Contractual Study Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.Job Posting Title:Assistant Director of Research ProjectsPosition Type:Professional / UnclassifiedDepartment:LSUAM ORED - Institute for Health & Performance of Champions (Neil Johannsen (00003874))Work Location:1250 H.P. Long Field HousePay Grade:ProfessionalJob Description:

The Assistant Director of Research Programs will oversee the full lifecycle of complex, multi-disciplinary clinical studies within the LSU System, collaborating with elite academic, medical, and athletic partners. The AD will lead project planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, inventory purchasing and maintenance, and team coordination to ensure that studies are executed with precision and scientific rigor. The ideal candidate has a strong background in managing multi-disciplinary clinical trials and thrives in innovative, cross-functional environments.

Job Responsibilities:

Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Lead and coordinate cross-functional project teams (clinical operations, data management, biostats, safety, regulatory, medical writing). Facilitate cross-functional team meetings, ensure documentation of decisions and action items. Act as Project Manager/Director to direct reports. Serve as the primary institute contact for internal and external stakeholders, and compile necessary data from ORED and IHPC research teams to provide regular project updates to stakeholders (40%).

Clinical Trial Planning & Execution: Lead planning, initiation, and execution of clinical trials from study start-up through closeout. Develop detailed project timelines, milestones, and resource allocation plans. Oversee site feasibility, selection, initiation, monitoring, and closeout. Work with clinical monitors, sponsors, and study teams to ensure high-quality site engagement and performance (25%).

Compliance, Risk, and Quality Oversight: Ensure compliance with ICH-GCP, FDA/EMA regulations, and internal SOPs. Proactively identify risks and develop/implement mitigation strategies, and lead issue resolution efforts to minimize study disruption and escalation. Support audit and inspection readiness activities (20%).

Resource Oversight: Development of clinical trial budgets for funding submissions and ensure adherence to project scope, budget, and deliverables. Oversee the selection, management, and performance of equipment and supply acquisition, maintenance, CROs and other vendors (e.g., labs, imaging providers, study specific vendors), equpment. Review and approve third party invoices and ensure adherence to contractual terms. Interface with the finance office in the Office of Research to ensure that allocation of resources to research projects are within the institute scope of funding (10%).

Other duties as assigned (5%).

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a health-related field

3 years of experience in clinical research with some supervisory and clinical project management experience including but not limited to clinical trial budgeting, protocol and consent development, regulatory submissions, study implementation, and oversight of data collection and quality assurance. Strong knowledge of ICH-GCP, FDA/EMA regulatory requirements and clinical trial methodology, proficient in CTMS, EDC, eTMF, and Microsoft Project or equivalent tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in a health-related field

10 years of experience with a proven track record of managing complex, multi-site and/or multi-disciplinary studies preferred and some experience managing vendors, collaborators, sites, and cross-functional teams preferred.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply -- a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience in the job description.

Additional Job Description:Special Instructions:Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.
Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.
A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.
Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).
For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Neil Johannsen at njohan1@lsu.edu.

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:June 26, 2026Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):October 14, 2026Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: