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Clinical Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GDIT

Sr. Clinical Research Director (TBI)

Tacoma, WA · On-site

The Sr. Clinical Research Director will provide leadership to ensure all operations support quality patient care and clinical research and comply with all Command, federal, state, regulatory, TBI CoE ...

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How much do clinical research director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research director in the United States is $54.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.45 and $71.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a clinical research director do?

A clinical research director manages medical or pharmaceutical research projects. In this role, you may oversee a research department at a university or medical facility. Your specific job duties vary, depending on the type of project you work on, but your general responsibilities include overseeing the planning stages of each research project or clinical trial, discussing outcomes and expectations with researchers, making sure that research staff members provide the proper care to participants in the trial or research project, and ensuring that data is documented properly. Clinical research directors also hire and train new staff members and check that the project follows all governmental and industry guidelines.

What are the responsibilities of a clinical research director?

A Clinical Research Director oversees the planning, coordination, and management of clinical trials and research projects within healthcare or pharmaceutical organizations. They ensure studies comply with regulatory requirements, establish research protocols, manage budgets, and supervise research teams. Additionally, they collaborate with stakeholders, analyze data, and ensure that clinical trials are conducted ethically and efficiently to advance medical knowledge and patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical research director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Research Director, you need advanced knowledge of clinical trial design, regulatory compliance, and data analysis, typically supported by a medical, pharmaceutical, or life sciences degree along with significant experience in clinical research. Expertise in systems such as electronic data capture (EDC), clinical trial management systems (CTMS), and familiarity with GCP, FDA, and ICH guidelines are essential, and certifications like CCRP or CCRA are highly valued. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers by enabling effective team management and stakeholder engagement. These competencies ensure that clinical trials are conducted ethically, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulatory standards, driving successful research outcomes.

What are some of the main challenges a clinical research director faces when overseeing multiple clinical trials simultaneously?

One of the primary challenges for a Clinical Research Director managing multiple trials is ensuring consistent protocol adherence across diverse study sites while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. Balancing resource allocation, addressing unforeseen issues such as patient recruitment delays, and effectively communicating with cross-functional teams also require strong organizational and leadership skills. Additionally, the director must stay updated on evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements to mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of all ongoing studies.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Director vs Clinical Research Manager?

AspectClinical Research DirectorClinical Research Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, and department leadershipManages daily operations of clinical trials, supervises teams, and ensures compliance
Required CredentialsTypically requires a PhD, MD, or advanced degree, along with extensive experienceUsually requires a bachelor's or master's degree in life sciences, with relevant experience
Work EnvironmentSenior leadership in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, overseeing multiple teamsOperational setting within research sites or CROs, directly managing trial teams
Industry UsageCommonly found in large organizations with multiple projectsFound in both large and small organizations, focusing on trial execution

The Clinical Research Director focuses on strategic oversight and leadership of research programs, while the Clinical Research Manager handles day-to-day trial management. Both roles require relevant experience, but the director's role is more senior and strategic.

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Clinical Research Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,010 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Clinical Research Director

Southwest Womens Oncology/Optimum

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Clinical Research Director
Southwest Women's Oncology | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why This Role Matters
Clinical trials are not a side program. They are how medicine moves forward.
For patients facing gynecologic cancer, access to a clinical trial can mean access to a treatment that doesn't yet exist anywhere else. It can mean hope. It can mean more time.
Southwest Women's Oncology is building a clinical research program commensurate with our clinical reputation - rigorous, patient-centered, and built to last. The Clinical Research Director will front that effort: building the infrastructure, developing the team, establishing the partnerships, and setting the standard for how great oncology research gets done.
This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up within an organization that already has clinical excellence, physician leadership, and institutional commitment. We hire for attitude and aptitude above all else. Credentials matter, but who you are and how you grow matter more.
Who We Are
Southwest Women's Oncology (SWWO) is New Mexico's leading gynecologic oncology practice, delivering advanced cancer care with skill, courage, and compassion.
Optimum Human and Optimum Infusion extend that mission into performance medicine, infusion services, longevity, recovery, hormone optimization, medical weight loss, peptide therapies, hyperbaric medicine, aesthetics, and human performance.
Together, we operate as a single integrated platform committed to one mission:
We exist to deliver new possibilities in medical care, human performance, and health by uniting passion, knowledge, and skill.
The Opportunity
This is not a maintenance role. You are building something.
As Clinical Research Director, you will design and lead the clinical research vertical at SWWO-establishing the strategy, systems, team, and relationships that will define what this program becomes. You will work at the intersection of scientific rigor, operational excellence, and patient impact, partnering with:
  • Gynecologic oncology physicians serving as Principal Investigators
  • Pharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, and cooperative group partners
  • Clinical Research Coordinators, data specialists, and research support staff
  • Executive leadership and the broader Optimum platform
  • Regulatory bodies including FDA, NIH, and IRB

You will have the authority, the resources, and the leadership support to build a program that changes what's possible for patients in New Mexico and beyond.
What You'll Own
Strategy & Program Leadership
  • Build, scale, and manage the clinical research vertical within SWWO, developing long-term strategy, infrastructure, and resourcing plans.
  • Partner with the Executive Team to align research strategy with organizational goals and clinical priorities.
  • Evaluate new research opportunities and develop business cases for study selection, site expansion, and external partnerships.

Trial Operations
  • Lead the full lifecycle of clinical trials-feasibility, start-up, recruitment, execution, monitoring, and close-out.
  • Oversee study budgets, billing compliance, and financial performance; ensure accurate reporting and forecasting.
  • Maintain compliance with ICH-GCP, FDA, NIH, IRB, and all institutional requirements.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for research operations.

Team Development
  • Hire, onboard, mentor, and manage a team of Clinical Research Coordinators, data specialists, and research support staff.
  • Build a culture of excellence, accountability, scientific integrity, and continuous improvement within the research team.
  • Oversee performance management and professional development for all direct reports.

Sponsor & Stakeholder Relations
  • Serve as primary liaison for pharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, investigators, and regulatory agencies.
  • Support Principal Investigators in protocol execution and ensure appropriate documentation and data integrity.
  • Represent SWWO in research networks, professional associations, and at industry conferences.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement
  • Ensure all research is conducted ethically and adheres to institutional, state, and federal regulations.
  • Oversee audit readiness, inspection preparation, and corrective action processes.
  • Identify and implement process improvements and emerging technologies to optimize research operations.

What Success Looks Like
First 90 Days
  • Deep working knowledge of existing research activity, infrastructure gaps, and near-term trial opportunities.
  • Strong relationships established with physician investigators, executive leadership, and key external partners.
  • A clear 12-month program development roadmap presented and aligned with leadership.

First 6 Months
  • Active trials operational and enrollment on track.
  • Research team structure defined, hired, and performing.
  • SOPs, compliance frameworks, and billing processes in place and audit-ready.

First Year
  • A research program that is recognized, respected, and growing.
  • Measurable patient enrollment, sponsor relationships, and trial portfolio expansion.
  • A team and a culture that reflects the Optimum Standard.

Who Thrives Here
We want people who bring relentless positivity, a hunger to learn, and the drive to elevate everyone around them. You will likely thrive if:
  • You take ownership rather than waiting for direction.
  • You believe details matter.
  • You enjoy solving problems and seek continuous improvement.
  • You care deeply about patients and their families.
  • You value teamwork and accountability equally.
  • You're coachable, curious, and committed to mastery.

What You Bring
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in a health science, life science, or related field.
  • 10+ years of clinical research experience, including 5+ years in a leadership or director-level role.
  • Proven ability to build, scale, and manage a clinical research program or site.
  • Deep understanding of ICH-GCP, FDA, NIH, and clinical research compliance standards.
  • Experience coordinating Phase II-IV therapeutic drug or device trials.
  • Strong business and financial acumen, including experience with clinical research budgeting, billing compliance, and contract management.
  • Excellent communication, relationship management, and negotiation skills.

Preferred
  • Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • Prior experience leading oncology or gynecologic oncology clinical trials.
  • CCRP, CCRC, or equivalent certification.
  • Established relationships with pharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, or cooperative research groups.

Our Culture
We act with courage and embrace accountability.
We serve with precision and hold ourselves to impeccable standards - then raise them.
We reject mediocrity and the comfort of "good enough."
We measure success not only by outcomes, but by the integrity, excellence, and humanity we bring to every interaction.
Way Better. Extraordinary by Design.
If you crave mastery, meaning, and measurable impact - welcome home.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Health benefits
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development and continuing education support
  • Opportunity to grow within the Optimum Platform

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Albuquerque, New Mexico office.

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