Director of Research

The Mind Research Network (MRN) is seeking a Director of Research to oversee and manage research operations across multiple programs. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, supporting Principal Investigators (PIs), and coordinating resources to maintain high standards of research integrity and operational efficiency.

The Director of Research works closely with internal and external Principal Investigators, service centers, IRBs, regulatory agencies, administration and other research staff to ensure long-term success of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day research operations and provide guidance to research staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations governing human subjects research.
• Coordinate IRB submissions, regulatory audits, and compliance activities.
• Develop and implement research policies and training programs.
• Oversee research systems such as ClinicalTrials.gov, RedCap, and COINS database.
• Support PIs with study setup, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with administrative teams to allocate resources and maintain budgets.
• Represent MRN in communications with sponsors, regulatory agencies, and collaborators.
• Assist with participant recruitment, data collection, and quality control processes.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for research agreements and regulatory binders.

Requires a bachelor's degree in a science discipline or related field and a minimum of 5 years experience in research operations or clinical trials administration with at least three years of personnel management; or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained. 

Must have the ability to obtain the Clinical Research Professional Certification (CCRP) and/or the IRB Professional Certification (CIP) within 6 months of hire.  

Must have extensive knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to human subjects research/clinical trials. Requires significant experience and knowledge in human subjects research regulations/IRB administration. 

Must have strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills  and the ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects with a high level of attention to detail as well as knowledge of project principals, database management, practices, techniques and tools.

Must have a demonstrated understanding of the principals, methods and procedures of medical/clinical research, as well as the ability to understand and critically evaluate scientific and imaging protocols.

Must have superior professional-level written and verbal communication skills; a high degree of professionalism, diplomacy and discretion; excellent judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills; and strong customer-service skills.  Demonstrated ability in managing a wide variety of complex tasks and projects simultaneously while meeting multiple deadlines is required.  The ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with solid judgment and discretion is critical, as well as the ability to perform duties independently.

Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office systems, Google Suite and database management, as well as professional-level general computer skills and the ability to learn other department-specific computer systems as needed. 

Clinical Research Professional Certification (CCRP) and the IRB Professional Certification (CIP) preferred. 

MS or PhD with 10+ years of experience in clinical research.

This position is approximately 85% sedentary which entails exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time while conducting work that requires manual dexterity such as picking, holding, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling; Walking and standing are required about 10% of the time. Approximately 5% of the time will be spent climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, when conducting some tasks. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds and push/pull up to 30 pounds when conducting some tasks. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform essential functions and must have the ability to speak and hear.

Work location will be the Mind Research Network, located on north UNM Campus. The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from changes in temperature.  Extended period of time may be spent utilizing the computer.  Ability to gain and maintain access to Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) may be required. Must have reliable transportation. 

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Lovelace Biomedical is an Equal Opportunity Employer