Summary

The Vice President for Research Administration (VPRA) reports to the Senior Vice President and Dean of Research and is responsible for the strategic, regulatory, and administrative management activities that support the BCM Research mission. The VPRA will have 4 direct reports and 111 indirect reports. The VPRA is an executive, strategic leader responsible for implementing key initiatives in response to the evolving research administration environment. The VPRA is also responsible for the strategic, regulatory, and administrative management activities that support the BCM Research mission affiliated institutions. This role involves managing various research units, including, but not limited to, the office of Clinical Research (Regulatory Affairs and Support), Clinical Research Business Operations, the Sponsored Programs Office, Research Support Office, and Research Oversight (Compliance and Assurance) office, while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. As a trusted advisor on crisis management, research regulatory matters, and operational improvements, the VPRA must possess highly effective communication and collaborative skills. This position demands a reliable leader with expertise in research funding and regulatory content, adept at problem resolution and advocacy for the operational needs of research. The VPRA will develop, maintain, and evaluate comprehensive plans for research administration, fostering institutional integrity and fiscal stewardship. Key responsibilities include policy development, monitoring internal controls, overseeing staff recruitment and development, and engaging with stakeholders across BCM to support the institution’s research mission. The VPRA will also represent the research mission on various institutional committees, driving initiatives that enhance research administration, operations, and collaboration.

This position is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus.

Job Duties

• Responsible for strategic implementation of BCM Research Mission initiatives through administrative operations
• Develops, maintains, and evaluates ongoing plans for research administration that meets institution-wide needs and multiple constituencies
• Leads, manages and holds institutional responsibility for research infrastructure and services of the following units:
  • Clinical Trials Office including the Clinical Research Center at the Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and the ClinicalTrials.gov Office
  • Clinical Research Business Operations including Qualifying Clinical Trials Compliance, Clinical Trial feasibility, Baylor St. Luke’s Research Administration Office, and training including electronic medical record integration with research through Epic
  • Sponsored Programs Office including federal, state, and foundation awards, amendments, renewals and sub-awards; non-monetary agreements; progress reporting processes and award management
  • Human Research Protections Program for BCM and Affiliates, including reliance on other institutional review boards and compliance program for human research
  • Office of Trade Control; Dual Use Research of Concern; and Institutional Biosafety Committee and corresponding compliance program
  • Institutional Animal Care and Use and corresponding compliance program
  • Research Conflict of Interest and Committee on Scientific Misconduct
• Develops and implements policies, procedures and systems that promote institutional integrity, fiscal stewardship and compliance with all regulations governing the research process
• Identifies appropriate internal controls for research administration processes and provides mechanisms to monitor and enforce adherence
• Monitors and responds to customer needs and any changes in the research mission, funding agency and sponsor environment as well as research regulations and standards
• Oversees the recruitment, retention, and development of staff within the research administration units and the membership of oversight committees
• Directs the development and reporting of metrics for the research administration units
• Assists research personnel with the identification of and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Leads, co-leads, or serves as member, on institutional committees including affiliate hospital joint management committees, research informational technology committees, post-award management and task force initiatives as representation of the research mission

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Fifteen years of directly related experience with five years of supervisory experience.

Department Specific Criteria

• At least fiveyears of experience leading a research administration team
• Significant senior level research/administrative experience
• Able to operate effectively in both big-picture planning and detailed execution
• Proficient in risk management and crisis management
• Understands the needs and perspectives of research faculty
• Highly organized with a strong track record in communication
• Skilled at discerning when to escalate information and when to manage independently

Please include a cover letter expressing your accomplishments as well as your impact on research and your research administration career.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background as a scientist, ideally with experience transitioning into administrative roles and/or Clinical research experience and familiarity with affiliate relationships
• Proven ability to collaborate with research staff, physicians, and hospital administrators
• Certified Research Administrator certification through the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC)