Associate Chief Research Officer

Cook Children's Health Care System • Fort Worth, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Cook Children's Associate Chief Research Officer (ACRO) supports the Chief Research Officer (CRO) in leading and advancing the research enterprise of our large pediatric healthcare system and our fast-growing research program. Cook Children's is looking for a strategic thinker with strong operational capabilities who can balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. We want someone with a passion for advancing pediatric research and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups. You will assist in managing research operations, strategic planning, and serves as a liaison between the CRO's office and research administration units. You will also provide operational and strategic support across: clinical trial regulatory affairs research analytics investigator-initiated research research financial operations. Your role as ACRO will drive research growth while ensuring compliance, quality, and alignment with system-wide priorities. You have a key role in decision-making, problem-solving, and optimizing research infrastructure to enhance our competitive position and impact on pediatric health. As a key member of the leadership team, you will play a crucial role in succession planning and act as a stand-in for the CRO when needed, ensuring continuity of leadership and operations. Your role is critical for succession planning within the research organization. You will be expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the CRO role and be prepared to step in as acting CRO when necessary. While not guaranteed, the ACRO role may be considered as a potential successor to the CRO position in the future.

Requirements

• Medical or Osteopathic Doctor board-certified in a pediatric discipline is required
• At least 7 years progressive experience in clinical/translational research
• Need substantial experience in administration and operations.
• MD - Texas Medical License, DEA Credentialed member of the Cook Children’s Professional Staff, or eligible to be credentialed at Cook Children's

Nice To Haves

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree in business or healthcare administration
• Experience in healthcare administration or operations outside of research, particularly in clinical roles
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing large, complex research programs or departments
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, research ethics, and the pediatric research landscape
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Track record of successful grant funding and peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Managing research operations
• Strategic planning
• Liaison between the CRO's office and research administration units
• Provide operational and strategic support across: clinical trial regulatory affairs research analytics investigator-initiated research research financial operations
• Drive research growth while ensuring compliance, quality, and alignment with system-wide priorities
• Key role in decision-making, problem-solving, and optimizing research infrastructure
• Succession planning
• Act as a stand-in for the CRO when needed

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees