Research Operations Manager 2 - Lillehei Clinical Research Unit

About the Job:
The Primary purpose of the position is to lead the clinical research program and infrastructure of the Lillehei Clinical Research Unit (LCRU) in collaboration with the LCRU Deputy Director and LHI leadership. The LCRU is a clinical research unit within the Lillehei Heart Institute (LHI). The Program Director will assure the operational efficiency of research by proper equipment, procedural oversight of data collection and analysis, and development and maintenance of budgets. The Program Director will provide strategic direction and oversight for research operations including portfolio growth, staffing, resources and fiscal responsibility of the unit.

(25%) Strategic Direction of the program Develop and implement processes and procedures to ensure that services are provided to the Cardiovascular investigators in an efficient, integrated and high quality manner to meet the clinical and research objectives of the Lillehei Clinical Research Unit (LCRU). Manage the budget, human resources, physical resources, operational policies and procedures, and other administrative activities of the integrated service. Work collaboratively with the Medical School, the Clinical Translational Research Institute (CTSI), M Health Fairview and University of Minnesota Physicians to serve the needs of cardiology patients and researchers.

(15%) Strategic Planning and long-range growth Participate in long-range planning, including strategic growth planning, for support of the LHI. Serve as a member of the division's Clinical Research Leadership team to participate in development of research priorities and the resources necessary to accomplish the division's mission. Responsible for developing and implementing tactics to meet strategic goals.

(20%) Collaboration across a large matrix organization Partners with other offices and committees within the University of Minnesota, Office of Academic Clinical Affairs, Clinical Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota Physicians, and M Health Fairview to facilitate change and to make recommendations for improving research compliance and processes. Exemplify the mission of the department's initiatives with clinical partners. Represent the Cardiovascular division in the development and implementation of Medical School wide clinical research policies and procedures.

(40%) Direct and oversee daily operations of the LCRU personnel. Management and training of all non-physician staff. Recommends the hiring of new staff and ensures proper orientation and training is provided. Writes and updates job descriptions, makes decisions regarding employee requests, delegate's duties, conducts staff meetings, coordinates and conducts performance appraisals, monitoring progress and attainment of mutually agreed upon goals for direct reports. Facilitates the development of new and existing staff through individual and institutional activities.

Fiscal Responsibility: Supports the development of the annual budget including ISO rate development and assists leadership and finance managers to develop capital purchases. Responsible for budget monitoring to manage and control expenditures. Mentors and directs staff to maximize resources efficiently. Maximizes cost efficiencies in the development of supply, equipment and inventory systems, managing operations and ensuring compliance within established budget targets for respective accounts.

Policies and Procedures: Development of policies and procedures to promote adherence to Good clinical practices, Code of Federal Regulations and University and Fairview policies. Promotes adherence to regulatory requirements to ensure safety of study participants and employees.

Required Qualifications:
- Requires BA/BS with at least 8 years experience managing/leading clinical studies/teams in a supervisor leadership capacity or an advanced degree with 6 years' experience managing/leading clinical studies/teams in a supervisor leadership capacity.
- Experience managing direct reports and leading clinical research teams.
- Clinical Research experience in an Academic or Business and Industry setting
- Expertise with Good Clinical Practice, Code of Federal Regulations, regulatory and compliance guidelines for clinical trials
- Experience with using MS Office suite applications

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience using REDCap, Smartsheet, ETHOS and OnCore
- Cost-center/budget management experience
- Experience managing clinical trials from start to finish. Grant funded trials as well and business and industry (medical device and pharmaceuticals)
- Leadership skills include strong communication, problem solving, business integration across cross functional teams, and quality focused
- Experience in Cardiovascular research

Pay Range: $119,000-$135,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

About the U of M Medical School:

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.