Associate Director, Therapeutic Development
Sarah Cannon Research Institute•Work at Home - Tennessee, USA (WTNA), TN
•Remote
About The Position
Provide scientific leadership and operational oversight for early-phase Therapeutic Development programs. This role manages Clinical Program Scientists and is responsible for driving program execution, ensuring scientific rigor, and supporting the development and advancement of research strategies aligned to SCRI research priorities. This position operates as a working manager, balancing people leadership, scientific direction, and program execution in support of early-phase clinical research.
Requirements
- Master's Degree required; PhD preferred
- 7+ years of experience working in a scientific capacity within clinical research
- People leadership and team development experience required
- Strong understanding of oncology drug development, particularly early-phase trials
- Knowledge of clinical research processes (Phase I–III), with emphasis on study design and feasibility
- Ability to interpret and apply scientific literature to program strategy
- Strategic thinking with operational follow-through
- Strong communication and stakeholder management
- Ability to manage multiple programs in a fast-paced environment
- Balance scientific rigor with execution needs
- Influence without direct authority across functions
- Adapt quickly to evolving program priorities
- Practices and adheres to the “Code of Conduct” philosophy and “Mission and Value Statement.”
- Expected to complete any training assignments by the due date.
Responsibilities
- Provide oversight and direction for Therapeutic Development programs, with a focus on early-phase (Phase I/Ib) clinical research initiatives
- Guide scientific strategy in partnership with Physician Leaders, ensuring programs align with disease strategy and pipeline priorities
- Review and provide input on: Clinical development plans (CDPs), Study feasibility and evaluation, Protocol-related scientific considerations
- Lead program-level discussions and contribute to decision-making across study prioritization, pipeline gaps, and research opportunities
- Directly manage and develop a team of Clinical Program Scientists (CPS)
- Provide coaching, prioritization guidance, and performance management
- Ensure appropriate workload distribution across programs and initiatives
- Partner with leadership on hiring, onboarding, and ongoing development of CPS team members
- Serve as the primary escalation point for scientific/program-related challenges
- Oversee execution of key program activities led by CPS team, including: Study evaluation workflows and tracking, Scientific materials (slide decks, summaries, literature reviews)
- Ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality across all scientific deliverables
- Identify gaps in processes and implement improvements to optimize efficiency and program outcomes
- Partner with: Clinical Operations, Lead Management/Study Activation, Business Development / Sponsors, Physician Program Leaders, Development Innovations
- Facilitate communication across stakeholders to ensure alignment on program goals and study priorities
- Represent Therapeutic Development in internal and external discussions as needed
- Support development of early-phase pipeline strategy and trial positioning
- Contribute to internal planning discussions related to: Site capabilities, Study gaps and opportunities, Competitive landscape
- Provide updates to leadership on program progress, risks, and performance
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits to support physical, mental, and financial well-being
- Competitive compensation package
- Annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
Upload and Match Resume
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
