Clinical Research Manager, Department of Neurology

The Department of Neurology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Clinical Research Manager to lead and support a diverse and expanding portfolio of clinical trials across neurology subspecialties. This full-time, on-site position offers an exciting opportunity to supervise 5-7 Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs), ensure compliance with federal and institutional regulations, and directly contribute to the advancement of clinical research for neurological diseases.

This role is part of a growing and expanding clinical trial operation within a leading center in Tucson and Southern Arizona, offering cutting-edge investigational treatments to patients with neurological disorders. The Department of Neurology is committed to improving patient outcomes through translational research, early-phase trials, and advanced therapeutics targeting diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, and neuromuscular disorders.
Reporting to the Department leadership and the Clinical Research Unit Director, the Clinical Research Manager will serve as the primary liaison with external sponsors and internal clinical trial management teams, including Contract and Budget Analysis, the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Institutional Research Offices, and the Office of Sponsored Projects. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional leadership, regulatory expertise, and hands-on experience in clinical trial operations, and will occasionally step into the CRC role when needed to maintain research continuity.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where scientific innovation and patient-centered care drive every decision.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Team Leadership & Oversight:

• Supervise, train, and evaluate a team of CRCs coordinating multiple neurology-related clinical trials.
• Provide hands-on CRC support when necessary to ensure study continuity and compliance.
• Foster a collaborative environment aligned with departmental goals and research excellence.

Study Management & Compliance:

• Manage study start-up, regulatory submissions, contract and budget negotiations, and IRB processes.
• Oversee patient recruitment, informed consent, data collection, and protocol adherence.
• Monitor trial progress, resolve operational issues, and lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist in audit preparation, site visits, and compliance assessments.

Collaboration & Strategic Support

• Serve as a key point of contact for sponsors, CROs, and internal teams related to trial budgets, site readiness, and compliance.
• Collaborate with investigators on grant submissions, protocol development, and regulatory documentation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of clinical trial regulations (GCP, FDA, IRB requirements) and institutional review processes.
• Advanced communication skills and ability to lead in a complex, multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in EDC platforms (e.g., REDCap, iMedidata, Zelta, OnCore) and Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities in a busy, high-performing team environment.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of related work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience required.

• fluency in Spanish.
• ACRP or SOCRA certification (e.g., CCRC, CCRP).
• Experience coordinating or managing neurology or neuroscience clinical trials.
• Familiarity with University of Arizona research systems and compliance processes.
• Experience with federally funded, industry-sponsored, and investigator-initiated trials.
• Experience in budgeting, invoicing, and financial oversight of research studies.
• Master’s degree in Clinical Research, Clinical Trials Management, Public Health, or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of full-time experience in clinical trial operations, with a strong track record of increasing responsibility in study coordination, regulatory affairs, and sponsor communication.
• Success working with sponsors, contract offices, IRB staff, and internal research administration teams.
• Proven experience in supervising clinical research teams and ensuring regulatory compliance.