Director, External Research Programs Job Details | Olympus Corporation of the Americas

Olympus

Optoelectronic Equipment

Westborough, MA - USA

Director

Experteer Overview

In this role you will lead Olympus’ External Research Program, guiding investigator-initiated trials, collaborative studies, and real-world evidence efforts. You will build and optimize scalable processes for evidence generation and oversee a team of clinical scientists to ensure scientific rigor and operational excellence. You will shape the external research strategy, coordinate cross-functional partnerships, and drive high-impact studies that align with business priorities. This is a high-visibility, global leadership role that shapes how evidence supports patient outcomes and strategic decisions.

Compensation / Benefits

Competitive salaries
annual bonus
401(k) with company match
medical/dental/vision coverage
paid time off and holidays
Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance

Responsibilities

Manage execution of the External Research Program to ensure strategic alignment and scientific impact
Lead and mentor a team of clinical scientists in external research and evidence generation
Guide strategic elements of evidence generation, trial design (protocol/CRF), execution, and closeout
Develop and refine processes/tools for evidence generation strategies and externally sponsored research
Oversee intake, review, contracting, tracking, and deliverables for external research proposals
Partner with Legal, Compliance, Regulatory, Medical Affairs, and Finance to enable study start-up and closure
Monitor portfolio metrics and report status, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities
Participate in strategic planning with Global Clinical Leads to translate initiatives into operations
Present program updates and support publication strategies
Ensure compliance with Olympus policies, regulatory requirements, and global standards

Key requirements

BA/BS in life sciences or related field
10+ years of medical device industry experience in Clinical Research, Clinical Development, or Medical Affairs
5+ years of direct people management experience
Experience leading externally sponsored research and developing evidence generation strategies (investigator-initiated trials, collaborative research, real-world evidence)
Proven ability to develop and implement operational processes for external research across geographies
Strong cross-functional collaboration with Legal, Compliance, Regulatory, Medical Affairs, and Clinical Operations
Familiarity with GCP, GDPR, Sunshine Act, clinical trial transparency, and research compliance
Experience with governance systems or platforms for intake, tracking, and documents
Experience working in global, cross-functional teams and with diverse cultures
Strong project and portfolio management skills with timelines, milestones, and metrics
Excellent written and verbal communication for internal and external stakeholders
Strong organizational, follow-up, and detail orientation
Consulting, facilitation, and communication skills bridging science and business priorities
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 5–10% and support a global weekly schedule
Scheduling flexibility for a global schedule (Tue–Thu) with extended hours