Head of Clinical Research

Center for Social Dynamics; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonus eligibility

PTO

401(k)

CSD-issued devices

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Center for Social Dynamics (CSD) seeks a visionary Head of Clinical Research to lead its multi-site ABA research portfolio across California and beyond. Reporting to the CEO, you will shape strategy, drive grant development, forge partnerships, and advance evidence-based care for autism and complex behavioral needs.

You will mentor researchers and clinicians, chair the Clinical Research Steering Committee, and translate findings into practical improvements for clinical programs, payers, and

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or related field.
• Experience with extramural grant development and management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of CSD’s clinical research strategy.
• Lead grant strategy, development, and submission for federal, foundation, and industry funding opportunities.
• Chair CSD’s Clinical Research Steering Committee and establish governance standards.
• Translate research findings into meaningful insights for clinical teams, payers, and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Grant development

Strategic planning

Scientific communication

Project management

Education

Doctoral degree (PhD/EdD) in Behavior Analysis or Psychology

BCBA‑D certification or equivalent with leadership experience

Job description

Are you a research leader passionate about advancing evidence-based care and shaping the future of autism services? Join us as we open a world of possibilities. We are currently seeking a Head of Clinical Research to join our dynamic and growing team!

Full‑Time Position. Growth & Development Opportunities.

Who we are:

The Center for Social Dynamics (CSD) is an organization providing services to those with developmental delays, including autism, in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Arizona, and New Mexico. CSD’s people and programs deliver personalized, professional, evidence-based behavioral and developmental services to each participant and peace of mind to caregivers that their loved ones are in the right hands and receiving the best possible care.

What is a Head of Clinical Research?

The Head of Clinical Research provides strategic leadership for CSD’s clinical research portfolio across its multi‑site ABA service network. Reporting to the CEO, this role leads research strategy, grant development, external funding partnerships, publication efforts, and research governance while advancing evidence‑based practice throughout the organization. Working closely with academic, healthcare, and community collaborators, the Head of Clinical Research leads initiatives focused on outcomes research, telehealth innovation, technology‑enabled care, and improving services for individuals with autism and complex behavioral needs. This role also chairs CSD’s clinical research governance efforts and plays a key role in expanding CSD’s national research presence, partnerships, and impact.

What your role is:

• Lead the development and execution of CSD’s clinical research strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and opportunities to advance evidence-based practice.
• Lead grant strategy, development, and submission for federal, foundation, and industry funding opportunities, including letters of intent, full proposals, biosketches, budgets, and supporting documentation.
• Serve as CSD’s organizational research lead, providing scientific leadership for funded research programs and collaborating closely with academic co‑investigators and external research partners.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities and strategic partnerships that support CSD’s clinical research priorities.
• Lead the development and submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals, ensuring scientific rigor and alignment with research and funder requirements.
• Represent CSD’s research program at national conferences, professional associations, and other industry forums.
• Translate research findings into meaningful insights and materials for clinical teams, payers, referral partners, executive leadership, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Disseminate research findings across CSD to support the integration of evidence-based practices into clinical programs, protocols, and service delivery.
• Chair CSD’s Clinical Research Steering Committee and establish research governance standards across clinical domains.
• Oversee the organization’s research governance framework, including policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Support the integration of research initiatives and findings into CSD’s clinical operations and multi‑site provider network.
• Mentor clinicians and research staff while fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, innovation, and evidence-based practice throughout the organization.
• Maintain and expand partnerships with universities, healthcare organizations, and community collaborators, including research collaborations, internship programs, and other strategic initiatives.
• Represent CSD in national professional organizations and initiatives focused on autism services, applied behavior analysis, and clinical research.
• Stay current on emerging research, clinical trends, funding opportunities, and innovations related to autism services, ABA, telehealth, and technology-enabled care.
• Perform additional duties and strategic initiatives as assigned.

What’s required from you?

• Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or a related field.
• BCBA‑D certification, or BCBA certification with demonstrated doctoral‑level research leadership experience.
• Experience with extramural grant development and management, including federal, foundation, or industry funding opportunities.
• Demonstrated track record of peer‑reviewed publication in behavior analysis, autism services, or related clinical research.
• Experience integrating research into clinical operations and service delivery.
• Experience with both single‑subject and group experimental research designs.
• Strong understanding of evidence‑based practices and clinical research methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to clinical, academic, executive, and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and external partners.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to translate complex research findings into practical insights for clinical and operational stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain scientific rigor while supporting innovation and scalable research initiatives across a multi‑site organization.

A Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV) are required for consideration.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive, market pay based on experience, location, and skills
• Bonus eligibility
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k)
• CSD-issued devices
• Free college or tuition reimbursement through our Dreams Come True program

About Us

At Center for Social Dynamics (CSD), we believe that every child deserves a chance to shine. We're a passionate team on a mission to open up a world of possibilities for individuals with autism and other developmental needs—through science, compassion, and a whole lot of heart. From our very first session to each milestone we celebrate, we bring the power of play, connection, and evidence-based care to every moment. With services that are as unique as the individuals we support, we meet kids where they are—at home, in schools, and in communities—and guide them on a path toward growth. We live our TRUE values—Transparency, Respect, Understanding, and Excellence—in everything we do. As a fast-growing leader in the field, we're known for our vibrant culture, hands‑on training, and career pathways that help you grow just as much as those we serve. At CSD, we don’t just change lives—we light them up.

CSD is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

About Our Values

Transparency in the work that we do and the actions we take to achieve our mission. There are no hidden agendas or motives at Center for Social Dynamics. Each family’s unique cultures, values, and generational dynamics. Understanding through tolerance, cooperation, and empathy in the pursuit of our mission. We never lose sight of who we are, the people we serve, and our purpose and meaning. Respect for all and the value that everyone brings towards accomplishing our mission. No one at CSD is worth more or less, and together we are greater than the sum of our parts. Excellence in our drive, passion, and commitment to our mission. CSD will always do what it takes to deliver the best, leave no one behind, and champion our cause. CSD is a proud equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Physical requirements may include but is not limited to:

• Constant visual stimulation, including close vision, distance vision, reading, computer work
• Constant sitting; frequent up and down out of chair
• Constant use of telephone, speaking, listening
• Constant document handling, use of copier and fax machine, filing
• Frequent typing, use of computer
• Occasional walking around building
• Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, pulling
• Occasional lifting, carrying, moving of items up to 20 pounds
• Occasional walking to, bending to enter, sitting and using upper and lower limbs to drive car

At Center for Social Dynamics (CSD), we believe that every child deserves a chance to shine. We're a passionate team on a mission to open up a world of possibilities for individuals with autism and other developmental needs—through science, compassion, and a whole lot of heart. From our very first session to each milestone we celebrate, we bring the power of play, connection, and evidence-based care to every moment. With services that are as unique as the individuals we support, we meet kids where they are—at home, in schools, and in communities—and guide them on a path toward growth. We live our TRUE values—Transparency, Respect, Understanding, and Excellence—in everything we do. As a fast-growing leader in the field, we're known for our vibrant culture, hands‑on training, and career pathways that help you grow just as much as those we serve. At CSD, we don’t just change lives—we light them up.