Associate Director, Therapeutic Development

It’s More Than a Career, It’s a Mission. Our people are the foundation of our success. By joining our growing team at Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a subsidiary of McKesson, you will have the opportunity to become part of one of the largest community-based cancer programs to advance oncology treatments and improve outcomes for cancer patients across the globe. We look for mission-driven candidates who have a desire to advance the fight against cancer and make a difference in the lives of patients diagnosed with cancer every day. Our Mission People who live with cancer – those who work to prevent it, fight it, and survive it – are at the heart of every decision we make. Bringing the most innovative medical minds together with the most passionate caregivers in their communities, we are transforming care and personalizing treatment. Through clinical excellence and cutting‑edge research, SCRI is redefining cancer care around the world. Role Overview 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. Responsibilities Program & Scientific Leadership Provide oversight and direction for Therapeutic Development programs, focusing 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, protocol-related scientific considerations, and lead program-level discussions on study prioritization, pipeline gaps, and research opportunities. Team Leadership 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. Program Execution & Oversight Oversee execution of key program activities led by CPS team, including study evaluation workflows and tracking, scientific materials (slide decks, summaries, literature reviews), and ensuring consistency, accuracy, and quality across all scientific deliverables. Identify gaps in processes and implement improvements to optimize efficiency and program outcomes. Cross‑Functional Collaboration 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. Strategic & Operational Contributions 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, and provide updates to leadership on program progress, risks, and performance. Qualifications 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. Employment Details Remote position based in the United States. Preference will be given to candidates located in the Nashville, TN area or those able to commute to our Nashville home office one day per week. Relocation and visa sponsorship are not available. Benefits Competitive compensation package, including base pay, annual bonus, long‑term incentive opportunities, and equity. Comprehensive benefits to support physical, mental, and financial well‑being. Overall Total Rewards package designed to meet diverse colleague needs. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sarah Cannon Research Institute