Head of Clinical Research

Center for Social Dynamics

$110K — $130K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or related field
  • BCBA-D certification, or BCBA certification with doctoral-level research leadership experience
  • Proven experience with extramural grant development and management
  • Track record of peer-reviewed publications in behavior analysis or autism services
  • Experience integrating research into clinical operations
  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices and clinical research methodologies
  • Strong communication skills with experience presenting to diverse audiences
  • Leadership skills with project management experience

Responsibilities

  • Lead and execute CSD's clinical research strategy
  • Spearhead grant strategy and submission for funding opportunities
  • Provide scientific leadership for funded research programs
  • Identify external funding opportunities and partnerships
  • Develop and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
  • Represent CSD's research program at national conferences
  • Translate research findings into actionable insights for stakeholders
  • Chair Clinical Research Steering Committee and establish governance standards
  • Oversee research governance framework including compliance requirements
  • Integrate research findings into clinical operations
  • Mentor staff fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation
  • Maintain partnerships with universities and healthcare organizations

Benefits

  • Opportunity for career growth in a purpose-filled industry
  • Competitive market pay
  • Bonus eligibility
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • 401(k) plan
  • CSD-issued devices
  • Free college or tuition reimbursement through the Dreams Come True program
Full Job Description
Are you a research leader passionate about advancing evidence-based care and shaping the future of autism services? Join us as we open a world of possibilities.

We are currently seeking a Head of Clinical Research to join our dynamic and growing team!

Full-Time Position
Growth & Development Opportunities

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit both a Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV) with their application.

What is a Head of Clinical Research?

The Head of Clinical Research provides strategic leadership for CSD's clinical research portfolio across its multi-site ABA service network. Reporting to the CEO, this role leads research strategy, grant development, external funding partnerships, publication efforts, and research governance while advancing evidence-based practice throughout the organization.

Working closely with academic, healthcare, and community collaborators, the Head of Clinical Research leads initiatives focused on outcomes research, telehealth innovation, technology-enabled care, and improving services for individuals with autism and complex behavioral needs. This role also chairs CSD's clinical research governance efforts and plays a key role in expanding CSD's national research presence, partnerships, and impact.

What your role is:
  • Lead the development and execution of CSD's clinical research strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and opportunities to advance evidence-based practice.
  • Lead grant strategy, development, and submission for federal, foundation, and industry funding opportunities, including letters of intent, full proposals, biosketches, budgets, and supporting documentation.
  • Serve as CSD's organizational research lead, providing scientific leadership for funded research programs and collaborating closely with academic co-investigators and external research partners.
  • Identify and pursue external funding opportunities and strategic partnerships that support CSD's clinical research priorities.
  • Lead the development and submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals, ensuring scientific rigor and alignment with research and funder requirements.
  • Represent CSD's research program at national conferences, professional associations, and other industry forums.
  • Translate research findings into meaningful insights and materials for clinical teams, payers, referral partners, executive leadership, and other internal and external stakeholders.
  • Disseminate research findings across CSD to support the integration of evidence-based practices into clinical programs, protocols, and service delivery.
  • Chair CSD's Clinical Research Steering Committee and establish research governance standards across clinical domains.
  • Oversee the organization's research governance framework, including policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Support the integration of research initiatives and findings into CSD's clinical operations and multi-site provider network.
  • Mentor clinicians and research staff while fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, innovation, and evidence-based practice throughout the organization.
  • Maintain and expand partnerships with universities, healthcare organizations, and community collaborators, including research collaborations, internship programs, and other strategic initiatives.
  • Represent CSD in national professional organizations and initiatives focused on autism services, applied behavior analysis, and clinical research.
  • Stay current on emerging research, clinical trends, funding opportunities, and innovations related to autism services, ABA, telehealth, and technology-enabled care.
  • Perform additional duties and strategic initiatives as assigned.

What's required from you?
  • Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or a related field.
  • BCBA-D certification, or BCBA certification with demonstrated doctoral-level research leadership experience.
  • Experience with extramural grant development and management, including federal, foundation, or industry funding opportunities.
  • Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publication in behavior analysis, autism services, or related clinical research.
  • Experience integrating research into clinical operations and service delivery.
  • Experience with both single-subject and group experimental research designs.
  • Strong understanding of evidence-based practices and clinical research methodologies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to clinical, academic, executive, and external audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and external partners.
  • Strong strategic thinking, project management, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to translate complex research findings into practical insights for clinical and operational stakeholders.
  • Ability to maintain scientific rigor while supporting innovation and scalable research initiatives across a multi-site organization.
  • A Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV) are required for consideration. Applications submitted without both documents may not be considered.

Benefits & Perks

You will have an opportunity to grow your career in this purpose-filled industry where you can see results every day. Benefits include:
  • Competitive, market pay based on experience, location, and skills
  • Bonus eligibility
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • 401(k)
  • CSD-issued devices
  • Free college or tuition reimbursement through our Dreams Come True program


Physical requirements may include but is not limited to:
  • Constant visual stimulation, including close vision, distance vision, reading, computer work
  • Constant sitting; frequent up and down out of chair
  • Constant use of telephone, speaking, listening
  • Constant document handling, use of copier and fax machine, filing
  • Frequent typing, use of computer
  • Occasional walking around building
  • Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, pulling
  • Occasional lifting, carrying, moving of items up to 20 pounds
  • Occasional walking to, bending to enter, sitting and using upper and lower limbs to drive car

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