Assoc. Dir Research Operations (Operations Manager/Scientist)

The Rutgers Contract Research Collaboratory (RC)2 is a newly established center within the Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine & Science ( RITMS) that is building a premier Clinical and Data Coordinating Center dedicated to advancing multi-site clinical trials, observational studies, and translational research across Rutgers Health and its national partners.

(RC)2 brings together expertise in clinical research, biostatistics, data management, project management, and scientific leadership to deliver innovative, high-quality research solutions for academic, government, and industry sponsors. By leveraging advanced data technologies, collaborative partnerships, and operational excellence, (RC)2 is positioning Rutgers Health as a national leader in clinical trial coordination and data science while offering exceptional career opportunities for professionals committed to accelerating research discoveries and improving patient outcomes.

What will make (RC)2 different is our intentional commitment to building an organization where talented professionals are challenged, supported, and trusted to grow while performing meaningful work at the highest level. We seek individuals who think strategically, embrace collaboration, take ownership beyond their job descriptions, and continuously improve the systems and people around them. We value intellectual curiosity, humility, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. In return, (RC)2 offers accessible leadership, meaningful professional development, and the opportunity to help build a nationally recognized model for clinical research excellence.

Our Mission: To transform clinical research through dedicated partnerships, efficient execution, and uncompromising quality.

Our Vision: To build a contract research organization where exceptional people come together to do their best work, partnering closely with sponsors to deliver research that is streamlined, thoughtful, and trusted. We envision a collaborative environment where individuals think beyond their defined roles, teams share ownership of outcomes, and innovation drives continuous improvement in clinical research. Through this approach, we strive to create a more efficient and accessible research ecosystem that produces better outcomes for sponsors, healthcare providers, and ultimately, patients.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Associate Director Research Operations (Operations Manager/Scientist) within the Rutgers Contract Research Collaboratory (RC)2 Division of the Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science ( RITMS).

The Associate Director, Research Operations will serve as a strategic partner to the Director in establishing, growing, and continuously improving the Rutgers Contract Research Collaboratory (RC)2. This individual will provide scientific, operational, and regulatory leadership across a diverse portfolio of industry-sponsored, federally funded, and investigator-initiated clinical research programs, translating sponsor clinical development objectives into high-quality, compliant, and efficiently executed studies.

Working collaboratively with investigators, sponsors, institutional leadership, and multidisciplinary research teams, the Associate Director will oversee portfolio planning, study feasibility, operational strategy, resource allocation, staffing, budget development, vendor management, and performance monitoring. The successful candidate will help develop standardized operating procedures, quality management systems, and operational metrics that promote efficiency, consistency, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement across the organization.

The Associate Director will play a central role in sponsor engagement and business development by supporting proposal development, protocol feasibility assessments, and strategic partnerships while ensuring studies are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest scientific and regulatory standards. The position requires extensive knowledge of FDA regulations, ICH-Good Clinical Practice ( ICH- GCP), IND and IDE studies, and the regulatory requirements governing multi-site clinical research.

As a member of the (RC)2 leadership team, the Associate Director will recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable culture focused on innovation, professional development, and exceptional customer service. The individual will work closely with project management, clinical data management, biostatistics, regulatory affairs, and scientific leadership to build an integrated Clinical and Data Coordinating Center capable of supporting complex national and international clinical research programs. As a founding leader of (RC)2, the Associate Director will have a unique opportunity to shape the center's strategic direction, operational infrastructure, and organizational culture while contributing to Rutgers Health's vision of becoming a national leader in clinical research coordination and translational science.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

WORK ENVIRONMENT: