Research Nurse Manager - Regional Research Operations

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Research Nurse Manager to provide operational and strategic leadership for pediatric clinical research activities supporting clinical trials and research participants. The Research Nurse Manager will oversee research operations, personnel management, compliance, quality initiatives, and patient care activities that support the successful execution of a pediatric clinical research portfolio. The Research Nurse Manager plays a critical role in ensuring clinical research activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional policies and the Texas Nurse Practice Act.

The Research Nurse Manager position will provide operational and strategic leadership for clinical research activities supporting pediatric clinical trials at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the MD Anderson/Texas Children's Hospital Pediatric Joint Venture (Kinder Children's Cancer Center). This position oversees personnel, research operations, quality control and compliance, and patient care activities that support clinical research protocols and pediatric research participants. The Research Nurse Manager is responsible for staff development, resource management, and ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant conduct of pediatric clinical research in accordance with institutional policies and the Texas Nurse Practice Act.

The ideal candidate will have extensive clinical research management experience at the supervisor level, with a proven track record of leading and managing complex research teams. Preferred candidates will have pediatric research experience and/or expertise in oncology research, including stem cell transplantation, leukemia, or Phase I clinical trials. Demonstrated success in overseeing multidisciplinary teams, driving research operations, and ensuring the successful execution of complex clinical studies is highly desired.

Position Information

Salary: Minimum $129,000 - Midpoint $161,500 - Maximum $194,000

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Work Location: 100% Onsite.

Why Us?

This role offers the opportunity to lead and shape pediatric clinical research operations that directly support advancements in cancer treatment and patient care. The position collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, investigators, and institutional leaders to drive research excellence while providing opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and meaningful contributions to the mission of UT MD Anderson.

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning, Program & Resource Management (50%)

• Provides strategic and operational leadership for the Pediatric Clinical Research Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the MD Anderson/Texas Children's Hospital Pediatric Joint Venture (Kinder Children's Cancer Center).
• Leads programmatic planning, growth initiatives, and operational infrastructure to support the successful execution of the pediatric clinical research portfolio.
• Evaluates protocol feasibility, staffing needs, patient accrual projections, operational logistics, and resource requirements to ensure alignment with departmental and institutional objectives.
• Develops and implements strategies to support clinical trial enrollment, including initiatives that promote participation from diverse pediatric patient populations.
• Oversees workload distribution, staffing models, and resource allocation to support current and future research activities.
• Provides clinical and operational expertise to investigators and leadership regarding study implementation, patient care requirements, and research program development.
• Develops, implements, and manages departmental policies, procedures, performance metrics, and reporting processes.
• Provides oversight of pilot initiatives, operational growth projects, and programmatic activities related to pediatric clinical research.
• Serves as a liaison with institutional and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated planning and execution of pediatric clinical research activities.
• Ensures the effective management and facilitation of clinical research operations while maintaining adherence to institutional, state, and federal requirements.
• Collaborates with institutional stakeholders across MD Anderson and Texas Children's to support UT MD Anderson initiatives and advance research program goals.

Research Operations, Quality Control & Continuous Improvement (25%)

• Oversees the conduct of pediatric clinical research studies to ensure efficient, high-quality study execution and adherence to protocol requirements.
• Directs research operations and study workflows in collaboration with investigators, sponsors, multidisciplinary clinical teams, and research personnel.
• Monitors protocol implementation, patient safety activities, study documentation, and data quality throughout the research lifecycle.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates operational processes, quality control measures, and standard operating procedures that support research excellence.
• Leads quality improvement initiatives and identifies opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, study performance, and participant outcomes.
• Oversees research activities to ensure compliance with departmental standards, institutional policies, and quality expectations.
• Maintains collaboration and communication with investigators, sponsors, research administration, and supporting departments regarding current and upcoming protocols.
• Serves as a liaison among clinical, data management, regulatory, finance and administrative teams to ensure effective coordination of research activities.

Personnel Leadership, Workforce Development & Performance Management (15%)

• Provides leadership, supervision, mentorship, and performance management for research nurses, study coordinators, data management personnel, and other research staff.
• Participates in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts to support a high-performing pediatric research team.
• Conducts performance evaluations and provides coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities for direct reports.
• Oversees staffing assignments, workload balancing, productivity monitoring, and workforce planning based on portfolio demands and patient care needs.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Provides guidance, corrective action, and operational support to ensure high‑quality research performance and service delivery.

Education, Training & Professional Development (10%)

• Assesses learning needs and develops educational programs related to clinical research operations, protocol management, patient care, and study conduct.
• Provides training and guidance regarding departmental and institutional policies, procedures, and best practices for clinical research.
• Plans, develops, and delivers educational sessions, presentations, and communications for research personnel and multidisciplinary teams.
• Facilitates orientation, onboarding, and continuing education activities for research staff.
• Encourages professional growth through participation in professional organizations, committees, conferences, certifications, and scholarly activities.
• Maintains current knowledge of pediatric oncology, clinical research practices, and emerging developments affecting research operations and patient care.
• Collaborates with institutional education and training resources to support workforce competency and research excellence.

Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Nursing.
• Preferred: Master's Degree Nursing.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: Five years Registered nursing experience to include two years of research nursing experience and two years of supervisory experience.
• Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Required: RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure State of Texas Professional Nursing License (RN). Upon Hire and
• Required: BLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire or
• Required: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Upon Hire
• Preferred: ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire
• Preferred: PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 183910
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 129,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 161,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 194,000
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: SoftWork Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes