Research Operations Manager - Research Administration

Research Operations Manager

Work where every moment matters. Every day, more than 40,000 Hartford HealthCare employees come to work with one thing in common: pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut's most comprehensive healthcare network.

Hartford Hospital is one of the largest and most respected teaching hospitals in New England. We are a Level 1 Trauma Center that provides cutting edge treatment to its patients. This is made possible by being home to the largest robotic surgery center in the Northeast and the Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI), one of the most-advanced medical simulation training centers in the world. When hospitals cannot provide the advanced care, expertise and new treatment options their patients require, they turn to us.

Job Summary

The Research Operations Manager is a leadership role within Hartford HealthCare's (HHC) Research Administration department, responsible for overseeing programs, communications, events, and cross-functional coordination that enable investigators and research teams to operate effectively. Reporting to the System Director of Research Operations, this position directly supervises the Research Navigator, exercises independent judgment in prioritizing operational workflows, and manages program budgets. The role serves as a critical link between Research Administration, institutes, and cross-functional partners, ensuring research activity across the system is well-supported, well-communicated, and compliant with institutional standards.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Supervises and mentors the Research Navigator.
• Collaborates with the System Director of Research Operations to develop and implement strategic initiatives for the Research Administration department.
• Serve as a liaison between Research Administration and other departments, including the HHC Innovation Department.
• Attends Hartford Region Leadership Forum.
• Plans and executes research events and stakeholder-facing programs across HHC.
• Manages operations of the Summer Student Pre-Med & Research Program under the direction of the System Director, including logistics, cohort communications, and mentor coordination.

Research Support Oversight

• Oversees the Honest Broker System, ensuring compliance and efficiency in data access for research purposes.
• Manages departmental social media and newsletters to promote research activities and achievements.
• Oversees processes associated with the Research Technology Intake Workgroup, serving as a member and providing staff support for intake review, coordination, and follow-up.

Governance and Compliance

• Serves as a member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• Attends the AI Workgroup, providing operational input on AI-related research support needs. Attends Institutional Review Board (IRB) full board meetings as a non-voting member, providing insight on research administration matters.
• Ensures compliance with research regulations and institutional policies.

Operational Excellence

• Leads metric tracking and reporting for research activities.
• Implements process improvements to enhance research support services.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures for research administration functions.

Strategic Planning and Development

• Leads long-term strategic planning for the Research Administration department.
• Identifies opportunities for growth and innovation in research support services.
• Collaborates with senior leadership on initiatives to enhance HHC's research profile.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Builds and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Represents the Research Administration department at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Facilitates communication between research teams and administrative departments.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Masters, PhD, PharmD, MD) in a scientific, health administration, public health, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in clinical research or research administration
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, preferably in a healthcare or academic research setting
• Strong understanding of research ethics, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and project management skills
• Familiarity with electronic IRB systems and research management tools
• Knowledge of emerging trends in healthcare research and innovation
• Track record of successful cross-functional collaboration in complex organizations
• Familiarity with grant funding mechanisms and financial management of research portfolios

We take great care of careers. With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees-- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action employer, the organization will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.