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Associate Director, Clinical Trial Activations
The Division of Clinical Research provides infrastructure support for all aspects of clinical research. UT MD Anderson has the nation's largest cancer clinical trials program enrolling patients in Texas and beyond through our Cancer Network® partners across the country.
The primary purpose of this Associate Director, Clinical Trial Activations is to provide direct oversight for the Clinical Trials Start-Up and Activation staff in the management of clinical trial submissions, protocol navigation, and study implementation/activations. The Associate Director will direct and coordinate program operations with the goal of reducing activation timelines.
The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree, experience managing protocol submissions and activations, and significant clinical research leadership experience. Preferred candidates will demonstrate expertise working with industry sponsors, protocol activations, and feasibility review processes. A Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) or Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) credential is required.
Salary Range (Hourly Equivalent): Minimum $59.13 – Midpoint $74.04 – Maximum $88.94
Why Us?
UT MD Anderson offers the opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognized clinical research enterprise dedicated to accelerating cancer discoveries and expanding patient access to innovative therapies. This leadership role provides the opportunity to drive process improvement, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, influence organizational research strategy, and support professional growth while advancing the institution’s mission to end cancer.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Project Management
• Direct and lead the Clinical Trial Start-Up and Activation team to ensure study activation goals are achieved.
• Create and maintain a centralized feasibility review process for all clinical studies.
• Lead communications with sponsors and faculty regarding study feasibility assessments and prioritization.
• Identify process delays affecting study activation timelines and collaborate with stakeholders to improve workflows.
• Serve as a subject matter expert during departmental meetings and discussions.
• Support professional and accurate communication of pending study updates to sponsors, investigators, research staff, IRB, PRMS, and other committees as needed.
• Drive timely study activation and ensure adherence to organizational task list deadlines.
• Review pending study status weekly through project tracking tools and team meetings.
• Ensure OnCore records remain current and accurately reflect next steps and activation progress.
Staff Management
• Supervise Clinical Trial Start-Up and Activation staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance reviews.
• Ensure staff are trained on institutional systems including OnCore and OneIRB.
• Ensure staff understand and follow processes for study acceptance, submission, activation, and modification implementation.
• Monitor the quality, timeliness, and consistency of staff communications and guidance.
• Plan and execute training programs that support compliance with institutional standards and requirements.
• Track staff adherence to activation timelines, institutional processes, and performance expectations.
Reporting
• Provide operational and activation reporting to departments and central offices.
• Maintain current status reports and prepare summary reports as requested.
• Collaborate with faculty and department leadership to develop and prepare progress reports for the clinical research program.
Other Duties
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
EDUCATION
• Required: A Bachelor's Degree
• Preferred: A Master's Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: Seven years in clinical research to include three years of supervisory/management experience
• Preferred: Experience managing protocol submission and activations; Experience working with industry sponsors, protocol activations, and feasibility review
• May substitute required education degree with additional years of equivalent experience on a one to one basis. Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Required: CCRP - Certified Clinical Research Professional or CCRA - Cert Clin Research Assoc
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Required: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
