Director of Research Operations

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

 

The Director of Research Operations (DRO) provides oversight of a collaborative group of scientists in the Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Epidemiology (BBE) Program and Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention (SCHARP) responsible for the delivery of critical outcomes across multiple studies in the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN), the Sexually Transmitted Infections Impact Research Consortium (STIIRC), and related projects. The DRO reports to the contact PI of the HPTN Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC). The DRO leads the implementation of network and project scientific agendas and provides day-to-day management of the research portfolio. The DRO serves as the network or project PI(s) representative when needed and serves as a liaison between the PI(s), SCHARP management, Leadership Group(s), and the leadership of external collaborative partners in the networks and projects. The DRO is a member of network leadership teams, working closely with the SCHARP Program and Portfolio Manager (PPM) and the PI(s) to achieve overall research goals for the projects.

 

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, all employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values of collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect.

JOB DUTIES:

The DRO may perform some or all the following responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership, including setting priorities, portfolio management, and directing workflow within networks and projects in partnership with the PI(s) and PPM(s).
• Participate in strategic planning and make management decisions for networks, projects, and related research within BBE.
• Set and enforce network and project policy related to protocol operations; oversee maintenance of cross-functional manuals of operations.
• Interact effectively with the scientific and organizational leadership of the networks and represent the program and the PI(s) at internal and external meetings and committees as needed.
• Prepare and/or oversee new grant and annual progress reports. In collaboration with the Portfolio Manager, the Director is responsible for descriptions of how the aims of the grant were or will be implemented and enters scientific sections and regulatory sections for the progress reports in eRA Commons.
• Manage compliance and IRB tasks for the networks and projects in collaboration with IRO and Research Administration team.
• Develop and oversee budgets. Review budgets and effort allocation monthly to ensure that effort matches appropriately with the work being done.
• Monitor subrecipient activities as applicable.
• Manage contracts and oversee performance of contractors in collaboration with the BBE Contracts & Vendor Management Team.
• Monitor SCHARP activities and prioritize work to match with research/service goals keeping project leadership up to date with activities and obtain regular feedback.
• Participate in quarterly and annual report writing.
• Make operational and management decisions within the networks and projects in a timely manner.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant Infectious Diseases research through participation in professional organizations, scientific conferences, reading industry journals, and publication of manuscripts.
• Lead continuous improvement projects as requested by PI(s) and HPTN leadership and identify additional areas for improvement. Provide project progress reports regularly during any active project.
• Responsible for consistently exemplifying Fred Hutch values and commitment to maintaining an inclusive workplace culture built on respect, diversity, equity, and research integrity.
• Perform other tasks as required.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Level of autonomy:
  • Highly motivated, self-starter, and able to work independently.
  • The DRO will exercise sound judgement in coordinating and managing competing priorities within the network and projects.
  • The DRO is empowered to make day-to-day management decisions regarding the research supported by the grant(s) and support the research agenda, as appropriate, escalating issues to the PI(s) when needed.
  • The DRO will execute strategic decisions of the networks and projects and evaluate project performance, in turn informing future course corrections or strategic alignment.
• Financial responsibility:
  • The DRO will have budgetary oversight for the networks and projects. The incumbent needs to understand budgets and financial reports, monitor costs in accordance with sponsor rules and regulations and Fred Hutch policy, provide recommendations to manage budget deviations, develop budgets for protocols in partnership with the PI(s), Research Administrator, and SCHARP, and approve invoices, travel requests, and other costs as delegated by the PI(s).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience working in research and or clinical trial setting.
• At least 5 years supervisor experience.
• Ph.D. in quantitative health sciences, e.g. biostatistics, epidemiology, or related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication and critical thinking skills.
• Ability not only to work autonomously, but also to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams including statisticians and programmers, laboratory scientists, social scientists, program managers, etc.
• Ability to evaluate information quickly, and frame ideas and arguments effectively.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Dedication to open and reproducible research.
• High scientific rigor and integrity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience and expertise in statistical and data management timelines, deliverables and publication.
• Experience working in complex and geographically diverse collaborative groups within a clinical research environment.
• Prior knowledge of infectious diseases (e.g., polio, TB, HIV, etc.), global health, social and implementation science.
• Ability to travel in US and internationally.

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

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The annual base salary range for this position is from $153,574 to $256,235, and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.  

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months). 

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.