Clinical Research Program Director

Job Summary:

The University of Colorado Cancer Center is seeking a full time Cancer Clinical Trials Office Program Director to provide leadership and oversight to oncology clinical trials operations focused on the Cancer Clinical Trials Office (CCTO). This work falls under the auspices of the Cancer Center’s Cancer Protocol and Data Management (CPDM) component. The CPDM provides coordination of the Cancer Center’s clinical research activities.  

In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Clinical Research, CCTO Medical Director and other CU Cancer Center research leadership, this position will provide oversight and coordination for clinical trial activity conducted by the CCTO which conducts clinical trials on the Anschutz Medical Campus and Denver Metro area UCHealth sites and in partnership with regional UCHealth sites in Northern and Southern Colorado. 

Examples of Work/Essential Duties : 

Clinical Research Operations (40%)

• Optimize clinical research program results by improving CCTO administrative, operational and financial performance related to clinical research and resolving problems through the independent exercise of judgement and discretionary decision-making authority.
• Develop and strengthen resources, programs and services that facilitate clinical research operations within the CCTO with a continuing focus on quality improvement, cost-effectiveness and productivity enhancement.
• Evaluates and coordinates improvements in processes to maintain performance.
• In collaboration with the CCTO management, provides leadership, and oversight for operations of the CCTO by coordinating across functions (pre-award budget development, contract routing, regulatory submission, trial implementation, etc) and systems (clinical trial management system, reporting systems, etc) to optimize the trial process.
• Optimizes performance of clinical trials management system (OnCore) and eREG processes and develops metrics to assess performance for CCTO clinical, regulatory and finance staff as well as advises other CU Cancer Center partners on process improvement in utilizing technology platforms
• Provide clinical research operations leadership within the CU Cancer Center and expertise to the UCHealth regional sites. 
• Partners with clinical research leaders to establish standardized processes for performing high quality oncology clinical trials across the Front Range Clinical Trials Network.

Leadership and Strategic Planning (40%)

• Participates in the strategic decision-making process relevant to clinical research through leadership as a member of the Clinical Research Leadership Team.
• Establishes and maintains communication and collaboration with respective operational leaders at UCHealth Research Administration, UCHealth Oncology Service Line, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and the Oncology Clinical Research Support Team (OCRST) regarding issues relevant to patients participating in clinical trials conducted across the CU Cancer Center. 
• Provides input for the development of and review of CU Cancer Center guidelines and policies.
• Collaborates with the CU Cancer Center Assistant Director of Clinical Research, the Program Director of OCRST, the Assistant Director of Research Administration to achieve clinical research administration goals as delineated in the CU Cancer Center Support Grant (P30), including participating in the writing and editing of relevant sections of the grant and annual progress reports, and participation in the NCI site visit.
• Develops effective partnerships with the Clinical Research Administration Office (CRAO), OnCore team, CCTSI (CTSA-grant holder), Investigation Drug Service, and UCHealth Research Administration and Oncology Service Line leadership among others.
• Establishes a collaborative working environment with member institutions under the UCHealth system and communicates with Assistant Director of Clinical Research, CCTO Medical Director and Leadership team regarding all issues related to research.
• Supports the development of effective and collaborative partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and others to establish CU Cancer Center as a premier clinical research site. 
• Works with CU Cancer Center Assistant Director of Clinical Research, UCHealth Research Administration leadership and others as needed to support the continued growth of the Front Range Clinical Trials Network (FRCTN), by coordinating the financial and regulatory process to open clinical trials across the UCHealth system.

Financial Responsibilities (20%)

• Collaborates with the CU Cancer Center Assistant Director of Finance in developing accurate projections of expenses, budgetary, and staffing needs and makes recommendations to CCTO management and the CCTO Medical Director as appropriate.
• Works with the CCTO managers and the CU Cancer Center Assistant Director of Clinical Research and Assistant Director of Finance to develop metrics to support resource allocation decisions and develop annual budget requests. 

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of at least 3 days a week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

As the state's only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we hold a prestigious distinction that acknowledges our exceptional contributions to the fields of research, clinical trials, prevention, and cancer control. Our guiding vision is clear: "prevent and conquer cancer. Together." At the heart of our mission is the work to “unite our community to overcome cancer through innovation, discovery, prevention, early detection, multidisciplinary care, and education.”  

Our more than 300 members, made up of renowned physicians and researchers, conduct patient-centered research to develop innovative, state-of-the-art technologies, and treatments. Crucial to this work is the nearly 300 staff members who help expand the reach of the CU Cancer Center. Our expertise across cancer types helps us provide world-class treatment for common cancers, while offering hope for many patients with difficult or aggressive cancers who have struggled to find treatment options elsewhere. 

Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions:

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage .

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, nursing, healthcare, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• Six (6) years of clinical research experience with extensive, diverse and progressive responsibilities, including direct responsibility for operations and /or organization management
• The six years must include at least 2 years’ pesonnel management experience in clinical research setting.

Substitution: A combination of education and related professional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis. A master’s degree in a related field can substitute for the bachelor’s degree. 

Preferred Qualifications :

• Oncology clinical research experience
• Master’s degree in a health, science or business field
• Experience working in an academic institution
• Experience writing policies and procedures
• Experience with research budget and grant development for sponsored projects
• Experience with OnCore Clinical Trial Management System and e-regulatory software system
• Proven experience in strategic planning, business analysis, or related roles

Conditions of Employment:

Certification is required at the time of application or within a year of hire date (one of the below):

• CCRC – Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
• CCRP – Certified Clinical Research Professional
• CCRA – Certified Clinical Research Associate

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Ability to systematically analyze data and trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges and propose actionable solutions.
• Ability to lead through collaboration and teamwork.
• Ability to optimize clinical research operational results by promoting and supporting a positive internal and external customer service focus throughout the CU Cancer Center.
• Advanced knowledge of Good Clinical Practices, FDA rules and regulations in relation to clinical trials, and ICH regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, organization skills, and ability to problem solve and manage a fast-paced highly diverse workload.
• Knowledge of academic center regulatory and clinical processes as related to clinical trials.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of application.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.    A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position (only use if a cover letter is necessary)

2.    Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.    Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Jaime Becker. Jaime.Becker@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

  Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by July 28, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered. 

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as:

$81,588-$117,650. 

The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, includig protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .