Investigator Initiated Trial Research Operations Project Manager

Advertising Summary: Research Administrators perform professional work with significant levels of independence often supporting the day-to-day management of research portfolios and programs for a central office or one or more departments, centers, or business units. In this role, responsibilities include operational planning, study start-up coordination, and cross-functional project management to support the development and execution of research studies. Their decision-making has a significant impact on service delivery. Research Administrators typically report to a senior research administrator, manager, director, or PI. Typically, under direction of a Senior Management position (Assistant/Associate Director/Dean). This position serves as a central point of coordination across multiple stakeholders to ensure studies are efficiently developed, activated, and conducted. Advanced skill level, works independently exercising discretion and good judgement in interpretation of policy. Minimal supervision required.

Unit: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Ctr MBU

Department: Massey Clinical Trials Office

Department Summary: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Investigator Initiated Trial Research Operations Project Manager (IITRO PM) performs professional work with significant levels of independence often supporting the day-to-day management of research portfolios and programs for VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office. In this role, responsibilities include operational planning, study start-up coordination, and cross-functional project management to support the development and execution of research studies. Their decision-making has a significant impact on service delivery. The IITRO PM reports to the IITRO Assistant Director of the Clinical Trials Office. This position serves as a central point of coordination across multiple stakeholders to ensure studies are efficiently developed, activated, and conducted. Advanced skill level, works independently exercising discretion and good judgement in interpretation of policy. Minimal supervision required.

• Provide advanced administrative support to a research enterprise, contributing to multiple aspects of research projects and programs such as infrastructure, personnel, policies, procedures, communications, information systems, budgeting, and compliance, with a focus on operational planning, study start-up coordination, and execution of research studies;
• Serve as resources to lower-level staff and may supervise more junior staff. Research Administrators often serve as a key point of contact between the university and the research sponsor, research project staff, and participants, ensuring effective coordination and communication across all stakeholders involved in study development and conduct;
• Maintain systems and processes for managing at both a project and a program level, including development and tracking of project timelines, study start-up activities, and key study milestones;
• Work closely with Principal Investigators (PI), study staff, unit administrators, and coordinate with central offices in pre and/or post award stages of project management; as well as providing research program level reporting and analytics to leadership, while facilitating cross-functional coordination (e.g., regulatory, data management, and clinical operations) to support study activation and ongoing execution;
• Support and coordinate study start-up activities, including feasibility assessment, site readiness, and activation planning, ensuring studies are prepared for timely execution;
• Oversee and coordinate activities across participating sites or teams, ensuring consistency in study conduct and timely resolution of issues;
• Identify potential risks, delays, or gaps in project execution and proactively implement mitigation strategies;
• Track and report study progress, including key milestones such as activation, enrollment, and study completion, to support leadership oversight and decision-making;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent applicable combination of training, education and experience required;

Candidates whose resumes highlight the following previous experience will be prioritized: 

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU;

• Advanced proficiency with data entry and word processing skills, with the ability to analyze and interpret information effectively;

• Advanced organizational abilities and a keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy and efficiency in all tasks with the ability to multitask and prioritize autonomously;

• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues and stakeholders;

• Interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships and collaborating with team members at all levels to gather information and support compliance efforts;

• Problem-solving and organizational aptitude, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines in a dynamic environment and independently make critical decisions.

Please note VCU is not able to provide ongoing visa sponsorship for this position.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran’s period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred Master's degree or an equivalent combination of training & experience;
• 2 or more years of research administration &/or oncology experience;
• Certification or ability and desire to obtain within 2 years from Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA), the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) &/or CRA certification for Research Administration. Other potential certifications here: https://www.cra-cert.org/.

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience, range minimum of $65,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Remote

University Job Title: 93421 - Open

Contact: darlingc@vcu.edu