[Hiring] Director, Clinical Research- Cardiology @USHP

Role Description

The Director of Clinical Research is responsible for building and scaling a high-value clinical trials portfolio by proactively sourcing, securing, and managing relationships with pharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, and research partners. This role leads all aspects of study feasibility, site selection strategy, and contract and budget negotiations, positioning USHP as a preferred research partner in cardiovascular clinical trials. This position serves as the primary external-facing leader for research growth, owning sponsor relationships and driving trial acquisition and revenue, while partnering internally to ensure successful study execution across a multi-site outpatient cardiology platform.

• Sponsor Engagement & Trial Sourcing
  • Identify, pursue, and secure new clinical trial opportunities with pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and CROs
  • Build and maintain direct relationships with sponsors to position USHP as a preferred research network
  • Lead feasibility assessments and site selection strategy to win competitive studies
  • Represent USHP in sponsor meetings, industry events, and conferences
• Contract & Budget Negotiation
  • Lead end-to-end negotiation of clinical trial agreements, including budgets, payment terms, and timelines
  • Optimize study profitability while ensuring operational feasibility
  • Partner with legal and finance teams to execute contracts efficiently
  • Develop standardized pricing models and negotiation frameworks across the organization
• Research Portfolio Strategy
  • Develop and execute a growth strategy for the clinical research portfolio aligned with cardiovascular priorities
  • Evaluate and prioritize study opportunities based on revenue potential, patient population, and strategic fit
  • Expand and diversify sponsor and CRO relationships to maintain a strong study pipeline
• Site Selection & Network Optimization
  • Determine optimal site placement across the USHP network based on patient access, physician engagement, and site performance
  • Align study opportunities with physician capabilities and interests to maximize enrollment success
  • Ensure sites are appropriately positioned to meet sponsor expectations
• Sponsor & CRO Relationship Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors and CRO partners
  • Drive accountability for study timelines, enrollment targets, and deliverables
  • Manage escalations and maintain strong, long-term partnerships
• Performance & Revenue Accountability
  • Own clinical research revenue targets tied to study acquisition and execution
  • Track and report on pipeline, awarded studies, enrollment performance, and financial outcomes
  • Use performance data to refine sourcing strategy and improve win rates
• Internal Alignment & Execution Support
  • Partner with clinical and site operations teams to ensure successful study startup and execution
  • Provide guidance on feasibility, startup timelines, and operational readiness
  • Support consistency in study delivery to meet sponsor commitments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, life sciences, or related field
• 7+ years of clinical research experience with direct sponsor-facing responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience sourcing and securing clinical trials
• Proven experience negotiating clinical trial contracts and budgets
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial lifecycle, GCP, and regulatory requirements

Competencies

• Strong commercial and business development mindset
• Proven negotiation and influencing skills
• Ability to build and maintain executive-level sponsor relationships
• Strategic thinker with revenue ownership mentality
• Strong stakeholder management across internal and external partners

Preferred Qualifications

• Cardiovascular or cardiology research experience
• Experience working with CROs, pharma, or site networks
• Experience in high-growth or multi-site healthcare organizations
• CCRP, CCRC, or equivalent certification

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, as well as talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

US Health Partners is an equal opportunity employer. Employment and processes, including decisions to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, are based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.