Medical Director of Research - St. Cloud, Minnesota

Co-leads CentraCare Research in partnership with the administrative dyad leader, providing strategic clinical leadership to advance research excellence and foster the integration of research and clinical practice. This role drives evidence-based innovation across the health system by aligning research priorities with clinical, operational, and population health goals. The Clinical Dyad Leader serves as a key voice in research governance and decision‑making, ensuring research activities are ethical, compliant, and positioned for meaningful impact. The role cultivates strong partnerships with clinicians, investigators, academic institutions, and community collaborators, while promoting the translation and dissemination of research findings to enhance quality, patient outcomes, and value across the organization, with a particular focus on improving rural health.

Schedule

• Part Time | .5 FTE | 40 hours every two weeks | Hybrid Onsite/Virtual Primarily working out of the U of M Medical School‑St. Cloud
• Days | 8‑hour shifts | 8-5

Pay and Benefits

• Salary range: $302,881 - $454,321 per year
  • Pay may be determined by factors such as education, experience, skills, knowledge, location, and internal equity
  • Salary and salary range are based on a 1.0 FTE, reduced FTE will result in a prorated offer rate
  • May be eligible for additional pay through bonuses, quality incentives, or production‑based (RVU) compensation.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, time off, retirement, employee discounts and more!

Qualifications

Required

• MD or DO unrestricted license to practice medicine in Minnesota (or eligibility upon hire). MD required; PhD preferred.
• Maintains an active clinical practice as part of the position responsibilities
• Experience completing research studies and/or leading clinical trials

Preferred

• Ability to interpret, communicate and operationalize organizational purpose concepts to a wide range of organizational and community representatives.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives.
• Experience in operational and financial management within a healthcare or research setting is preferred.
• Advanced degree in research or healthcare administration preferred.
• Two years of leadership experience preferred (e.g., program leadership, committee or governance roles). Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a complex healthcare environment.
• Experience securing research funding through grants, industry collaborations, or governmental sources.

Department Information

CentraCare Research is guided by four core principles—Innovation, Equity, Integration, and Impact—and is committed to advancing rural health through research that improves clinical care, education, and community well‑being. Our research strategy focuses on expanding access and participation for rural and underserved populations, improving quality and safety through evidence‑based practices, developing the next generation of clinicians and investigators, and measuring the impact of research on health outcomes and organizational value. The research portfolio includes industry‑sponsored clinical trials, investigator‑initiated studies, registries, behavioral health research, and community‑engaged initiatives. As the program continues to grow, CentraCare is investing in standardized tools, streamlined processes, and enhanced infrastructure to support multi‑site collaboration and research excellence. Through a centralized research model, we are expanding access to research opportunities across the health system, ensuring that patients, clinicians, and communities throughout our service area can benefit from meaningful and impactful research.

Our Location

CentraCare, a leading not‑for‑profit health system and one of the largest providers of rural care, serves patients across Central, West Central, and Southwestern Minnesota. It delivers nationally recognized care through 40+ medical and surgical specialties, innovative population health programs, and a collaborative physician–administration leadership model. St. Cloud Hospital, a 489‑bed regional referral center and Level II trauma center, delivers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services with Magnet‑designated nursing and expert support staff. Just 60 minutes from Minneapolis‑St. Paul, the St. Cloud region is a family‑friendly mini‑metro featuring excellent schools and four colleges, vibrant arts and theatre, abundant lakes and outdoor recreation, and year‑round activities for all seasons.

CentraCare has made a commitment to diversity in its workforce. All individuals including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. CentraCare is an EEO/AA employer.