Research Development Manager

This role is purpose-built to serve that business today and build it for tomorrow. We need someone who can come in, own the operational side of the research program end to end, and simultaneously develop the sponsor relationships and outbound motion that will drive its next phase of growth. It is an individual contributor position with direct revenue impact and a clear growth path as the program scales. The role reports to the Director of Strategy & Market Development — intentionally placed within a function focused on sales enablement, market development, and programmatic growth — reflecting the commercial ambition we have for this service line. Specific duties include, but are not limited to: Manage all incoming research contract requests through intake, clinical feasibility review, pricing and legal vetting, and activation. Maintain a live contract baseline tracking study status, site assignments, modality mix, and tier classification. Coordinate with site leaders, technologists, auth teams, and research coordinators to ensure protocol requirements are met. Serve as the primary operational point of contact for active research sponsors. Own billing setup and ongoing revenue recognition for research studies. Develop and pursue a pipeline of prospective sponsor relationships — CROs, pharma, and academic research networks. Lead sponsor-facing pricing conversations and proposal development for new contracts. Track CRO, pharma, and research sponsor activity in our core markets and identify prioritized targets. Build and refine the intake workflow, including automation where possible. Report on pipeline, revenue, and operational KPIs to leadership on a regular cadence. Position Requirements: Bachelor's Degree 3–6 years of experience in clinical research, CRO operations, imaging, or a closely adjacent commercial healthcare role Demonstrated ability to develop and manage external relationships — sponsor, client, or account-facing experience required Working knowledge of how clinical trials use imaging, what sponsors expect from site partners, and how research contracts are structured Experience with billing, prior authorization, or revenue cycle in an imaging or clinical setting is a plus Comfortable building workflows and using data tools; CRM, project management, or process automation experience is a plus Physical Requirements: Standard office environment. More than 50% of the time: Sit, stand, and walk. Repetitive movement of hands, arms and legs. See, speak and hear to be able to communicate with patients. Less than 50% of the time: Stoop, kneel or crawl. Climb and balance. Carry and lift 10-20 pounds. Akumin Operating Corp. and its divisions are an equal opportunity employer and we believe in strength through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, status as a protected veteran, or disability.