Associate Director, Research Center

The Ohio State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a dynamic Senior Director to establish and manage a new multisite clinical trials coordinating center. The role requires extensive experience in clinical research leadership, regulatory compliance, and team building. Key responsibilities include overseeing trial coordination, ensuring federal compliance, and collaborating with stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have a degree in biomedical sciences and significant experience in clinical research operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in clinical research.
• At least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Strong knowledge of GCP and data management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the planning and operationalization of the Clinical and Data Coordinating Center.
• Coordinate multisite clinical trials ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
• Recruit, train, and manage a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical trial coordination

Regulatory compliance

Data management

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences or related field

Master's degree in a health-related field

Job description

Overview

The Ohio State University’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director to lead the establishment, strategic development and operation of a new multisite clinical trials coordinating center (MTCC) based in the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. This individual will be responsible for building the center from the ground up, including infrastructure design, staffing, operational workflows, and regulatory compliance. Beyond start up, this position will oversee the operations and personnel of the MTCC. The MTCC will support multisite clinical trials across a range of therapeutic areas, with a focus on academic excellence, innovation, and national collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Center Development
  • Lead the planning, launch, and operationalization of the Clinical and Data Coordinating Center.
  • Develop and implement strategic goals, policies, and procedures for the center.
  • Collaborate with university leadership, investigators, and external partners to define the center’s mission and scope.
• Clinical Trial Operations
  • Oversee the coordination of multisite clinical trials, including protocol development, site management, and data oversight.
  • Ensure compliance with federal regulations (FDA, NIH, OHRP), GCP, and institutional policies.
  • Establish systems for trial tracking, quality assurance, and performance metrics.
• Team Building & Supervision
  • Recruit, train, and manage a multidisciplinary team including project managers, data managers, and regulatory staff.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Data Management & Informatics
  • Guide the development of data coordination infrastructure, including EDC systems, data quality monitoring, and reporting tools.
  • Collaborate with biostatisticians and informatics teams to ensure robust data governance and deliverables are being met.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Grant Development
  • Serve as a liaison to investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies.
  • Support grant writing and business development to secure funding for center operations and trials.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, health sciences, social sciences or other medical field or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in clinical research, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated experience in multisite clinical trial coordination and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial operations, data management systems, and GCP.
• Proven ability to build and lead teams, manage complex projects, and work across disciplines.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and strategic planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a health-related field (e.g., MPH, MS, PharmD, PhD, MD, or equivalent).
• Experience launching or managing a clinical trial coordinating center or similar infrastructure.
• Familiarity with NIH-funded research, academic medical centers, and federal grant mechanisms.
• Certification in clinical research (e.g., ACRP, SOCRA) is strongly preferred.

FUNCTION: Research Administration

SUB-FUNCTION: Research and Administration Management

CAREER BAND: People Leader - Managerial

CAREER LEVEL: M3

Additional Information

Location: Prior Hall (0302)

Position Type: Regular

Scheduled Hours: 40

Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.