Director, Nursing & Study Operations

The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”) is the world’s largest early phase site network, fully dedicated to oncology clinical research. Throughout our history, START has provided hope to cancer patients in global community practices by offering "Hope Through Access” to cutting edge trials throughout the United States and Europe.  

The START Center for Cancer Research is seeking a Director of Nursing & Study Operations. The Director of Nursing & Study Operations is a dual-function leadership role responsible for the oversight and performance of START’s nursing teams and clinical research operations. This role ensures compliant, efficient, and high-quality care and study conduct across departments, while supporting START’s goals for study growth, operational excellence, and patient care. The Director leads Clinical Research Coordinators, Medical Records, Data Coordinators, Clinic Nurses, Infusion Nurses, Nurse Navigators, Referral Intake and Scheduling teams. The position works collaboratively across departments including Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and Site Development.

Location: START Richmond

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

• Provide effective, proactive leadership to Clinical Research Coordinators, Data Coordinators, Medical Records staff, Clinic Nurses, Infusion Nurses, Nurse Navigators, Referral Intake and Schedulers.

• Provide training, coaching, and development for direct reports, ensuring ongoing competency and alignment with START’s values and expectations.

• 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.
• Other duties may be assigned at any time.

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or Health-related field
• RN license in good standing with state
• 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

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Advanced degree (MSN, MHA, MBA, or related)
• ONS/ONCC chemotherapy immunotherapy certificate
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)

Physical & Travel Requirements: 

• Approximately 80% of time is spent sitting
• Very fast-paced and ever-changing healthcare environment
• Demanding deadlines and constant knowledge updates required
• Works closely with physicians and cross-functional teams
• Intermittent travel to support site activation and training (<10%)

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, and remote work choices provided
• 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.

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. START clinical trial sites have conducted more than a thousand early-phase clinical trials, including for 43 therapies that were approved by the FDA. START represents the world’s largest roster of Principal Investigators (PIs) across its eight clinical trial sites.

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 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.