Director Research Operations

About the role

The Director, Research Operations at Houston Methodist Academic Institute is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and operational oversight of multiple research programs. This position oversees all aspects of research operations, including research finance and administration, pre- and post-award grant management, clinical research budgeting and grant policy compliance, laboratory regulatory compliance, and institutional research support activities.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and operational oversight of multiple research programs
• Overseeing all aspects of research operations, including research finance and administration, pre- and post-award grant management, clinical research budgeting and grant policy compliance, laboratory regulatory compliance, and institutional research support activities
• Serving as a key operational partner to research leadership, ensuring the effective management of financial, administrative, and research resources in support of the organization's scientific mission
• Providing leadership and oversight of a management team responsible for the full lifecycle of research administration, including pre-award proposal development and submission, post-award financial management and reporting, research agreement administration, salary allocation management, capital equipment planning and oversight, coordination of scientific and financial progress reports, space management, institutional and philanthropic support funding, annual fiscal year budgeting, and coordination of core research services
• Serving as a liaison with the Clinical Trials Office and other institutional stakeholders to facilitate the administration and execution of translational and team science research programs
• Overseeing research managers coordinating workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and human resources activities, while ensuring alignment with institutional policies and strategic priorities
• Preparation, monitoring, and reporting of monthly, quarterly, and annual research financial and operational metrics for department leadership, executive administration, and external stakeholders
• Developing and implementing operational strategies, policies, and procedures that enhance efficiency, accountability, and service excellence across the research enterprise
• Overseeing departmental personnel and resources, ensuring high levels of quality, productivity, operational effectiveness, and customer service
• Leading training, monitoring, compliance, and operational initiatives that promote responsible stewardship of research resources and maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Seven years of people management experience; for internal employees, six years of experience in relevant field with HM performance that demonstrates leadership responsibility
• Seven years of research administration experience, preferably in academic setting

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially about activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Demonstrates the ability to interact with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Demonstrates leadership qualities and critical thinking through self-direction initiative and effective interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills
• Demonstrates knowledge of lab operations management, clinical research revenue cycle experience and experience in pre and post award grant management