The START Center for Cancer Research ("START") is the world's largest early phase oncology research network, with sites in the US, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland. START has completed over 1,300 studies and contributed to more than 45 FDA/EMA approved therapies. While most cancer trials happen at Academic Medical Centers and reach only a small portion of patients, START expands access by partnering with community hospitals and practices, giving hope to more patients. Learn more at STARTresearch.com.

START is expanding — and we're excited to open the doors to our site in Los Angeles! We're looking for a visionary Director of Nursing & Study Operations to lead the charge in delivering exceptional patient care and driving clinical research excellence. You'll be at the forefront of a new chapter for START — shaping the culture, systems, and success of our Los Angeles site from the ground up.

This dual-function leadership role is pivotal to START's mission. You'll oversee high-performing nursing teams and clinical research operations, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and top-tier quality across departments. Your work will directly support START's goals for study growth, operational excellence, and patient-centered care.

The annual base salary for this position is $186,000 to $206,000, dependent on skills and experience. Your compensation may vary based on your unique qualifications, experience, and market factors. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus.

Essential Responsibilities:

Leadership & Oversight

• • Provide effective, proactive leadership, training and coaching to Clinical Research Coordinators, Data Coordinators, Medical Records staff, Clinic Nurses, Infusion Nurses, Nurse Navigators, Referral Intake and Schedulers.
  • Promote high-quality, patient-centered care and research delivery across clinical and study workflows.

Operational Management

• • Oversee processes for referral intake, scheduling, patient navigation, study startup, and protocol feasibility.
  • Supervise implementation of CTMS, EHR, and other clinical documentation systems.
  • Ensure accurate and timely data capture, monitor engagement, and audit preparedness across departments.
  • Oversee use of effective workflows and SOPs; lead ongoing review and revision efforts.

Clinical & Study Collaboration

• • Serve as clinical and operational liaison to investigators, quality team, regulatory, pharmacy, and global shared services.
  • Partner with leaders to ensure compliant delivery of care within the scope of research protocols.
  • Support review and feasibility assessment of new protocols with attention to nursing and operational capacity.
  • Ensure equitable study allocation and ongoing support for study teams.

Process Improvement & Strategic Support

• • Use continuous improvement techniques to streamline workflows and resolve care or operational bottlenecks.
  • Track key metrics across referrals, screening, enrollment, and patient satisfaction.
  • Participate in strategic initiatives and regional projects to expand access and improve operational performance.
  • Collaborate with quality and compliance teams to uphold all applicable federal, GCP, and GDPR regulations.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing or Health-related field
• RN license in good standing with state of CA
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in oncology clinical research
• CITI GCP training
• Strong working knowledge of federal clinical research regulations, GCP, and GDPR
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and EHR/CTMS systems
• Ability to travel less than quarterly, to support new site activation

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks

We value our employees' time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by a competitive compensation, depending on experience, and an extensive benefits package including:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided
• Robust retirement planning: 401(k) plan available with employer matching
• Financial security: Life and disability insurance for added protection
• Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts offered
• Well-being and work-life balance: Paid time off, flexible schedule
• Plus, we work to maintain the best environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

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 can help us bring hope and healing to patients worldwide. Please submit your application online.

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages 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.