Assistant Director, Research Operations and Education

JOB SUMMARY: The Assistant Director of Regional Research Operations and Education provides operational leadership for the expansion, standardization, and ongoing execution of oncology clinical research across regional practice locations. This role develops and implements standardized process, oversees research education and competency programs, supports regulatory compliance, and collaborates with investigators and departmental leadership to ensure high-quality, compliant clinical trial conduct throughout the research network. SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead the operational expansion of clinical research into the CARTI regional oncology practice locations, developing scalable operational workflows that promote consistent research practices across the CARTI regional research program.Collaborate with clinical, pharmacy, laboratory, imaging, and administrative leadership to establish regional site readiness and maintain research infrastructure in the regional research program.Lead internal quality assurance activities, audits, CAPA development, and inspection readiness initiatives for the regional research program.Monitor CARTI regional research performance metrics and support standardized execution of clinical trials throughout the regional research program.Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive onboarding curriculum for new regional research personnel.Develop and implement competency-based education programs for research staff.Collaborate with Sponsor and CRO teams to ensure operational consistency from study startup through closeout, including identification of operational boundaries and solution development.Ensure regional research program operations align with ICH E6(R3) Good Clinical Practice, FDA regulations, EMA regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.Conduct operational reviews and process audits to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for improvement.Promote collaboration between regional research program and the central research office and participate in strategic planning for departmental growth and expansion.Support workforce development, including recruitment, hiring, mentoring, and succession planning for regional research team members.Identify opportunities to increase research participation within underserved and rural communities.Participates in required training and education programs.Represents the department and investigators at local, regional, and national meetings.Other duties as assigned. OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS: Serve as the co-chair of the Regional Research Subcommittee of the CARTI Scientific Steering Committee (CSSC).Participate in Investigator Meetings, departmental committees, and strategic planning sessions.Assist with the creation of community outreach program.Assist with the creation of the research patient navigation program. Collaborate with leadership on feasibility assessments for regional research activation.Assist with preparation for sponsor audits, FDA inspections, and accreditation activities.Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental objectives.ravel to other CARTI cancer centers and Clinics outside of Little Rock as required. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Yes EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE, REGISTRATION: Bachelors degree in health sciences, business, or related field; Masters degree (MPH, MS, MHA, MBA) with clinical/research foundation preferred.Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certification within 12 months of exam eligibility.Valid Arkansas Drivers license EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES: Minimum five (5) years of clinical research experience, including two (2) years of leadership experience.Demonstrate strong knowledge of oncology clinical research operations.Expertise in FDA regulations and ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP).Experience in developing SOPs and operational workflows.Adult education and curriculum skills.Leadership and mentoring abilities.Excellent organizational and project management skills.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities across geographically dispersed sites.Experience with change management and process improvement.Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Must interact and communicate both verbally and in written form.Must interact and exchange information regarding patients with physicians and other departmental personnel, and outside agencies on a frequent basis while respecting the confidentiality of patient information. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position involves potential exposure to infectious diseases. Team members are offered appropriate vaccinations and safety training. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION: This position is a Safety Sensitive Positionand cannot be filled by a candidate who is a current user of medical marijuana. The essential functions, physical demands, and mental competencies of this job require the employee maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner. COMMENTS: This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.