Director of Research Operations

Job Title: Director of Research Operations

Location: Durham, NC (On-Site Preferred, Hybrid)
Organization: Divers Alert Network (DAN)
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Vice President of Research

Direct Reports: Senior Researchers, Research Program Managers, Research Staff

Position Summary

The Director of Research Operations is a senior leader responsible for executing the research strategy established by the Vice President of Research. They integrate scientific oversight with enterprise-level program management to ensure that DAN’s applied and translational research portfolio is delivered with operational excellence, regulatory integrity, and measurable impact.

The Director oversees the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of DAN’s research programs, including injury surveillance, diving physiology, decompression science, and field-based investigations. While the Vice President of Research sets long-term vision, external positioning, and partnership strategy, the Director ensures disciplined execution, team performance, and operational scalability.

This position is designed for accomplished leaders from academic, industry, government, military, healthcare, or applied research environments who bring expertise in managing complex, mission-driven research programs within a defined strategic framework.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

Lead the operational execution of DAN’s research portfolio in alignment with the strategic direction established by the Vice President of Research.

Oversee the full lifecycle of research programs, from operational planning and protocol implementation through analysis, reporting, and dissemination.

Ensure on-time, on-budget, and high-quality delivery of complex multidisciplinary projects.

Translate strategic objectives into structured project plans, performance metrics, and execution roadmaps.

Operational Strategy Implementation

Develop multi-year operational roadmaps that support the broader research strategy defined by the Vice President of Research.

Identify process improvements, infrastructure needs, and operational risks that impact program performance.

Provide data-driven recommendations to inform strategic decision-making

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

Lead and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary research team.

Provide mentorship, performance management, and succession development in coordination with the Vice President of Research.

Foster a culture of accountability, scientific rigor, safety, and continuous improvement.

Build scalable operational systems to support organizational growth.

Scientific Oversight & Integrity

Ensure excellence in study design implementation, data integrity, statistical analysis processes, and publication quality.

Oversee regulatory compliance including IRB, HIPAA, and applicable domestic and international research standards.

Serve as senior internal scientific reviewer for research protocols, technical reports, and publications.

Maintain oversight of research data platforms (e.g., REDCap) and governance systems.

External Collaboration (Delegated Authority)

Maintain and operationalize collaborative relationships with academic institutions, dive training agencies, industry partners, and regulatory organizations consistent with partnership frameworks established by DAN leadership.

Represent DAN at scientific meetings, industry forums, and professional conferences as delegated by the Vice President of Research.

Contribute subject-matter expertise to grant proposals and externally funded initiatives.

Financial & Resource Management

Manage approved research budgets, staffing plans, contracts, and resource allocation in coordination with the Vice President of Research.

Oversee grant administration and financial reporting processes.

Optimize operational efficiency while maintaining scientific rigor and compliance.

Required Qualifications

Advanced degree in a relevant scientific or technical discipline or equivalent senior leadership experience managing complex research or scientific programs.

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience managing complex research, scientific, medical, engineering, or human performance programs.

Demonstrated accountability for:

Multidisciplinary team leadership

Budget execution and financial stewardship

Regulatory compliance (e.g., IRB, HIPAA, or equivalent governance frameworks)

Scientific integrity and data governance

Proven ability to translate scientific, medical, or technical priorities into structured, executable programs with measurable outcomes.

Experience overseeing the full lifecycle of research or technical programs, including planning, implementation, quality assurance, reporting, and dissemination.

Strong executive communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific or technical information to senior leadership, stakeholders, and external partners.

Demonstrated commitment to high-reliability environments, safety culture, and mission-driven organizational values.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DrPH, or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or medical discipline.

Experience overseeing scientific dissemination, peer-reviewed publications, or technical reporting processes.

Experience in diving physiology, hyperbaric medicine, aviation physiology, human performance optimization, extreme-environment research, or related domains.

Leadership experience in federal, military, aerospace, medical, or other high-risk operational research environments.

Experience managing large-scale or enterprise research portfolios, complex grant funding mechanisms, or multi-institution collaborations.

Certified diver and/or direct field research experience in aquatic or operational environments.

Demonstrated success leading complex, multidisciplinary research or technical programs in mission-driven environments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

On-time and high-quality execution of research initiatives aligned with strategic priorities.

Operational efficiency, compliance, and financial stewardship.

Staff engagement, retention, and development.

Scientific output and internal quality standards.

Effective implementation of research infrastructure and systems.