Associate Director E, Research

Associate Director E, Research

To support the continued growth and expansion of the Division of Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension's clinical research portfolio, the Associate Director for Clinical Trials will play a key leadership role in advancing investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored research. This position will assist the Faculty Directors of Clinical Trials in overseeing all aspects of the Renal Clinical Research Unit (RCRU), including operations, regulatory processes, staff development, and financial and administrative functions. A major focus will be to support the development, launch, and execution of investigator-initiated studies (IIS) and foster cross-disciplinary collaborations across Penn Medicine. The Associate Director will liaise with investigators, sponsors, institutional research offices, and administrative teams to ensure regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in academic clinical research leadership, fiscal management, and team supervision within a complex academic medical center.

Job Responsibilities :

• Scientific and Grant Development : Support development of investigator-initiated protocols and scientific grant applications (Industry, NIH, DOD, foundation, and internal mechanisms). Assist faculty in study design, feasibility assessments, and regulatory preparation (IRB, IND / IDE submissions). Contribute to abstracts, manuscripts, and clinical study reports.
• Trial Implementation and Operational Oversight : Oversee execution of investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored trials, ensuring adherence to timelines, enrollment goals, and quality standards. Support subject recruitment strategies and data integrity processes. Maintain tracking systems and trial management tools across active studies.
• Financial and Administrative Oversight : Partner with fiscal and contracting offices to develop trial budgets, negotiate sponsor budgets, and manage post-award financial tracking. Monitor revenue, expenses, and resource utilization for all trials. Lead development and refinement of financial models to support unit sustainability. Manage compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements, including effort reporting and invoicing. Participate in contract negotiations and serve as a liaison with legal and administrative offices.
• Staff Leadership and Development : Recruit, onboard, and supervise a growing team of RCRU research staff, including research coordinators, nurses, and assistants. Foster a culture of accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Program Metrics, Strategic Planning, and Institutional Integration : Design and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for trial efficiency, enrollment, and financial health. Support expansion of RCRU collaborations across the Penn Medicine health system and with external partners. Represent Renal research operations in Department of Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine initiatives.
• Other Responsibilities : Perform additional duties assigned by the Faculty Director or Division Chief to support the advancement of the Division's research mission.

Qualifications :

Job Location - City, State : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School : Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range : $93,500.00 - $134,500.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement : The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements : Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits :