[Hiring] Head of Clinical Research @Center for Social Dynamics

Role Description

Are you a research leader passionate about advancing evidence-based care and shaping the future of autism services? Join us as we open a world of possibilities. We are currently seeking a Head of Clinical Research to join our dynamic and growing team!

Full-Time Position
Growth & Development Opportunities

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit both a Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV) with their application.

The Head of Clinical Research provides strategic leadership for CSD’s clinical research portfolio across its multi-site ABA service network. Reporting to the CEO, this role leads research strategy, grant development, external funding partnerships, publication efforts, and research governance while advancing evidence-based practice throughout the organization.

Working closely with academic, healthcare, and community collaborators, the Head of Clinical Research leads initiatives focused on:

• Outcomes research
• Telehealth innovation
• Technology-enabled care
• Improving services for individuals with autism and complex behavioral needs

This role also chairs CSD’s clinical research governance efforts and plays a key role in expanding CSD’s national research presence, partnerships, and impact.

What your role is:

• Lead the development and execution of CSD’s clinical research strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and opportunities to advance evidence-based practice.
• Lead grant strategy, development, and submission for federal, foundation, and industry funding opportunities, including letters of intent, full proposals, biosketches, budgets, and supporting documentation.
• Serve as CSD’s organizational research lead, providing scientific leadership for funded research programs and collaborating closely with academic co-investigators and external research partners.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities and strategic partnerships that support CSD’s clinical research priorities.
• Lead the development and submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals, ensuring scientific rigor and alignment with research and funder requirements.
• Represent CSD’s research program at national conferences, professional associations, and other industry forums.
• Translate research findings into meaningful insights and materials for clinical teams, payers, referral partners, executive leadership, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Disseminate research findings across CSD to support the integration of evidence-based practices into clinical programs, protocols, and service delivery.
• Chair CSD’s Clinical Research Steering Committee and establish research governance standards across clinical domains.
• Oversee the organization’s research governance framework, including policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Support the integration of research initiatives and findings into CSD’s clinical operations and multi-site provider network.
• Mentor clinicians and research staff while fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, innovation, and evidence-based practice throughout the organization.
• Maintain and expand partnerships with universities, healthcare organizations, and community collaborators, including research collaborations, internship programs, and other strategic initiatives.
• Represent CSD in national professional organizations and initiatives focused on autism services, applied behavior analysis, and clinical research.
• Stay current on emerging research, clinical trends, funding opportunities, and innovations related to autism services, ABA, telehealth, and technology-enabled care.
• Perform additional duties and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or a related field.
• BCBA-D certification, or BCBA certification with demonstrated doctoral-level research leadership experience.
• Experience with extramural grant development and management, including federal, foundation, or industry funding opportunities.
• Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publication in behavior analysis, autism services, or related clinical research.
• Experience integrating research into clinical operations and service delivery.
• Experience with both single-subject and group experimental research designs.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practices and clinical research methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to clinical, academic, executive, and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and external partners.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to translate complex research findings into practical insights for clinical and operational stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain scientific rigor while supporting innovation and scalable research initiatives across a multi-site organization.

Benefits

• Competitive, market pay based on experience, location, and skills
• Bonus eligibility
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k)
• CSD-issued devices
• Free college or tuition reimbursement through our Dreams Come True program

Company Description

At Center for Social Dynamics (CSD), we believe that every child deserves a chance to shine. We're a passionate team on a mission to open up a world of possibilities for individuals with autism and other developmental needs—through science, compassion, and a whole lot of heart.

We live our TRUE values—Transparency, Respect, Understanding, and Excellence—in everything we do. As a fast-growing leader in the field, we're known for our vibrant culture, hands-on training, and career pathways that help you grow just as much as those we serve.

CSD is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.