Assistant Director, Clinical Research Finance

University of California - Irvine; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Irvine seeks an Assistant Director for Clinical Research Business Operations to oversee the Stern Center for Cancer Clinical Trials and Research finances, contracts, and amendments across diverse sponsors.

You will lead budgeting, onboarding of finance staff, ensure post‑award compliance, and act as the primary liaison to investigators and coordinators, driving policies and efficient workflows in a multidisciplinary setting.

Qualifications

• Advanced ability to communicate verbally and in writing; produce concise, logical analytical reports.
• Advanced interpersonal skills across the organization and with diverse populations.
• Client services oriented; strong listening, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Organizational skills with ability to multi-task in a high-volume environment.
• Knowledge of internal control practices and protecting University resources.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and deadline-driven work.
• Experience leading institutional change and driving process improvements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in long-range financial and resource planning in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Strong analytical finance background in a research environment.
• Minimum 7–9 years in accounting/financial management, focusing on contracts and grants for clinical trials.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage all financials, contracts and amendments for a large portfolio of cancer-related clinical trials.
• Lead onboarding of new clinical research coordinators for financial requirements.
• Develop budgets for investigator-initiated trials and activate new trials.
• Ensure post-award finances are up to date and funds received.
• Serve as prime liaison to investigators and staff for financial study resource needs.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies and SOPs for contractual negotiation and workflow.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Client service

Organizational skills

Internal controls

Prioritization

Change management

Team collaboration

Financial planning

Advanced degree

Contracts management

Education

Advanced degree or equivalent

Tools

Kuali Financial System

Kuali Research

OnCore

EVAL

Job description

The University of California, Irvine seeks an Assistant Director for Clinical Research Business Operations to oversee the Stern Center for Cancer Clinical Trials and Research finances, contracts, and amendments across diverse sponsors.

You will lead budgeting, onboarding of finance staff, ensure post‑award compliance, and act as the primary liaison to investigators and coordinators, driving policies and efficient workflows in a multidisciplinary setting.