E-3 Visa Clinical Research Director Jobs
Clinical Research Director roles in the U.S. require a bachelor's degree in a life sciences or related field, and most positions at sponsor-active CROs, pharma companies, and academic medical centers qualify as E-3 specialty occupations. Australian nationals can secure E-3 visa sponsorship without entering a lottery, making this one of the most direct paths to leading U.S. clinical trials.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation
ST. LOUIS, MO 63108
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
The Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine is seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and systems-oriented Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations. Under the direct guidance of the Department Chair / Interim Clinical Trials Director and the Executive Director of Business Affairs, this individual will serve as the primary operational leader for our expansive clinical trials enterprise.
As our department enters a new phase of strategic growth, a primary mandate of this role will be the rapid expansion, standardization, and oversight of our Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) portfolio, which includes landmark multi-disciplinary grants (e.g. our ROBIN U54 center) and pioneering global protocols in SBRT and cardiac radioablation. We are seeking a collaborative leader who can navigate scientific complexity, translate clinical inputs into strategic program plans, and implement enterprise-level systems to elevate overall organizational performance. The successful candidate will bring a systems-oriented approach to process improvement, empowering our existing teams while promoting consistency, compliance, and high-quality execution across all phases of oncology research.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
IIT Program Expansion & Leadership
- Lead the strategic growth of the department's Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) portfolio.
- Support principal investigators through concept development and governance review, and oversee the operational execution of complex early-phase and multi-center oncology studies.
Operational Leadership & Mentorship
- Direct the day-to-day operations of the Clinical Trials Office, including the direct supervision, mentorship, and performance evaluation of the Clinical Research Manager.
- Oversee cross-functional teams, manage critical paths, and ensure staffing strategies align with program-level planning.
- Design and implement career development pathways to improve research staff retention and engagement.
- Partner collaboratively with existing departmental research leadership during the initial onboarding phase to ensure a seamless transfer of historical institutional knowledge and trial continuity.
Systems Integration & Process Optimization
- Lead the implementation and optimization of enterprise research systems, including EDC and eRegulatory platforms.
- Assess institutional system capabilities to determine feasibility and drive EHR-to-EDC integration initiatives to reduce manual data entry and improve data integrity.
Program Budget & Financial Forecasting
- Oversee the clinical trials program budget and partner with department finance and research administration on financial forecasting.
- Develop advanced project and financial tracking tools (e.g., Smartsheet dashboards) to enhance leadership visibility into timelines, workloads, budgets, and accrual performance.
Strategic Institutional Collaboration
- Foster strong, collaborative relationships with key institutional partners across Washington University and BJC HealthCare (e.g., CTMS offices, Biorepositories, Research Administration, and hospital/laboratory groups) to streamline workflows and overcome institutional bottlenecks.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Overhaul and maintain program SOPs and guidance documents.
- Ensure all trials maintain strict compliance with FDA, ICH/GCP, and OHRP regulations.
- Manage site feasibility, qualification, and oversight for multi-center studies.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Normal office environment
Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or a table
Equipment
- Office equipment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Clinical Research (8 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, healthcare administration, public health, nursing, business, or a related field.
- Eight years of progressive leadership experience in clinical research operations and program management, strictly within an academic medical center or complex oncology setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree (MHA, MPH, MBA, or MSN).
- Five years of direct personnel management, including experience supervising mid-level managers.
- Exceptional cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to manage complex, multi-site investigator consortia.
- Extensive, proven expertise in managing, scaling, and operationalizing Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) and early-phase oncology portfolios.
- Demonstrated experience leading the rollout of enterprise research platforms (EDC/eReg) and developing advanced project tracking tools/dashboards.
- Expert-level knowledge of FDA, ICH/GCP, and OHRP regulations.
- Proven track record of building collaborative structures that support innovation and process improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) - Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) - Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA), Clinical Research Associate (CRA) - Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Clinical Research Management (CRM) - Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Clinical Research Professional (CRP) - Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Registered Nurse - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Registered Nurse - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Building High Performance Team, Clinical Research, Clinical Research Operations, Clinical Research Organizations (CRO) Management, Clinical Trials, Compliance Management, Compliance Requirements, Data Reporting, Diplomacy, External Stakeholders, Financial Acumen, Grants Management, Grant Writing, Internal Stakeholders, Interpersonal Communication, Leadership, Project Planning, Protocol Development, Regulatory Submissions, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Development, Strategic Planning
Grade
G15
Salary Range
$84,200.00 - $148,500.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Location
ST. LOUIS, MO 63108
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
The Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine is seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and systems-oriented Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations. Under the direct guidance of the Department Chair / Interim Clinical Trials Director and the Executive Director of Business Affairs, this individual will serve as the primary operational leader for our expansive clinical trials enterprise.
As our department enters a new phase of strategic growth, a primary mandate of this role will be the rapid expansion, standardization, and oversight of our Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) portfolio, which includes landmark multi-disciplinary grants (e.g. our ROBIN U54 center) and pioneering global protocols in SBRT and cardiac radioablation. We are seeking a collaborative leader who can navigate scientific complexity, translate clinical inputs into strategic program plans, and implement enterprise-level systems to elevate overall organizational performance. The successful candidate will bring a systems-oriented approach to process improvement, empowering our existing teams while promoting consistency, compliance, and high-quality execution across all phases of oncology research.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
IIT Program Expansion & Leadership
- Lead the strategic growth of the department's Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) portfolio.
- Support principal investigators through concept development and governance review, and oversee the operational execution of complex early-phase and multi-center oncology studies.
Operational Leadership & Mentorship
- Direct the day-to-day operations of the Clinical Trials Office, including the direct supervision, mentorship, and performance evaluation of the Clinical Research Manager.
- Oversee cross-functional teams, manage critical paths, and ensure staffing strategies align with program-level planning.
- Design and implement career development pathways to improve research staff retention and engagement.
- Partner collaboratively with existing departmental research leadership during the initial onboarding phase to ensure a seamless transfer of historical institutional knowledge and trial continuity.
Systems Integration & Process Optimization
- Lead the implementation and optimization of enterprise research systems, including EDC and eRegulatory platforms.
- Assess institutional system capabilities to determine feasibility and drive EHR-to-EDC integration initiatives to reduce manual data entry and improve data integrity.
Program Budget & Financial Forecasting
- Oversee the clinical trials program budget and partner with department finance and research administration on financial forecasting.
- Develop advanced project and financial tracking tools (e.g., Smartsheet dashboards) to enhance leadership visibility into timelines, workloads, budgets, and accrual performance.
Strategic Institutional Collaboration
- Foster strong, collaborative relationships with key institutional partners across Washington University and BJC HealthCare (e.g., CTMS offices, Biorepositories, Research Administration, and hospital/laboratory groups) to streamline workflows and overcome institutional bottlenecks.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Overhaul and maintain program SOPs and guidance documents.
- Ensure all trials maintain strict compliance with FDA, ICH/GCP, and OHRP regulations.
- Manage site feasibility, qualification, and oversight for multi-center studies.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Normal office environment
Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or a table
Equipment
- Office equipment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Clinical Research (8 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, healthcare administration, public health, nursing, business, or a related field.
- Eight years of progressive leadership experience in clinical research operations and program management, strictly within an academic medical center or complex oncology setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree (MHA, MPH, MBA, or MSN).
- Five years of direct personnel management, including experience supervising mid-level managers.
- Exceptional cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to manage complex, multi-site investigator consortia.
- Extensive, proven expertise in managing, scaling, and operationalizing Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) and early-phase oncology portfolios.
- Demonstrated experience leading the rollout of enterprise research platforms (EDC/eReg) and developing advanced project tracking tools/dashboards.
- Expert-level knowledge of FDA, ICH/GCP, and OHRP regulations.
- Proven track record of building collaborative structures that support innovation and process improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) - Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) - Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA), Clinical Research Associate (CRA) - Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Clinical Research Management (CRM) - Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Clinical Research Professional (CRP) - Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Registered Nurse - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Registered Nurse - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Building High Performance Team, Clinical Research, Clinical Research Operations, Clinical Research Organizations (CRO) Management, Clinical Trials, Compliance Management, Compliance Requirements, Data Reporting, Diplomacy, External Stakeholders, Financial Acumen, Grants Management, Grant Writing, Internal Stakeholders, Interpersonal Communication, Leadership, Project Planning, Protocol Development, Regulatory Submissions, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Development, Strategic Planning
Grade
G15
Salary Range
$84,200.00 - $148,500.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
See all 856+ E-3 Visa Clinical Research Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new E-3 Visa Clinical Research Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding E-3 Visa Sponsorship in Clinical Research Director
Align your credentials to FDA-regulated trial standards
U.S. employers hiring Clinical Research Directors expect familiarity with FDA 21 CFR Part 312 and ICH E6 GCP. Before applying, reframe your Australian TGA experience in terms of FDA equivalency so hiring managers and DOL reviewers see a direct specialty occupation fit.
Target CROs and pharma companies with LCA history
Contract research organizations and mid-to-large pharmaceutical companies file LCAs regularly and have established HR processes for E-3 visa sponsorship. Searching DOL's Foreign Labor Application Gateway disclosure data by job title filters these employers from those with no filing history.
Address E-3 sponsorship early in recruiter conversations
Many U.S. recruiters default to H-1B visa when they hear 'visa sponsorship.' Clarify upfront that you hold Australian citizenship and that E-3 requires only an LCA and consular appointment, with no lottery and no cap exposure, so the employer's cost and timeline are significantly lower.
Prepare a specialty occupation support letter with your offer
Consular officers assess whether a Clinical Research Director role genuinely requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. Ask your employer to draft a letter linking the job duties to your degree discipline before your DS-160 appointment, not after a 221(g) administrative processing delay.
Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service for your LCA and paperwork
The LCA must be DOL-certified before you can attend your consular interview. Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service to handle your LCA submission, prevailing wage compliance, and consulate preparation so nothing stalls your start date with your new employer.
Negotiate your E-3 renewal cycle into your employment contract
E-3 status is granted in two-year increments and requires a new LCA each renewal. Before you sign your offer, confirm the employer will sponsor renewals and that your role title and duties won't shift enough between cycles to trigger a new specialty occupation assessment at the consulate.
E-3 Visa Clinical Research Director: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Clinical Research Director jobs that offer E-3 visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for Australian professionals searching for U.S. roles with E-3 sponsorship. You can filter by job title and industry to find Clinical Research Director positions at employers who already understand E-3 requirements. Because E-3 has no cap or lottery, any employer willing to file an LCA with the DOL can sponsor you, which broadens the field considerably compared to H-1B-only searches.
How much does it cost to get an E-3 visa?
Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service covers the entire process for $499, including the Labor Condition Application, visa document preparation, and consulate appointment guidance. Traditional immigration lawyers charge $2,000–$5,000+ for the same work. The E-3 has less paperwork than most work visas, so paying thousands for legal help is usually unnecessary.
Does a Clinical Research Director role qualify as a specialty occupation for E-3 purposes?
Yes, Clinical Research Director positions consistently meet the E-3 specialty occupation standard because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, or a related discipline as a normal entry requirement. The role involves applying specialized knowledge across protocol design, regulatory submissions, and trial management, which satisfies the DOL's definition. Roles that blend clinical and general management functions may require a stronger degree-nexus justification letter from the employer.
How does the E-3 visa compare to the H-1B for Clinical Research Directors?
The E-3 is available only to Australian citizens, but it has two major structural advantages over the H-1B for this role: there is no annual cap and no lottery, so your start date depends on consulate scheduling rather than a random draw. H-1B registration opens once a year in March, and selection is not guaranteed. E-3 applications can be filed year-round and are processed at the consulate, typically within a few weeks of your interview.
What happens to my E-3 status if I change employers mid-trial or take a new role?
E-3 status is employer-specific, so a change in employer requires a new LCA filed by the incoming employer and a new consular stamp before you begin working for them. You cannot port E-3 status the way some other visa categories allow. If you're transitioning between CROs or moving from a sponsor company to an academic medical center, build in enough lead time for the new LCA to be DOL-certified, which the DOL targets within seven business days under standard processing.