Research Nurse Manager

About the role

The Division of Neonatology has an immediate opening for a Research Nurse Manager, in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah Spencer F. Eccles School of Medicine. The Research Nurse Manager provides operational and clinical leadership for neonatal research activities conducted within the NICU and Developmental Assessment Clinic. This position manages research nursing, regulatory, and data management staff; oversees study startup, conduct, and closeout activities; ensures compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements; and collaborates with investigators, sponsors, and clinical partners to support a robust neonatal research portfolio. This position is posted at multiple job levels. Each level has distinct qualifications, responsibilities, which will be evaluated during the selection process. Final placement, including the associated pay rate, will be determined based on business needs and budget considerations.

The Department of Pediatrics is the second largest department in the University of Utah School of Medicine and one of the largest pediatric departments in the country. We are committed to improving the lives of children through excellence in advocacy, education, research, and clinical care. For more information about the Department of Pediatrics, please visit: http://medicine.utah.edu/pediatrics/. Mutual respect and appreciation are highly valued in the department.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Manage Neonatal Clinical Research Operations: Oversee daily operations of the Division of Neonatology clinical research program to ensure the successful execution of sponsored and investigator-initiated studies while maintaining regulatory compliance, participant safety, and operational efficiency. Provide direct leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for a team of research nurses, regulatory personnel, and data management staff. Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, annual performance evaluations, and professional development planning for research personnel. Monitor team workload, staffing resources, and study assignments to ensure appropriate coverage for active and anticipated research projects. Serve as a clinical and operational resource for research staff and investigators, providing guidance regarding study implementation and protocol requirements. Maintain research coverage by performing clinical research activities as needed within the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and affiliated clinical programs. Participate in rotational weekend coverage, as required by study protocols or operational needs. Lead and facilitate research-related meetings with investigators, collaborators, sponsors, and divisional leadership to support program objectives and operational effectiveness.
• Direct Industry-Sponsored Clinical Trial Activities: Provide oversight of all administrative, clinical, and operational activities associated with industry-sponsored clinical trials from study feasibility through closeout. Serve as the primary operational contact for study sponsors, contract research organizations (CROs), and collaborating institutions. Collaborate with investigators, research administration, and finance personnel to evaluate study feasibility, negotiate budgets, and allocate resources. Facilitate study startup activities, including protocol review, operational planning, regulatory submissions, and study-specific training. Ensure study procedures are effectively integrated into routine clinical workflows within the NICU and associated clinical settings. Oversee study conduct to ensure compliance with protocol requirements, sponsor expectations, institutional policies, and regulatory standards. Monitor enrollment, protocol adherence, study timelines, and data quality throughout the study lifecycle. Prepare and distribute study metrics, operational reports, and research updates to investigators and leadership. Coordinate study closeout activities and ensure completion of all required documentation and regulatory obligations.
• Oversee Investigator-Initiated Research Studies: Provide operational and regulatory leadership for investigator-initiated studies to support the development and successful implementation of innovative neonatal research. Collaborate with principal investigators in protocol development, study design, and operational planning. Assist in the preparation and maintenance of research documents, study manuals, regulatory submissions, and study-specific procedures. Coordinate required institutional and regulatory reviews, including IR