At Houston Methodist, the Director, Research Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and operational oversight of multiple research programs. This position oversees all aspects of research operations, including research finance and administration, pre- and post-award grant management, clinical research budgeting and grant policy compliance, laboratory regulatory compliance, and institutional research support activities. The Director serves as a key operational partner to research leadership, ensuring the effective management of financial, administrative, and research resources in support of the organization's scientific mission.

The Director provides leadership and oversight of a management team responsible for the full lifecycle of research administration, including pre-award proposal development and submission, post-award financial management and reporting, research agreement administration, salary allocation management, capital equipment planning and oversight, coordination of scientific and financial progress reports, space management, institutional and philanthropic support funding, annual fiscal year budgeting, and coordination of core research services. This position also serves as a liaison with the Clinical Trials Office and other institutional stakeholders to facilitate the administration and execution of translational and team science research programs. In addition, the Director oversees research managers coordinating workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and human resources activities, while ensuring alignment with institutional policies and strategic priorities.

The Director is responsible for the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of monthly, quarterly, and annual research financial and operational metrics for department leadership, executive administration, and external stakeholders. This role develops and implements operational strategies, policies, and procedures that enhance efficiency, accountability, and service excellence across the research enterprise.

The Director oversees departmental personnel and resources, ensuring high levels of quality, productivity, operational effectiveness, and customer service. Responsibilities include employee engagement, organizational development, staffing and succession planning, budget development and compliance, hiring and termination oversight, performance management, coaching, and professional development. The Director fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement while supporting the achievement of strategic and operational goals.

This position ensures that research operations are conducted in accordance with institutional policies, sponsor (NIH and CPRIT) requirements, ethical standards, and all applicable regulatory, accreditation, and governmental requirements. The Director leads training, monitoring, compliance, and operational initiatives that promote responsible stewardship of research resources and maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The Director may also assume additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned in support of departmental, institutional, and research strategic objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Seven years of people management experience; for internal employees, six years of experience in relevant field with HM performance that demonstrates leadership responsibility. Seven years of research administration experience, preferably in academic setting.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred

• CCRC - Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (ACRP) or
• CCRP - Certified Clinical Research Professional (SOCRA)

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports clinical research protocols and extramurally funded translational research programs.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.