Manager of Research

Location: Tucker, Georgia/Sandy Springs, Georgia Organization: Atlanta Heart Specialists/Cardiovascular Associates of America (CVAUSA)

Position Overview

The Atlanta Heart Specialists Manager of Research is responsible for leading the operations, growth, and strategic expansion of the clinical research program within the practice. This role serves as the primary on-site leader of the research team, partnering closely with physicians, clinical staff, and national research leadership to build and manage a high-performing research program that advances innovation in cardiovascular medicine.

The Manager will oversee research staff, ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and regulatory standards, and develop the infrastructure necessary to support a robust and sustainable portfolio of clinical trials. This role requires a proactive leader who can champion research within the practice, mentor staff, implement scalable processes, and advocate for research growth among physician partners and operational leadership.

The ideal candidate is a builder and strategic operator—someone who thrives in developing systems, leading teams, and driving practice engagement in clinical research.

Key Responsibilities

Research Program Leadership

· Serve as the practice-level leader for clinical research operations for a rapidly growing research program at a large community cardiology practice.

· Develop and execute strategies to grow and expand the research program, including increasing trial volume, patient enrollment, and physician engagement.

· Partner with physicians to identify clinical research opportunities aligned with practice specialties and patient populations.

· Advocate for research integration into routine clinical workflows.

Infrastructure Development

· Build and maintain the operational infrastructure necessary to support high-quality clinical research, including:

o Standardized workflows and study startup processes

o Regulatory documentation systems

o Data and quality management processes

o Research staffing models

o Staff training

· Implement scalable systems to support program growth and multi-study coordination.

Staff Leadership and Mentorship

· Provide direct leadership, coaching, and mentorship to research coordinators, data specialists, and regulatory staff.

· Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional development within the research team.

· Lead hiring, onboarding, and training of new research personnel as the program grows.

Compliance and Quality Oversight

· Ensure research activities comply with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), institutional policies, IRB requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

· Maintain high standards for study conduct, documentation, and patient safety.

· Oversee audit readiness and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Change Management and Program Integration

· Lead change management initiatives to integrate research activities into clinical operations.

· Educate and engage clinical teams on the value of research participation for patients and the practice.

· Develop strategies to increase physician and staff participation in research.

Strategic Growth and Partnerships

· Collaborate with national research leadership and sponsors to identify new trial opportunities.

· Participate in site feasibility, trial selection, and sponsor engagement.

· Track program performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications

Required

· Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, life sciences, nursing, or related field

· 5+ years of experience in clinical research operations overseeing a clinical research program with 10+ Phase II-III clinical studies which are active or in follow up.

· Strong working knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and regulatory requirements

· Experience leading or supervising research staff

· Demonstrated ability to build processes and operational infrastructure

Preferred

· Experience in cardiovascular clinical research

· Experience in community (i.e. non-academic) practice settings

· Experience leading site growth or research program expansion

· Experience working with CTMS and electronic regulatory systems

· Clinical background (RN, allied health professional, or clinical research professional certification)

Core Competencies

Leadership & Mentorship