[Hiring] Manager, Study Operations - Training and Development @START Center for Cancer Research

Role Description

The Study Operations Manager - Training and Development is responsible for leading onboarding, training, competency development, and operational readiness programs for Study Operations personnel across the START network. This role leverages deep expertise in clinical research operations to develop, deliver, and continuously improve structured training programs for Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs), Study Operations leaders, and other site-based research staff, with a primary focus on supporting newly activated and expanding START sites.

Success in this role will be measured by onboarding effectiveness, employee readiness, competency achievement, operational consistency, compliance adherence, site launch success, and overall support of START's growth strategy.

This is a remote role. The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $120,000. However, base pay may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Work Hours: M-F, 8am-5pm

Location: Remote with up to 50% travel. Candidates based in EST or CST time zones strongly preferred.

Essential Responsibilities

• Training Program Development & Standardization
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve standardized onboarding and training programs for Study Operations personnel across the START network.
  • Create, revise, and maintain role-specific training curricula, onboarding pathways, competency frameworks, learning plans, educational resources, job aids, and operational workflows.
  • Develop and maintain training documentation, study-specific training materials, platform user guides, process maps, and supplemental learning resources.
  • Ensure all training content aligns with START SOPs, work instructions, GCP requirements, regulatory standards, and operational best practices.
  • Support the development and implementation of scalable training solutions that support rapid growth and expansion across the organization.
• Employee Onboarding & Workforce Readiness
  • Serve as the primary onboarding lead and training resource for newly hired Clinical Research Coordinators, Study Operations leaders, and other research operations personnel.
  • Deliver instructor-led, virtual, and hands-on training sessions focused on clinical research operations, systems, workflows, and START standards.
  • Conduct baseline assessments to evaluate learner readiness, identify development needs, and customize onboarding support.
  • Provide ongoing one-on-one coaching, mentoring, and performance support throughout onboarding and role transition periods.
  • Facilitate individual and small-group learning sessions to reinforce operational knowledge, role proficiency, and clinical research best practices.
  • Identify performance gaps and implement targeted remediation and development plans to accelerate competency achievement.
  • Monitor onboarding progress and maintain training records, competency documentation, and learner completion metrics.
• New Site Launch & Operational Readiness
  • Lead Study Operations onboarding initiatives for newly activated and expanding START sites.
  • Partner with Site Development, Site Leadership, and Shared Services teams to develop site readiness plans and onboarding strategies.
  • Ensure newly hired personnel understand START operational standards, workflows, systems, and compliance expectations.
  • Coordinate and schedule shadowing experiences at established START sites to support experiential learning and operational consistency.
  • Provide support before, during, and after shadowing activities to reinforce learning objectives and competency development.
  • Evaluate employee and site readiness throughout onboarding and provide recommendations to leadership regarding operational preparedness.
  • Support site ramp-up activities and coordinate transition of ongoing development needs to operational leadership and Clinical Education colleagues once onboarding objectives have been achieved.
  • Facilitate a seamless handoff from onboarding to long-term training and development programs as sites transition into ramping and growth phases.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Training Delivery
  • Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across Regulatory, Quality, Nursing, Pharmacy, Site Development, Study Start-Up, Study Operations, and Shared Services teams to coordinate and deliver training programs.
  • Partner with departments implementing new systems, technologies, or workflows to develop and execute effective training strategies.
  • Lead site-based, virtual, and small-group training sessions focused on operational workflows, system utilization, study conduct, and compliance requirements.
  • Serve as a Study Operations subject matter expert and provide operational guidance and support to employees and leaders across the organization.
• Competency Assessment, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
  • Evaluate employee competency throughout onboarding and ongoing training to ensure readiness and proficiency in role-specific responsibilities.
  • Conduct recurring competency assessments and identify knowledge gaps requiring remediation, reinforcement, or additional training.
  • Deliver compliance-focused training and monitor adherence to SOPs, work instructions, GCP standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Track onboarding effectiveness through learner feedback, competency assessments, operational metrics, and performance data.
  • Provide regular onboarding, readiness, and training effectiveness updates to leadership teams.
  • Use continuous process improvement methodologies to identify opportunities for improving onboarding, operational readiness, and employee performance.
  • Escalate training concerns and recommend corrective actions and development plans when appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health administration, Nursing, Life Sciences, or other related field.
• 5+ years of clinical research operations experience, preferably in early phase oncology, with at least three years training, onboarding and mentoring research staff.
• Knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, FDA regulations, and clinical research operations.
• Prior experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator, Lead CRC, Study Operations Manager, or equivalent clinical research leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience onboarding, training, mentoring, or developing clinical research professionals.
• Experience facilitating training programs and delivering adult learning in healthcare or clinical research environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, CTMS platforms, EHR systems, and clinical research documentation systems.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, coaching, communication, and organizational skills.

Physical and Travel Requirements

• Must have dedicated in-home office space.
• 50% travel is required to support new site launches, onboarding activities, shadowing experiences, workforce readiness initiatives, and operational training programs.
• Ability to facilitate both virtual and in-person training sessions.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and optional insurance options.
• Company paid life and disability insurance for added financial protection.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no-cost support for you and your family from day one.
• Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support your financial wellness.
• Commitment to a supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility.