Head of Clinical Research

Center for Social Dynamics

$100K — $120K *
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 demonstrated research leadership experience.
  • Experience with extramural grant development and management across federal, foundation, or industry sectors.
  • Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications related to behavior analysis or autism services.
  • Strong understanding of evidence-based practices and clinical research methodologies.
  • Excellent communication skills for various audiences, including clinical and academic stakeholders.
  • Experience integrating research into clinical operations.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the clinical research strategy development in line with organizational priorities.
  • Manage grant strategy, development, and submissions for diverse funding opportunities.
  • Serve as the main research lead, ensuring collaboration with internal and external partners.
  • Identify and secure external funding and strategic partnerships for research initiatives.
  • Develop and submit peer-reviewed manuscripts, ensuring scientific rigor and compliance with funder requirements.
  • Represent CSD at national conferences and professional gatherings to promote the research program.
  • Translate research findings into actionable insights for clinical teams and stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Competitive market pay based on experience and location.
  • Bonus eligibility based on performance.
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) policy.
  • 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Access to company-issued devices for work.
  • Tuition reimbursement through the Dreams Come True program.
Full Job Description
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

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