The START Center for Cancer Research ("START") stands as the world's largest early phase site network exclusively dedicated to oncology clinical research. Throughout our history, we've provided hope to cancer patients in community practices globally by offering access to cutting-edge trials across the US and Europe. With over 1,300 completed studies and research facilities in the United States, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, START's mission is to accelerate the development of new anticancer drugs that improve quality of life and survival for patients with cancer—ultimately leading to its cure. Our impact is undeniable: over 43 therapies conducted at START locations have obtained FDA/EMA approval. While Academic Medical Centers conduct 80% of cancer trials but reach only 20% of patients, START bridges this critical gap—bringing innovative cancer trials directly to physicians and their patients in community hospitals and practices when hope is needed most.

START represents the world's largest roster of Principal Investigators across eight clinical trial sites. Committed to accelerating the journey from trials to treatments, we deliver hope to patients, families, and physicians worldwide. In San Antonio, where START was founded, we treated the first patient ever with Keytruda—now recognized as the most effective cancer drug in medical history.

Join Our Mission as Director, Investigational Drug Section (IDS) in Grand Rapids, MI

We're seeking a passionate and experienced Director, Investigational Drug Section (IDS) to lead our pharmacy operations at our Grand Rapids, MI location. In this pivotal leadership role, you'll oversee all pharmacy operations while ensuring compliance with regulations and internal SOPs. This position combines strategic leadership responsibilities—managing pharmacy staff and daily operations—with hands-on clinical pharmacist duties that directly impact patient care and groundbreaking cancer research. This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of oncology innovation and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm

Essential Responsibilities

• Collaborate with nursing, study operations, and site leadership to ensure exceptional patient care, streamlined workflows, and operational excellence across multidisciplinary teams
• Maintain impeccable regulatory compliance with federal guidelines and internal SOPs for the IDS space and pharmacy operations
• Verify medication orders with precision, ensuring accurate dosages, patient eligibility, complete labs, signed consent, and absence of drug interactions
• Lead medication preparation and dispensing, mentoring pharmacy technicians and implementing comprehensive safety checks prior to drug release
• Deliver pharmaceutical care excellence through patient counseling, supportive care education, and expert drug information to the healthcare team
• Strategically manage drug inventory and documentation, including tracking usage, ordering, storage, and maintaining Phase I medication accountability
• Drive protocol review and EMR accuracy, analyzing protocol changes, maintaining investigational records, and ensuring precise medication orders and patient home medication documentation

Education & Experience

• Graduate of an ACPE accredited School of Pharmacy
• Current State license
• Previous hospital/clinic pharmacy experience
• Demonstrated expertise with sterile compounding requirements for chemotherapy agents, USP<797>, USP<800>, laminar airflow hood(s) / biological safety cabinet(s)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
• Experience with electronic medical record programs, pharmacy software programs and study IRT systems
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles
• Sterile compounding & chemotherapy certification
• Intravenous sterile product training
• Prior experience in clinical trials and management of investigational drugs

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Specialty residency in oncology and/or current BPS Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks

We value your time, expertise, and commitment. Our investment in your success includes a competitive compensation package based on experience, and comprehensive benefits including:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust retirement planning: 401(k) plan with generous employer matching
• Financial security: Life and disability insurance for peace of mind
• Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Well-being and work-life balance: Generous paid time off, flexible schedule options, and work arrangements designed for your needs
• Professional growth: Ongoing education opportunities, mentorship, and career advancement pathways

We foster a collaborative, innovative environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture. Your voice matters here, and your expertise will help shape the future of cancer treatment.

More about The START Center for Cancer Research

Deeply rooted in community oncology centers globally, The START Center for Cancer Research provides access to specialized preclinical and early-phase clinical trials of novel anti-cancer agents. Our clinical trial sites have conducted more than a thousand early-phase clinical trials, including 43 therapies that received FDA approval—treatments now saving lives worldwide. START represents the world's largest roster of Principal Investigators across eight clinical trial sites. Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, we deliver hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world. Learn more at STARTresearch.com.

Ready to be part of a team changing the future of cancer treatment?

Join us in our mission to conquer cancer, one clinical trial at a time. Your expertise and dedication will help bring hope and healing to patients worldwide. As our Director of IDS, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective delivery of investigational drugs that become tomorrow's breakthrough treatments. This isn't just a career move—it's an opportunity to be part of medical history and help write the next chapter in cancer care. Apply today to become part of our life-changing work.

We are an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.