Critical Element 1:

• Oversee and assist in coordinating activities in support of select clinical research performed by the PI and collaborators:
• Provide input on clinical research projects related to budgets, proposals, grants, timelines, scheduling, staffing, and other relevant issues, as needed
• Develop, implement, and direct procedures for select research activities
• Demonstrate good judgment and problem solving to troubleshoot and modify protocol, standard operating procedure, and research and administrative best practices implementation as necessary
• Coordinate with study sponsors, contractors, other PIs, and research team members as part of sponsored or multi-PI studies
• Make decisions about day-to-day operations related to assigned research or administrative responsibilities
• Liaise and help direct administrative functions of the Budget and Contracts Assistants, Training and Office Systems Manager, and Administrative Assistants
• Coordinate with technical staff for maintenance, testing, and improvement of research software

Critical Element 2:

• Supervise Clinical Research Coordinators, Regulatory Coordinators, Project Scientists, and/or Business Administration personnel:
• Hire, train, and supervise new staff members across various distinct teams within the broader Freedland Team
• Maintain training and delegation logs for all direct reports
• Ensure mid-level managers are providing effective training and supervision of staff
• Provide mentorship to mid-level managers to develop research, administrative, and managerial skills
• Approve timecards and conduct performance reviews
• Troubleshoot technical problems and respond to procedural questions
• Set internal deadlines for staff members and assist in execution of study-related tasks in a timely manner
• Conduct mid-year surveys of team and present results to management
• Ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practices and VA rules and regulations by mid-level managers and their staff
• Adhere to all safety and compliance regulations and internal standards by mid-level managers and their staff

Critical Element 3:

• Clinical Research Project Management:
• Ensure timely regulatory approval is obtained for all research activities performed by the study team
• Coordinate with study team members to develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures in support of clinical research studies
• Coordinate with Principal Investigators and other staff members to ensure overall objectives are met for all clinical research at the DVAMC
• Coordinate with Principal Investigators and Director to generate goals and timelines for new projects and initiatives
• Participate in regular meetings with study team members
• Monitor the budgets for select studies to ensure invoices are sent and accounts are not overdrawn

Critical Element 4:

• Collaborate with research team and work effectively with team members:
• Serve as an inter-discipline liaison to facilitate activities between different operational groups within the research team, such as statisticians, developers, pre-award staff, post-award staff, admins, etc.
• Coordinate resource-sharing across various project teams to ensure efficient and timely completion of project milestones
• Work closely with PIs, collaborators, and management team to understand study objectives, constraints, and limitations
• Adhere to all safety and compliance regulations and internal standards, notably by liaising with regulatory coordinators and administrative staff
• Make recommendations about program development, employee performance, and larger scale operations of the research group

Critical Element 5:

• Work with IMR Administration to facilitate contracts for select clinical research performed by the PI at the Durham VA Health Care System
• Ensure CRADA and statement of work language is consistent with other regulatory documents including data use agreements, research consent documentation, and protocols
• Coordinate with sponsoring group to develop a SOP, execute a contract, maintain appropriate study documents, and organize site visits
• Work with Freedland Team administrative and budget staff to resolve finance and contract questions with IMR personnel
• Assist study staff in tracking funding

Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s degreeand 5-6 years of relevant experience. Graduate education may be considered in lieu of work experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Candidates must be able to work diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, and research participants.
• Demonstrated leadership, professional initiative, teamwork abilities, strong interpersonal relationship skills, and good judgment is expected.
• Excellent written and oral skills, Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, sound editing, and proper telephone etiquette are required.
• Incumbent should possess professional knowledge of clinical research sufficient to provide training and guidance to others in the clinic.
• Prior experience with clinical research, clinical trials, FDA regulations, VA regulations, and HIPAA considerations is required.
• Applicant must have the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, prioritize and manage the workflow of multiple projects, sit at a computer for long periods of time, and have fluency in the English language.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows: Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 25 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

Supervisory Controls: The position of Research Manager is under the direct supervisor of the Director.

The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $101,643.50 per year

Status:Exempt

Start Date: Expected start date will be 8 –10 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, short and long term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan, and paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit https://imr.org/benefits/ for information about employee benefits.

All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS). As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.

Click here to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page!