Manager Clinical Protocol Administrator

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Manager Clinical Protocol Administrator to support the Surgical Oncology department, a multi-disease site department that includes Acute Care Surgical Oncology & General Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Gastric and Peritoneal Surface Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Melanoma Surgery, and Sarcoma Surgery. The Manager Clinical Protocol Administrator plays a critical role in overseeing clinical research finance, protocol administration, and operational activities that support complex, patient-centered research across multiple surgical oncology specialties. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within this mission-driven environment, the Manager Clinical Protocol Administrator collaborates closely with Principal Investigators, clinical teams, research staff, and institutional partners. The Manager Clinical Protocol Administrator is central to ensuring compliant, efficient, and financially sound execution of clinical research protocols that advance innovative cancer treatment strategies. The ideal candidate is an experienced research professional with a strong background in human subject research and clinical protocols, demonstrated proficiency in research finance including budgets, contracts, invoicing, and reconciliation, and prior patient-facing research experience. This role is well suited for an organized, detail-oriented leader with strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities, comfort mentoring team members, and the flexibility to work in a hybrid environment with on-site engagement as needed. Salary range: Minimum $95,000 – Midpoint $118,500 – Maximum $142,000 The typical work schedule is Monday‑Friday, with 8‑hour days and a maximum of 40 hours per week. Work Location: Hybrid, with a minimum of two on‑site days per week and additional on‑site presence as business, clinical, or patient needs arise in Houston, TX. Why Us? UT MD Anderson's Surgical Oncology department offers a collaborative and fast-paced research environment that directly contributes to improving survival, recovery, quality of life, and treatment outcomes for patients with solid tumors. 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. Key Responsibilities Clinical Research Finance & Contracts Negotiate contractual language between sponsors, Grants and Contracts, and Legal and communicate terms to the Principal Investigator for approval. Communicate all budget aspects to the Principal Investigator and obtain required approvals and signatures. Review coverage analyses with research personnel and the Principal Investigator to ensure all research‑related costs are captured. Create and manage study budgets including personnel salary, tissue bank, pharmacy, and miscellaneous invoiceable charges. Ensure all contracts are entered into the contract system, fully executed, filed appropriately, and tracked through completion. Budget Management, Invoicing & Reconciliation Work with research personnel to create and maintain payment spreadsheets. Facilitate, submit, and track invoices for all contractually defined payment milestones. Monitor receipt and application of all funds to appropriate company centers. Review award set‑up to ensure budget categories align with approved budgets. Resolve overdrafts, request expense transfers, manage no‑cost extensions, and coordinate timely account closure and fund sweeps. Administrative & Research Operations Participate in planning, activation, monitoring, execution, and close‑out of research protocols. Assess financial feasibility of protocols and patient accrual activities. Ensure departmental compliance with institutional standards related to research patient charges, budgeting, and expenditures. Maintain financial and research databases for internal tracking across the research lifecycle. Attend departmental, research, and institutional meetings and continuing education programs. Grant Administration Support pre‑award and post‑award grant activities, including audits. Maintain and manage databases of pending, new, and existing departmental grants. Generate accurate financial reports for faculty and department leadership. Prepare cost projections and budgets for grant‑funded research. Maintain working knowledge of funding agency guidelines to support grant preparation and submission. Personnel Management Manage productivity, performance, training, and development of assigned staff. Assess staffing needs in collaboration with management to ensure adequate resources for research operations. Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Healthcare, Nursing, or related field. Preferred: Master’s Degree in Science, Healthcare, Nursing, or related field. Work Experience Required: 6 years extensive research administrative experience in a biotechnology or academic setting, including at least two years of experience with research protocols, grants, and contracts. 2 years supervisory/management experience, or substitute additional experience for required education (or vice versa) on a one‑to‑one‑year basis. 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center