Job Description

Job Title: Director of Research Nursing

About Us

At West Cancer Center, we are committed to advancing innovative cancer research while delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. Our research teams play a critical role in expanding treatment opportunities and improving outcomes for patients through cutting-edge clinical trials and collaborative research initiatives.

The Director, Research Nursing oversees research nursing and clinical operations staff while ensuring high-quality execution of clinical research studies, regulatory compliance, patient safety, operational efficiency, and sponsor satisfaction. This role collaborates closely with investigators, sponsors, CROs, regulatory personnel, and executive leadership to support study activation, enrollment, quality assurance initiatives, and continued program growth. The Director is responsible for developing operational processes, mentoring research personnel, and ensuring adherence to FDA regulations, ICH-GCP guidelines, sponsor requirements, and organizational policies. This role serves as a key leader in advancing research excellence, quality outcomes, and strategic program development.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees and supervises research personnel
• Recruits, hires, supervises, evaluates, disciplines, and assists in terminations of research staff
• Oversees work schedules for clinical research personnel and monitors productivity
• Ensures compliance of research operations with federal and state regulations
• Works closely with Principal Investigators for study start-up, Site Initiation Visits (SIVs), and subject identification strategies
• Implements, revises, communicates, and monitors Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Research Department
• Presides at staff meetings and research meetings as required
• Serves as liaison to internal departments for issue resolution
• Plans and implements training and educational opportunities for research personnel
• Guides and motivates physicians, administration, peers, and subordinates in supporting research operations
• Interfaces with all departments regarding integration of research processes
• Interfaces with pharmaceutical companies, sponsors, and contract research organizations (CROs)
• Provides operational quality oversight for research personnel by performing routine chart audits, monitoring protocol adherence, and identifying opportunities for process improvement and compliance enhancement
• Reviews quality metrics, protocol deviations, CAPAs, audit findings, and monitoring trends to identify opportunities for process improvement
• Partners with Regulatory Affairs and operational leadership to ensure inspection readiness and continuous quality improvement initiatives
• Ensures research personnel maintain required training, competencies, and compliance documentation
• Oversees implementation and adherence to departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Leads process improvement initiatives to optimize operational efficiency, protocol compliance, and research quality standards
• Maintains professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all interactions
• Complies with organizational safety policies and procedures
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Required:

• Master’s degree with two years of related experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with four years of related experience; OR seven to ten years of related experience and/or training; OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, ICH-GCP guidelines, and clinical research operations
• Excellent organizational and follow-up skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to participate in multidisciplinary teams and maintain effective professional relationships
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, Excel, and email systems
• Additional hours may be required

Credential/Licensure

Required:

• Current RN license required

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Typical clinical and office environment with moderate noise level
• Ability to walk, sit, use hands/wrists, talk, hear, and see for extended periods of time
• Ability to work near toxic or caustic chemicals
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, government regulations, scientific journals, and legal documents
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with leadership, employees, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders
• Ability to calculate figures and perform basic algebra and geometry applications
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to interpret complex technical instructions and manage multiple variables
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds
• Occasional travel may be required

Why West Cancer Center is a Great Place to Work

• Meaningful Impact: Play a direct role in supporting patients through one of the most challenging times of their lives.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals committed to improving cancer care.
• Professional Development: Benefit from ongoing training, educational resources, and growth opportunities.
• Mission-Driven Environment: Be part of an organization guided by compassion, integrity, and innovation.

No nights, weekends, or holidays. Comprehensive benefits package.

Join Us

If you are a passionate clinical research leader with strong operational expertise and a commitment to advancing oncology research, we encourage you to apply for the Director, Research Nursing position at West Cancer Center.