Director, Research and Support

The Director, Research and Support at Brown Cancer Center is responsible for overseeing the daily activities of clinical, regulatory, and financial staff involved in cancer research studies. This includes managing staffing for clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulations, liaising with health system partners, and implementing standard operating procedures. The role also involves recruiting and training staff, conducting performance appraisals, and overseeing the clinical trial management information system to enhance reporting capabilities.

Candidates for the Director, Research and Support position at Brown Cancer Center should possess a Master's degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable. Strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of clinical trials, and knowledge of Good Clinical Practice are also prerequisites for this role.

The Director, Research and Support plays a critical role in compliance at Brown Cancer Center by overseeing the execution of clinical trials according to Good Clinical Practice and relevant regulations. This includes ensuring staff adherence to policies, managing contracts with industry sponsors, and promoting compliant billing practices. By implementing and maintaining standard operating procedures, the Director ensures that all research activities meet regulatory obligations.

Essential skills for the Director, Research and Support include strong leadership and management abilities, excellent communication skills to liaise with various stakeholders, and a thorough understanding of clinical research processes. The ability to develop and implement effective protocols and maintain compliance with regulations is crucial. Additionally, experience with clinical trial management systems and staff training is highly beneficial for success in this role.

The Director, Research and Support role at Brown Cancer Center offers numerous opportunities for professional growth. As a leader in clinical research, you'll have the chance to expand and enhance oncology clinical trials across multiple locations, contribute to the development of policies, and mentor staff. Additionally, you'll be positioned at the forefront of advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes within the community.

When managing a team in a clinical research setting, it's important to establish clear communication and set expectations from the beginning. I prioritize regular check-ins, encourage feedback, and foster a positive collaborative environment that empowers staff. Sharing best practices and maintaining an open-door policy also helps in addressing any concerns promptly.

My experience with regulatory compliance in clinical trials includes overseeing adherence to Good Clinical Practice guidelines and national regulations. I ensure that all trial activities are documented correctly and that staff are trained on compliance protocols. Familiarity with audit preparation and response processes has been crucial in maintaining high standards of compliance.

To ensure the successful implementation of clinical trials, I focus on thorough planning and preparation. This involves engaging early with all stakeholders to align on goals, establishing clear timelines, and conducting risk assessments. Regular monitoring and adjustments to protocols as needed are also essential for keeping trials on track.

Maintaining positive relationships with research sponsors involves open and transparent communication. I prioritize regular updates on trial progress and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly. Building trust through honesty and delivering on commitments strengthens our partnerships and fosters collaboration.

When challenges arise during clinical trials, I first analyze the situation to identify the root cause. I then gather input from the team to explore potential solutions and involve stakeholders as necessary. Maintaining a calm and solution-focused approach helps in navigating challenges effectively and keeps the team focused on our objectives.

At my previous position, I identified bottlenecks in our data collection process that delayed results. By implementing a new data management system that streamlined data entry and retrieval, we reduced processing times by 30%. This improvement not only enhanced our efficiency but also provided more timely updates to stakeholders.

I keep my team motivated by recognizing their efforts and providing support during challenging projects. I ensure they understand the impact of their work on patient outcomes. Organizing team-building activities and celebrating milestones also fosters a positive environment and reinforces our collective purpose.

I have extensive experience in onboarding and training new staff in clinical research. My approach includes structured training sessions that cover essential protocols and hands-on shadowing opportunities. I also encourage an ongoing education culture where team members can propose training topics to keep our skills up-to-date.

My approach to project management in clinical trials involves detailed planning, establishing clear objectives, and utilizing timelines to track progress. I use project management tools for organizing tasks and deadlines and regularly communicate with the team to ensure that we stay aligned and proactive in addressing any hurdles.

To balance multiple clinical trials, I prioritize organizing and delegating tasks among team members based on their strengths. I maintain a detailed overview of all projects to track timelines and ensure that resources are allocated effectively. Regular strategy meetings also help in assessing progress and making necessary adjustments.