Head of Clinical Research

Center for Social Dynamics•Santa Fe, NM

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Head of Clinical Research provides strategic leadership for CSD’s clinical research portfolio across its multi-site ABA service network. Reporting to the CEO, this role leads research strategy, grant development, external funding partnerships, publication efforts, and research governance while advancing evidence-based practice throughout the organization. Working closely with academic, healthcare, and community collaborators, the Head of Clinical Research leads initiatives focused on outcomes research, telehealth innovation, technology-enabled care, and improving services for individuals with autism and complex behavioral needs. This role also chairs CSD’s clinical research governance efforts and plays a key role in expanding CSD’s national research presence, partnerships, and impact.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or a related field.
BCBA-D certification, or BCBA certification with demonstrated doctoral-level research leadership experience.
Experience with extramural grant development and management, including federal, foundation, or industry funding opportunities.
Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publication in behavior analysis, autism services, or related clinical research.
Experience integrating research into clinical operations and service delivery.
Experience with both single-subject and group experimental research designs.
Strong understanding of evidence-based practices and clinical research methodologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to clinical, academic, executive, and external audiences.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and external partners.
Strong strategic thinking, project management, and leadership skills.
Ability to translate complex research findings into practical insights for clinical and operational stakeholders.
Ability to maintain scientific rigor while supporting innovation and scalable research initiatives across a multi-site organization.
A Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV) are required for consideration. Applications submitted without both documents may not be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of CSD’s clinical research strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and opportunities to advance evidence-based practice.
Lead grant strategy, development, and submission for federal, foundation, and industry funding opportunities, including letters of intent, full proposals, biosketches, budgets, and supporting documentation.
Serve as CSD’s organizational research lead, providing scientific leadership for funded research programs and collaborating closely with academic co-investigators and external research partners.
Identify and pursue external funding opportunities and strategic partnerships that support CSD’s clinical research priorities.
Lead the development and submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals, ensuring scientific rigor and alignment with research and funder requirements.
Represent CSD’s research program at national conferences, professional associations, and other industry forums.
Translate research findings into meaningful insights and materials for clinical teams, payers, referral partners, executive leadership, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Disseminate research findings across CSD to support the integration of evidence-based practices into clinical programs, protocols, and service delivery.
Chair CSD’s Clinical Research Steering Committee and establish research governance standards across clinical domains.
Oversee the organization’s research governance framework, including policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Support the integration of research initiatives and findings into CSD’s clinical operations and multi-site provider network.
Mentor clinicians and research staff while fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, innovation, and evidence-based practice throughout the organization.
Maintain and expand partnerships with universities, healthcare organizations, and community collaborators, including research collaborations, internship programs, and other strategic initiatives.
Represent CSD in national professional organizations and initiatives focused on autism services, applied behavior analysis, and clinical research.
Stay current on emerging research, clinical trends, funding opportunities, and innovations related to autism services, ABA, telehealth, and technology-enabled care.
Perform additional duties and strategic initiatives as assigned.