Clinical Research Director Jobs in Pennsylvania
Clinical Research Director jobs in Pennsylvania are highly active, concentrated in pharmaceutical development, academic medical centers, and life sciences, with openings from senior manager level through vice president of clinical operations. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Greater Philadelphia suburbs around King of Prussia and Lansdale anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like AmerisourceBergen, Penn Medicine, and GlaxoSmithKline maintain long-term clinical operations. The most consistent demand is in oncology trials, regulatory affairs oversight, and Phase II through Phase IV study management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Clinical Research Director jobs
Equivalent relevant work experience may be substituted for degree requirement. This position is located at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check will be required prior to the start of employment. Also, a current TB test will be required as a condition of employment. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.
Job Summary
Manages the clinical operations of a research program and oversees clinical research policies in human trials. Oversees the development and implementation of standard operating procedure (SOP) manuals in clinical research; ensures the program meets all quality assurance activities. Oversees development of standards, internal and external site visits and audits, research protocol budgets, subject enrollment, protocol implementation.
- Manages clinical operations for a research program, including overseeing implementation of new research protocols, ongoing studies, reporting events, and effective communication with investigators. Creates, implements, and oversees clinical research policies in human trials.
- Oversees the development and implementation of standard operating procedure (SOP) manuals in clinical research; ensures the program meets all quality assurance activities.
- Oversees participation in site visits, including internal and external audits. Develops and manages strategic timelines; adheres to budgetary guidelines.
- Streamline current clinical assessment activities, incorporating new fluid/plasma biomarkers and new PET imaging biomarkers into evaluations at both baseline and annual follow-up.
- Lead Study Program Manager for the entire clinical trials platform with new treatment arms that will be started for younger level participants, including monitoring home nursing teams providing home infusions to clinical trial subjects who actually live across the United States.
- Staff leadership role on the Clinical Core and related studies that cross multiple departments and monitoring the day-to-day operations of the Clinical core, developing strategic planning with faculty leadership.
- Supervises staff, including hiring, distributing and reviewing work, performance reviews, and documenting disciplinary actions and other human resource administration. Manages work schedules and approves timecards. Provides professional development opportunities.
- Oversees and enrolls patients/subjects into research studies/clinical trials. Reviews medical records and/or conducts physical exams for patient recruitment.
- Manages protocol implementation; trains staff to ensure protocol adherence.
- Ensures all protocol and regulatory standards adherence.
Light.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Equivalent relevant work experience may be substituted for degree requirement. This position is located at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check will be required prior to the start of employment. Also, a current TB test will be required as a condition of employment. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.
Job Summary
Manages the clinical operations of a research program and oversees clinical research policies in human trials. Oversees the development and implementation of standard operating procedure (SOP) manuals in clinical research; ensures the program meets all quality assurance activities. Oversees development of standards, internal and external site visits and audits, research protocol budgets, subject enrollment, protocol implementation.
- Manages clinical operations for a research program, including overseeing implementation of new research protocols, ongoing studies, reporting events, and effective communication with investigators. Creates, implements, and oversees clinical research policies in human trials.
- Oversees the development and implementation of standard operating procedure (SOP) manuals in clinical research; ensures the program meets all quality assurance activities.
- Oversees participation in site visits, including internal and external audits. Develops and manages strategic timelines; adheres to budgetary guidelines.
- Streamline current clinical assessment activities, incorporating new fluid/plasma biomarkers and new PET imaging biomarkers into evaluations at both baseline and annual follow-up.
- Lead Study Program Manager for the entire clinical trials platform with new treatment arms that will be started for younger level participants, including monitoring home nursing teams providing home infusions to clinical trial subjects who actually live across the United States.
- Staff leadership role on the Clinical Core and related studies that cross multiple departments and monitoring the day-to-day operations of the Clinical core, developing strategic planning with faculty leadership.
- Supervises staff, including hiring, distributing and reviewing work, performance reviews, and documenting disciplinary actions and other human resource administration. Manages work schedules and approves timecards. Provides professional development opportunities.
- Oversees and enrolls patients/subjects into research studies/clinical trials. Reviews medical records and/or conducts physical exams for patient recruitment.
- Manages protocol implementation; trains staff to ensure protocol adherence.
- Ensures all protocol and regulatory standards adherence.
Light.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
See All 7 Clinical Research Director Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsClinical Research Director Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Director Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research director jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field required
- Minimum of seven to ten years of progressive clinical research or trials management experience
- Demonstrated experience overseeing multi-site Phase II through Phase IV clinical trials
- Strong working knowledge of FDA regulations, ICH guidelines, and GCP standards
- ACRP or SOCRA certification such as CCRC or CCRP preferred or required by most employers
- Experience managing cross-functional teams including CRAs, data managers, and regulatory staff
Clinical Research Director Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research director in Pennsylvania?
Becoming a clinical research director in Pennsylvania typically requires a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or health-related field, followed by years of progressive clinical research experience. Pennsylvania does not require a state-issued license specific to clinical research directors, but most employers expect a professional certification such as ACRP's CCRA or CCRP from SOCRA. Candidates who have held roles as clinical research manager, senior CRA, or trial operations lead at Pennsylvania academic medical centers or pharmaceutical firms are best positioned to advance into director-level positions.
Which companies hire clinical research directors in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring clinical research directors in Pennsylvania right now include University of Pittsburgh, University of Pennsylvania, and Guthrie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Pennsylvania's concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters and major academic health systems means director-level clinical research roles appear consistently across both industry and institutional settings throughout the state.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most clinical research director jobs?
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Sayre have the most clinical research director openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia and its western suburbs drive the largest share of postings, anchored by a dense corridor of pharmaceutical firms and academic medical centers, while Pittsburgh draws openings from UPMC and Carnegie Mellon-affiliated research programs, making both metros natural hubs for senior clinical research leadership.
Are there remote clinical research director jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, since directors spend significant time on oversight, regulatory strategy, and vendor management rather than hands-on patient contact. About 0% of clinical research director openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the desk-heavy, cross-functional nature of the role. Protocol review, CRO oversight, and regulatory writing are the functions most commonly performed fully remote.
How can I get hired as a clinical research director in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a clinical research coordinator or CRA role at a Pennsylvania academic medical center or contract research organization, then building toward manager-level responsibilities over several years. Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and UPMC regularly post entry-level clinical research coordinator positions that serve as a structured pipeline into senior roles. Earning a CCRP or CCRC certification early strengthens any application, and candidates who have coordinated oncology or Phase II trials hold a clear advantage when competing for director consideration in Pennsylvania's pharmaceutical-heavy market.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research director jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to clinical research director jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 7 Clinical Research Director Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs