Clinical Project Manager

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$92,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California is seeking a Clinical Project Manager to support NIH- and foundation-funded clinical research programs focused on behavioral health, substance use, and mental health intervention development. Working under the supervision of Dr. Mark Prince, Associate Professor and Director of My Mental Health Data Analysis and Dissemination, the Clinical Project Manager will play a central role in coordinating research operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting data quality and analysis, and managing project timelines, personnel, and finances for Dr. Prince’s research portfolio. The successful candidate will be motivated, proactive, resourceful, and detail-oriented, with excellent organizational and communication skills and the ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced academic research environment. This role requires adaptability, sound judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively with investigators, research staff, university partners, and external stakeholders. Essential job duties include, but are not limited to: Assist the Principal Investigator in formulating research objectives and translating those objectives into actionable project plans, timelines, and operational workflows. Plan, organize, and coordinate clinical research activities to ensure studies are conducted in accordance with approved protocols, institutional policies, and sponsor requirements. Develop, implement, document, and communicate operating policies, procedures, and systems to support research operations and ensure consistency across projects. Contribute to the design and refinement of research protocols, including procedures for data acquisition, management, and quality control. Support data management and analytic workflows, including oversight of data quality, monitoring of analytic outputs, and preparation of technical summaries and reports. Conduct quality assurance reviews of research activities and protocols; identify, document, and report deviations or compliance issues, and support corrective actions as needed. Ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and regulatory standards, including IRB, NIH, and other sponsor requirements. Support preparation for audits, reviews, and inspections by accrediting or regulatory agencies. Directly or indirectly supervise project staff, including coordinating assignments, providing training and technical guidance, monitoring progress, and supporting performance management in accordance with university policy. Develops and manages program budgets in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, department, and school partners. Processes procurement and reimbursements; facilitates vendor contracts and payments; reconciles accounts; and prepares financial reports. Serves as a liaison with university offices, including Purchasing and Accounts Payable, to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant transactions. Establish and maintain professional relationships with collaborators, university partners, and external stakeholders; represent the project and department at meetings, seminars, and professional events as appropriate. Promote and maintain safety, security, and compliance with departmental and university procedures, including dissemination of relevant safety and security information to staff. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in clinical research coordination, project management, or related work
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently
Strong interpersonal skills with a customer service-oriented mindset
Ability to work collaboratively with investigators, staff, and institutional partners
Familiarity with research compliance, quality assurance, and data management processes
Ability to follow established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
7 or more years of relevant experience in academic or clinical research environments
Experience managing complex, multi-component research projects and interdisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

Assist the Principal Investigator in formulating research objectives and translating those objectives into actionable project plans, timelines, and operational workflows.
Plan, organize, and coordinate clinical research activities to ensure studies are conducted in accordance with approved protocols, institutional policies, and sponsor requirements.
Develop, implement, document, and communicate operating policies, procedures, and systems to support research operations and ensure consistency across projects.
Contribute to the design and refinement of research protocols, including procedures for data acquisition, management, and quality control.
Support data management and analytic workflows, including oversight of data quality, monitoring of analytic outputs, and preparation of technical summaries and reports.
Conduct quality assurance reviews of research activities and protocols; identify, document, and report deviations or compliance issues, and support corrective actions as needed.
Ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and regulatory standards, including IRB, NIH, and other sponsor requirements.
Support preparation for audits, reviews, and inspections by accrediting or regulatory agencies.
Directly or indirectly supervise project staff, including coordinating assignments, providing training and technical guidance, monitoring progress, and supporting performance management in accordance with university policy.
Develops and manages program budgets in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, department, and school partners.
Processes procurement and reimbursements; facilitates vendor contracts and payments; reconciles accounts; and prepares financial reports.
Serves as a liaison with university offices, including Purchasing and Accounts Payable, to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant transactions.
Establish and maintain professional relationships with collaborators, university partners, and external stakeholders; represent the project and department at meetings, seminars, and professional events as appropriate.
Promote and maintain safety, security, and compliance with departmental and university procedures, including dissemination of relevant safety and security information to staff.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.