Clinical research specialist Jobs in Detroit, MI

Position Summary

The candidate will be an integral member of the senior leadership team within the Clinical Protocol & Data Management (CPDM) Office of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC). Responsibilities include but are not limited to: coordinating the data management activities of the CPDM, while providing supervision and delegation of work assignments and evaluation of the CPDM Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) and Data Coordinators(DCs); creating and promoting professional development opportunities (both internally and externally) for staff; implementing processes and that improve, streamline, and stimulate the work environment; continually assessing trial complexity/workload and resource allocation to ensure patient safety and clinical research excellence; ensuring and promoting positive relationships and outcomes with private industry and other external agencies.

The Clinical Research Manager reports directly to the Assistant Director, Clinical Research Operations.

Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Responsibilities

STAFFING

• Posts/justifies new and replacement positions, screens applicants
• On-boards and trains staff (protocol, university, departmental training)
• Liaises with the HICCC HR representative for scheduling medical surveillance, JCAHO, and other HR-related functions
• Makes appropriate salary recommendations for new and existing staff based on prior experience and conducts annual staff performance reviews (including establishing and continually monitoring FY goals)

SUPERVISION

• Monitors, directs, and supervises staff in a manner that facilitates efficient level of operations
• Determines CRC and DC workloads and protocol assignments
• Assures the subject data collected by the CRCs is organized and submitted in a timely manner
• Develops quality control mechanisms to ensure accurate data reporting
• Assists with CRF development, accuracy, and implementation for investigator initiated trials
• Ensures CRC’s are adequately prepared for and successfully manage all monitoring and/or auditing visits

PROTOCOL/DISEASE BASE TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Provides protocol management and research expertise by participating in discussions at disease team and collaborative research meetings, ensuring operational feasibility, compliance, and strategic alignment with CPDM and Cancer Center goals.
• Leads ongoing assessment of trials within the portfolio to evaluate feasiblity, accrual trends, and resource utilization. Implements priority scoring and portfolio review processes to ensure staffing and support are aligned with institutional priorities and study performance.
• Organizes and coordinates project activities, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams -- including investigators, research nurses, coordinators and regulatory staff -- to ensure timely completion of study start-up, activation, and conduct.
• Represents the department at conferences and meetings, maintaining effective communication channels between clinical, research, and administrative stakeholders to promote consistent study management, issue resolution, and operational best practices.

FINANCE MANAGEMENT

• Prepares and reviews study budgets for submission, negotiation, and ongoing financial monitoring to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with departmental standards.
• Monitors, reports, and interprets variances to approved budgets. Collaborates with the Assistant Director to develop and execute action plans that address financial gaps and optimize resource utilization. Uses forecasting tools to project financial outcomes and proactively identify risks and opportunities.
• Implements strategies to support financial stability and operatinal efficiency across assigned studies and departmental functions. Ensures financial practices align with institutional priorities, long-term sustainability goals, and portfolio management objectives.

DEPARTMENT INITIATIVES

• Assist the CPDM Leadership Team in developing, implementing, and executing departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Develop standardized forms, study tools, and promote cross-coverage with CPDM Leadership to ensure coverage, provide appropiate staff updates, in-services, trainings, etc.

OTHER

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in education, training and experience, plus 4 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Clinical Research Professional through a national accrediting body such as ACRP and/or SoCRA.