After an extensive national search, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has appointed David Kimberlin, M.D., as the associate vice president for Clinical Trial Operations, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
In this pivotal role, Kimberlin will align with UAB’s strategic research plan, Growth with Purpose, to oversee and expand the clinical trial portfolio. He will collaborate with investigators, their teams and institutional leadership to enhance clinical trial operations. His responsibilities include leading the strategy and operations of the Clinical Trials Administrative Office and participating in committees related to clinical trial development and administration.
Kimberlin aims to improve processes and efficiencies across the university, leveraging current clinical trial technology, and evaluating new tools to boost UAB’s portfolio with a focus on efficiency, financial growth and recruitment. He will also forge academic and industry partnerships to expand clinical trial activities, recruit and retain skilled faculty and staff, and ensure transparent and efficient financial and administrative processes for clinical trials.
“Clinical trial growth is a key component of Growth with Purpose, the university’s strategic plan for research,” said Jason Nichols, O.D., Ph.D., senior associate vice president for Research, to whom Kimberlin will report. “We are fortunate to have someone with Dr. Kimberlin’s stature and experience to lead us forward.”
Kimberlin expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “UAB is at an inflection point with respect to research, and clinical trials are at the forefront of our efforts. I look forward to working with the Office of Research and all the schools, departments and divisions across the University that are engaged in clinical trials. Our expanding clinical trial portfolio will build scientific knowledge; but more importantly, it will have a direct impact on the health of our citizens by expanding their treatment options at UAB.”
In addition to his new administrative role, Kimberlin will continue as a tenured professor of Pediatrics, holding the Sergio Stagno Endowed Chair in Pediatric Infectious Diseases. He leads a significant NIH-funded clinical research program focusing on rare pediatric viral diseases. Kimberlin has been a faculty member at UAB since 1996, following his pediatric infectious diseases fellowship at UAB. He earned his B.S. degree in molecular biology from Vanderbilt University and his M.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, where he also completed his pediatric residency and the initial part of his pediatric infectious diseases fellowship.
The comprehensive search was led by a university-wide committee chaired by Nichols.
