Research Director

Sacramento Native American Health Center, Inc; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

Continuing professional education (CPE

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) with employer match

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Succession and mentorship programs

Job summary

Tennessee Retina, the largest Ophthalmology practice in middle Tennessee, seeks a Research Director to lead multi-center studies and oversee a growing research team. You will ensure regulatory compliance, drive project management, and collaborate with sponsors and CROs to deliver high-quality results.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in clinical research operations, ophthalmic experience, and strong leadership with excellent communication.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in clinical research operations.
• Ophthalmic/eye care knowledge required.
• CCRP certification strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a large research team and interact with sponsors/CROs.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic oversight to multiple sites.
• Lead staffing strategy and workforce planning.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level managers.
• Drive resolution of complex quality and performance issues.
• Ensure site readiness for audits and inspections.
• Serve as key contact for sponsors and CROs.
• Collaborate with directors on site-level performance goals.
• Lead strategic and operational planning for the site.
• Manage mid-level managers and ensure quality performance.
• Oversee audit readiness and sponsor relationships.
• Implement continuous improvement processes at the site.
• Ensure alignment of site operations with organizational goals.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Project management

Leadership

Mentoring

Staffing strategy

Education

4-year degree

CCRP certification preferred

Ophthalmic experience

Eye care knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office

EMR systems

Job description

• Job Category Management
• Employee Type Exempt FT
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Travel 25%
• Manage Others Yes

• Name Kelly Carr

Who We Are

Tennessee Retina is the largest Ophthalmology practice in middle Tennessee offering rewarding careers across 10 locations. We are committed to providing the highest level of care to our patients in the most convenient and caring manner. Our physicians are leaders in the research and application of new retina, macula, and vitreous treatments.

We are seeking an energetic and collaborative Research Director. The ideal candidate will have experience in management of multi-center studies/clinical trials and strong interpersonal, communication, and project management skills, as well as be comfortable interacting with

individuals at all levels of clinical research - from research assistants and Principal Investigators to patients enrolled in the study. The individual should be able to manage a large research team, provide them with guidance and jump in to help complete tasks when needed. This position ensures adherence to all applicable regulations, Good Clinical Practices, and industry standards governing research involving human subjects; and ensures that clinical studies are performed with the upmost integrity and quality.

This exciting opportunity offers close collaboration and support from a team of colleagues, strong leadership, and cutting-edge technology! A day in the life of a Tennessee Retina employee is filled with learning, growing, creating, hard work, and most of all fun!

Tennessee Retina offers a competitive salary based on diverse experiences and backgrounds.

Benefits Offered

• Sign-On Bonus, Certification Incentive Bonus, and Length of Service Award Bonus Programs
• Paid Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
• COA/COT exam resources and reimbursements
• Tuition Reimbursements
• Transportation Reimbursement Program
• Employer-sponsored Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness Coverage, Short-term, Long-Term Disability, & Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) with Generous Employer Match
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Holidays and Paid Vacation
• Employee Referral Award Bonus Program
• Succession, Growth, and Mentorship Opportunities
• Social Gathering and Team Opportunities
• Full new hire training program to fully support, train, and welcome new hires to the team

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic oversight to multiple sites
  
• Lead staffing strategy and workforce planning
  
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level managers
  
• Drive resolution of complex quality and performance issues
  
• Ensure site readiness for audits and inspections
  
• Serve as key contact for sponsors and CROs
  
• Collaborate with directors on site-level performance goals
  
• Lead strategic and operational planning for the site
  
• Manage mid-level managers and ensure quality performance
  
• Oversee audit readiness and sponsor relationships
  
• Implement continuous improvement processes at the site
  
• Ensure alignment of site operations with organizational goals
  
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ophthalmic experience required
• Research experience required + 5+ years in clinical research operations
• CCRP certification strongly preferred
• Demonstrates working knowledge of eye anatomy, disease, symptoms, and ocular medications
• Cooperates with supervisory staff, physicians, peers, external customers, and patients in a positive, energetic, and professional manner
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with patients, physicians, management, and employees
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel Outlook) along with the ability to learn and adapt quickly to new software.
• Proficient in understanding reading and interpreting all contents of the paper and electronic medical charts (EMR)
• Meticulous attention to detail is required.
• Demonstrates high-level critical thinking skills
• Ability to be proactive, take initiative, and perform well in a fast-paced high-volume practice.

Confidentiality

Maintains strict confidentiality regarding protected health information (PHI) and understands and adheres to TNR's HIPAA privacy and security policies and procedures.

Typical Physical and Working Demands

Position requires consistent physical activity, including prolonged walking, sitting, bending, stooping, and stretching. Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are essential for operating a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, and specialized optical equipment. Requires the ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull heavy items, including optical devices weighing 15 pounds or more. Must possess standard hearing and near/far vision (corrected to normal range) to accurately prepare paper and MDI chart notes, communicate with patients, and generate reports.