Sr. Clinical Research Operations Specialist

University of Rochester • City of Rochester, NY

1d

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. With minimal direction and extensive use of independent judgment, the Senior Clinical Research Operations Specialist leads institutional initiatives that strengthen the University’s clinical research infrastructure and operational efficiency. This role is responsible for developing and implementing standardized operational practices, coordinating enterprise-level feasibility and business development efforts, and facilitating strategic communication across departments. The position plays a key role in institutional decision-making and process improvement related to the initiation and conduct of clinical trials. The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law. Learn. Discover. Heal. Create. Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better. If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals. At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, health administration, public health, or life sciences required.
• 5 years of experience in clinical research operations, feasibility, business development, or research administration or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement institutional-level processes required.
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis and presentation tools required.
• Strong understanding of clinical research infrastructure and compliance required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred
• Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) or Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) certification upon hire preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operational Strategy & Standardization – Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of institutional policies, templates, and workflows that improve research operations, consistency, and compliance across departments. Partners with Office of Clinical Research (OCR) leadership to identify areas for process improvement and drives initiatives from concept through execution.
• Feasibility & Business Development Leadership – Oversees centralized feasibility assessments for new clinical trials. Coordinates institutional evaluation of resource requirements, recruitment potential, and competing studies. Engages with sponsors, CROs, and investigators to promote the University as a competitive research site.
• Institutional Communication & Engagement – Leads communication strategies to enhance transparency and collaboration across the research enterprise. Develops and disseminates institutional updates, policies, and educational resources. Represents OCR in high-level meetings and committees.
• Data Analytics & Reporting – Designs and maintains dashboards and reports that track operational performance, feasibility metrics, and process improvement outcomes. Interprets data to inform leadership decisions and institutional strategy.
• Mentorship & Collaboration – Provides guidance and mentorship to junior OCR staff and departmental research administrators. Serves as a resource and subject matter expert for research operations and feasibility practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees