New

Associate Director, WHCRC

University of California - San Francisco

160,000-185,000

654 Minnesota Street (Show on map)

Jun 27, 2026

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the faculty directors of the Women's Health Clinical Research Center (WHCRC), the Associate Director will independently coordinate and be accountable for the overall administration and regulatory compliance of a portfolio of approximately 10-20 active clinical protocols, including investigator-initiated, industry, and federally-sponsored multi-centered clinical trials, research consortia, and prospective cohort studies that require advanced-level knowledge and skills. The Associate Director will work collaboratively with senior academic faculty and external constituents, including diverse stakeholder groups to launch and maintain operational programs. This position provides administrative leadership within a multidisciplinary research program, across the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; the Department of Medicine - Division of General Internal Medicine; and other UCSF departments where WHCRC faculty or staff have overlapping appointments. The Associate Director manages WHCRC teams across departments, including governance, staffing, research plan development and grant submission, budget development and management, establishment and oversight of subcontracts and consultant or vendor agreements, and monitoring of the WHCRC's overall operations and portfolio. The Associate Director will supervise the day-to-day activities of all research staff and events, effectively balancing numerous deadlines and evolving priorities.

This position is responsible for and critically important to the development and overall operational management of WHCRC. The Associate Director has direct responsibility for implementing a diverse portfolio of research activities, which may include multicenter clinical trials (both NIH and industry-sponsored), local investigator-initiated clinical trials, and other programmatic clinical research activities. The position may perform expert and efficient integration of multiple complex programmatic activities, applying a sophisticated research knowledge base, substantial leadership skills, and effectively working with a variety of organizations at UCSF (Institutional and departmental leadership, clinicians, investigators, clinical staff, senior administration, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Human Research Protection Program, human resources, research management services, finance, and contracts and grants) and elsewhere (industry sponsors, coordinating centers, Data Safety Monitoring Board, FDA, NIH, PCORI), exhibiting an in-depth knowledge of specific programs.

The position will require active management of multiple project workstreams across planning, initiation, execution, and close-out. The Associate Director will establish and maintain effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders, support rigorous monitoring and evaluation of all activities to capture impact and best practices, implement sound financial and administrative stewardship, and disseminate program accomplishments. The fundamental requirements of this position include research operations management, clinical trials/longitudinal studies management, budgetary management/oversight, and HR/risk management/administrative responsibilities. The Associate Director, collaborating with the faculty members, will be responsible for study protocol development, completion of study start-up, clinical trial/study management, data management and integrity, regulatory compliance, and achievement of study objectives. This position will directly supervise multi-disciplinary/level staff personnel, as well as hire, train, and supervise new staff members.

Department Overview:

The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (Ob, Gyn & RS) is a major academic Department in the School of Medicine, engaged in clinical, research and training activities at the Parnassus, Mount Zion, and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital campuses, the new Betty Irene Moore Women's Hospital at Mission Bay, as well as satellite locations throughout the Bay Area, with an annual operating budget of $149 million. The Department has 134 full-time faculty, 117 other academic appointees, 13 post-doctoral fellows, 22 clinical fellows, 32 residents, 138 voluntary clinical faculty and 270 staff.

The mission of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences is to improve the lives and health of all women through excellence, innovation and leadership in patient care, scientific discovery, education, advocacy, and diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to providing quality health care services; educating health care providers and investigators; and conducting research to advance knowledge in our field.

Reasonable accommodation(s) to qualified individuals with disabilities are available as part of the application and interview processes. If you would like to request accommodations, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager. If workplace accommodations are needed after a job offer is made, please contact the supervisor and/or Disability Management Services (DMS) at (415) 476-2621 to initiate the interactive process.

% of time	Essential Function (Yes/No)	Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)
40%	YES	Develop, manage and oversee the organizational, strategic, and tactical aspects of the center's clinical research program. Provide operational, clinical, and project management oversight for assigned research. This includes but is not limited to the following: Oversee, direct, and develop WHCRC's research operations, including management of the research projects and staff, work streams, research budgets, contracts and subcontracts, and funding awards. Supervise the research team; serve as hiring manager for open positions, in both ObGyn and DGIM, in collaboration with HR, talent acquisition specialists, and finance analysts; propose changes to staffing as needed; execute recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training plans, and ensure new hires meet standards. Recommend salary actions, promotions and terminations. Conducts necessary personnel actions for assigned staff, including advancement and disciplinary actions. Propose changes in staffing as needed. Execute recruiting, hiring, and onboarding, ensuring that new hires meet standards Implement and administer employee evaluations that meet organization standards. Evaluate assigned staff and define development goals. Promote professional growth and advancement for staff. Train study team and provide certifications for the study. Recommend and determine budgetary limitations, the amount of subordinate merit increases, who will be selected for promotional opportunities, and whether to request the reclassification of a position. Provide leadership and supervision to the senior clinical research coordinators and clinical research coordinators, and help them successfully perform functions including recruitment, scheduling, visit management, subject characterization, and data entry. Maintain staff by identifying professional development and growth opportunities, as well as incorporating development discussions in one-on-one meetings. Manage and execute the 3-month mid-probationary reviews, 6-month probationary evaluations, annual performance evaluations, and final ratings. In partnership with HR Shared Services/LER and Staff HR Manager, manage any necessary disciplinary processes, which may include issuing written warnings and suspensions, and determining what discipline should be imposed upon a subordinate; Formulate and recommend a resolution to grievances or complaints. Implement and administer employee evaluations that meet organization standards. Evaluate assigned staff and define development goals. Promote professional growth and advancement for staff. Facilitate new stakeholder collaborations with WHCRC and onboard new stakeholder-engaged projects Perform measurement and evaluation efforts of the goals of the program to ensure program is on track, capture lessons learned, and implement course-corrections to maximize output.
30%		Translate clinical research objectives, policies and procedures into an operational plan. Establish clinical research goals to ensure trial achieves pre-defined sponsor goals, study coordinating center goals and departmental objectives. Develop ways to measure research productivity and quality. This includes but is not limited to the following: In collaboration with the Co-Directors and other leadership team members, and leaders both internal and external to UCSF, develop and execute annual work plan goals and objectives. These include but are not limited to governance, staffing, finance and budget, and donor/funding activities. Establish processes for prioritizing areas of research focus for the WHCRC Research Program. Assess ability to execute protocol safely and properly, negotiate pre-study agreements and budgets, work with Research Services Analyst and Industry Contracts to execute agreements, train staff, assign tasks, create documentation, and ensure local and federal research law compliance. Represent studies to external committees, partners, corporate / industry partners, regulatory and oversight agencies, and the public as necessary, and in collaboration with the Directors and leadership. Build and cultivate a broad base of public and private grants, contracts and gifts that supplement the existing budget; Serve as an operational research subject matter expert, provide ongoing training, ensuring continued compliance, coordinating amendment updates, maintaining study files, ensuring audit/monitoring readiness, tracking recruitment for reporting. In collaboration with the Directors and leadership, develop and execute the annual work plan goals and objectives. These may include but are not limited to governance, staffing, finance, and budget. Provide periodic status reports to project executives and coordinate documentation and archiving of project deliverables.
10%		Design and implement quality control processes for research programs, including regular program evaluations to meet department standards. Ensure study research personnel collect data and perform study assessments in a standardized fashion. This includes but is not limited to the following: Auditing and quality control review of data and study measures. Provide feedback and review of study procedures to clinical research team. Overseeing and analyzing complex databases. Compile data reports as needed. Provide team, investigators, and junior faculty with guidance regarding study design and logistics (data collection forms, formatting of data, data management). Serve as an excellent resource for any related questions or concerns about research in question.
10%		Manage program resources of assigned studies. Manage systems and processes designed to ensure successful revenue collection, invoicing and reimbursement accounting. This includes but is not limited to the following: Reviewing new budget proposals for feasibility with industry sponsors, creating internal budgets for grants, creating invoices, and reconciling budget spending and salary support. Review and monitor all research-related charges to ensure budgetary compliance. Vendor sourcing, selection, and management. Contract negotiations, invoicing, and budget oversight.
10%		Develop strategic plans for ensuring high-quality interactions with the ethical review boards, investigators, regulatory authorities, and vendors, leading to successful execution of clinical development plans and submissions for the trial. Works collaboratively with Principal Investigators, internal and external partners and vendors. Manage integral committees to studies. This includes but is not limited to the following: Oversee preparation of new IRB applications, just-in-time requests preparations, IRB renewals, regulatory, reporting, and respond to IRB stipulations. Develop strategic plans for ensuring high-quality interactions with the ethical review boards, investigators, regulatory authorities, and vendors, leading to the successful execution of clinical development plans and submissions for the trial. Work collaboratively with Principal Investigators, internal and external partners, and vendors. Manage integral committees to the study.
100%		(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

REQUIRED:

Bachelor's degree in related area and 6+ years of experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 5+ years' prior experience in a supervisory/lead, management or leadership role directly involved in managing staff.
Minimum of 6+ years experience with OBGYN or Women's Health working environment
Experience working in an academic medical institution.
Clinical Trials Administration
Broad academic knowledge and applied background in clinical research philosophy. Applies knowledge of theoretical concepts and business best practices in clinical trial and other clinical study settings. Proven ability to translate clinical research philosophy into direct and indirect clinical input to design, planning, initiation, execution and reporting of clinical studies.
Broad knowledge of clinical research concepts, federal, state and local laws and regulations, and industry requirements regarding the proper conduct of clinical trials and other clinical studies. Broad theoretical and operational knowledge of clinical and patient safety standards and regulations relating to clinical research.
Broad knowledge of all phases of clinical research, from study startup through closeout and primary publication and presentation. Knowledgeable about clinical studies involving complex trial design issues.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other cross-functional teams and people with a wide range of educational backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to interface with commercial, regulatory, federal and other members of an extended study team. Ability to influence / persuade.
Demonstrates excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Creatively addresses complex or new problems. Proven skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution.
Strong communicator; includes verbal and written, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills. Skill in analyzing and presenting data and strategy to relevant team, governance, external consultant, and regulatory / oversight meetings.
Demonstrated ability to organize research work functions in an efficient and effective manner. Great organizational skills applied to personal work and improving organization of assigned staff and trial.

PREFERRED:

Expert user of the campus' clinical information and documentation application programs. Technical proficiency in project management software.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

REQUIRED:

Bachelor's degree in related area and 6+ years of experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 5+ years' prior experience in a supervisory/lead, management or leadership role directly involved in managing staff.
Minimum of 6+ years experience with OBGYN or Women's Health working environment
Experience working in an academic medical institution.
Clinical Trials Administration
Broad academic knowledge and applied background in clinical research philosophy. Applies knowledge of theoretical concepts and business best practices in clinical trial and other clinical study settings. Proven ability to translate clinical research philosophy into direct and indirect clinical input to design, planning, initiation, execution and reporting of clinical studies.
Broad knowledge of clinical research concepts, federal, state and local laws and regulations, and industry requirements regarding the proper conduct of clinical trials and other clinical studies. Broad theoretical and operational knowledge of clinical and patient safety standards and regulations relating to clinical research.
Broad knowledge of all phases of clinical research, from study startup through closeout and primary publication and presentation. Knowledgeable about clinical studies involving complex trial design issues.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other cross-functional teams and people with a wide range of educational backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to interface with commercial, regulatory, federal and other members of an extended study team. Ability to influence / persuade.
Demonstrates excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Creatively addresses complex or new problems. Proven skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution.
Strong communicator; includes verbal and written, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills. Skill in analyzing and presenting data and strategy to relevant team, governance, external consultant, and regulatory / oversight meetings.
Demonstrated ability to organize research work functions in an efficient and effective manner. Great organizational skills applied to personal work and improving organization of assigned staff and trial.

PREFERRED:

Expert user of the campus' clinical information and documentation application programs. Technical proficiency in project management software.