ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The Maternal Infant Child and Youth Research Network (MICYRN) is a federal not-for-profit,
charitable organization founded in 2006 to build capacity for high-quality applied health research. It
currently links 21 maternal and child health research organizations based at academic health centres
in Canada and is affiliated with more than 25 practice-based research networks of investigators.
MICYRN’s principal role is to improve the quality and impact of research through the provision of a
coordinated infrastructure to support research teams working across Canada and beyond. In support
of the clinician-scientists and clinician-investigators in the maternal, perinatal, and child health
research space, MICYRN has acquired the expertise to function as a de-centralized Academic
Research Organization (ARO).
The Director, Clinical Research (DRC) is a senior-level position responsible for leading the design,
execution and delivery of both client-facing and internal research portfolios, combining deep expertise
in clinical trial operations with strategic planning, project management and business development
acumen to drive MICYRN’s research objectives forward. Reporting to the Director of Operations with
scientific supervision from the Scientific Director, the DCR is a member of the Leadership Team and
plays a critical role in ensuring MICYRN’s activities remain strategically aligned with the needs and
priorities of its member institutions. The DCR will be the principal role responsible for developing and
maintaining relationships across MICYRN’s expanding network members, funding organizations and
their respective Clinical Trial/Research Units (CRUs). This includes identifying shared priorities,
advancing collaborative opportunities, and supporting initiatives that enable efficient and effective
multi-site and cross provincial clinical trials.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the pediatric clinical trials and research
landscape in Canada, and willed be skilled in identifying and developing partnerships and
opportunities to expand services, drive business growth through collaborations and grant
development, and further the goals of MICYRN to make a meaningful impact to the national research
community.
The DCR will also serve as the primary contact and trusted advisor for member sites, ensuring that
MICYRN provides and delivers best-practice solutions across all areas of ARO Services. The DCR
will lead the core program team, serving as the central resource for clinical trial expertise and
knowledge.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy & Business Development
- Drive and develop meaningful relationships with MICYRN institutional members to
promote collaboration, positioning MICYRN as a key partner and expert resource
provider.
MICYRN Director of Research, October 2025• Based on the ongoing development of these relationships, provide strategic feedback to
the Leadership Team with recommendations on program, service and business
development with a lens for long-term sustainability.
- Collaborate with national and international academic and industry sponsors in the pre and
post award phases to identify opportunities for MICYRN’s ARO Services, thus expanding
internal expertise and revenue generation.
- Represent MICYRN and its membership at the national funding level, to drive for
increased efficiency, productivity and quality and contribute to operational or
infrastructure funding applications.
- Provide high level advisory support, both internally, and to members, for clinical trial
operations to ensure regulatory compliance with HC requirements, adherence to
established policies, procedures, and project-specific Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs).
- Lead the MICYRN Clinical Trial Consortium, a group of Operational Leadership from
across our member institutions, developing meaningful and engaging opportunities for
collaboration, meeting content and facilitating information sharing with the objective of
ensuring value exchange for participating members.
- Identify and promote opportunities for collaboration among members, providing guidance
and support to facilitate collaboration, address member needs, and advance a
coordinated, national infrastructure approach
- Recognize common obstacles across members and sites and recommend systems-level
solutions to enhance clinical trial infrastructure nationally. Develop and implement
scalable strategies and tools that can be shared and leveraged across member
institutions, and work proactively to ensure adoption, effectiveness, and member
satisfaction.
Operational Management
- Lead a team of project management, and clinical monitoring staff and contractors in
overseeing multiple client research projects from initiation to completion, ensuring high-
quality deliverables and client satisfaction
- Oversee the financial and contractual performance of research projects, ensuring
alignment with budgetary and compliance requirements.
- Lead and contribute to the development of MICYRN initiatives, including the development
and maintenance of relevant SOPs and other policies, procedures, and relevant systems.
Collaborate with Quality Assurance Lead to plan and execute compliant activities and drive
ongoing quality and process improvement initiatives.
- Obtain and maintain an in-depth understanding of study protocols and procedures to
provided informed leadership, share best practices, recommend process improvements,
and providing training as needed.
MICYRN Director of Research, October 2025• Manage workflow and resource allocation to ensure efficient operations and outstanding
client service experience.
- Supervise the Clinical Project Management & Monitoring staff, regularly reviewing project
status on an ongoing basis to ensure project objectives are met in a timely manner and
proactively identifying potential project issues and developing strategies for effective
mitigation strategies.
- Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach and evaluate direct report team members in
accordance with MICYRN’s HR policies and practices, fostering a culture of accountability,
professional development, and excellence.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in a clinical trial, regulatory, and
research expertise setting in a health care centre or with industry experience
in regulatory or medical affairs, at least 3 years of which is at a managerial
level.
- An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a health-related field • The completion of additional clinical research education (ACRP, SoCRA)
is desirable.
- Experience managing a clinical research team • Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills with strong ability in
building relationships and networks, with the ability to inspire and build
confidence in others to achieve common goals
- Demonstrated experience with strategy development, with an
entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to dig deep in order to solve
complex problems with creativity abstract thinking.
- Experience with contractual/legal agreement, REB, familiarity with ICH-
GCP, Health Canada, FDA and EMA regulatory requirements.
- Experience working/negotiating with government agencies and
regulatory authorities.
- In-depth knowledge of clinical trial development, execution, and
challenges pertaining to mothers and children in trials.
- Leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and comfort with
decision making responsibilities, coaching and teaching.
- Experience with grant writing and development • Excellent organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage
multiple projects and cross-functional teams, set priorities and be
proactive to meet deadlines.
- Proven ability to work independently and to and be accountable for
delivery of results, sometimes under time pressure.
- French language bilingualism is considered a strong Asset MICYRN Director of Research, October 2025
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Interested candidates should submit a cover letter of interest and resume to:
careers@micyrn.ca. Please refer to the Job Title in the subject of your email.
MICYRN is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications
from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of
visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity
and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and
organization to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $140,000.00 per year
Work Location: Remote
