Senior Director of Research Operations

Company: Sarah Cannon Research Institute
Location: Nashville
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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. As the Senior Director of Research Site Operations, you are responsible for the overall clinical Research Site Operations and development of Oncology Research program in Nashville. This includes strategic growth and development within study operations, hospital research operations for SCRI, program development and clinical research management. You will work closely with SCRI Physician leaders, Executives and Sr. Leaders for the administrative and physician leadership support at our SCRI Investigative Sites. Overall responsibility to lead operation of the research business with responsibility of menu success and oversight. Oversees Research Site Operations working closely with Teams, Directors, and Sites to achieve strategic objectives Develops and foster continual alignment across teams reporting into this position by facilitating regular cross-team meetings, establishing shared goals, and implementing transparent communication channels, resulting in improved project delivery times and increased interdepartmental collaboration. Problem solves escalated operational and clinical situations along with the Site staff and Research Site Leaders as they arise Directs development and execution of Sarah Cannon Research Institute internal and external strategies Provides oversight, leadership and direction in the management of trials Assesses quality of data and performance of clinical trial execution at sites and promotes action plans to address performance gaps Monitors patient budget to actual accrual rates and support implementation of action plans for sites with accrual issues Assesses organizational processes associated with trial execution and implements ways to improve and streamline internal procedures. Meets with Site and hospital’s administrators and physicians as needed to ensure contracted services are being provided by SCRI Site Support and other key departments such as Therapeutic Development, Regulatory, Budgets/Contracts, IT and QA Keeps executive and management team abreast of issues, progress, and risks related to trial operations Supports the development, implementation and evaluation of programs to promote recruitment, retention and continuing education of Site research staff Facilitate strategy meetings and committees to address clinical research issues and efficiencies Oversees process compliance for corrective action when necessary Attends and participates in all Leader level key meetings including both internal SCRI and at Site Supports corporate strategies with teams to ensure COI compliance Supports team framework to assure development and tracking of quarterly goals for each Site Works closely with leaders to assure monitors, sponsors and Sites are effective in ensuring and communicating quality study data Meets with physicians and administrators as needed to assess performance of Site Supports strategic and tactical plans for oncology site growth and development Represents company vision to sponsors, site leaders and affiliated organizations Communicates Research Site's performance standards and expectations Supports critical visits to Site leaders Works with other leaders in enabling SCRI Operations departments to ensure communication and responsibility and process clarity are communicated and effective among the groups Collaborates with training and education to ensure continuing education and training to investigators and Research Site staff is appropriately prioritized Drive quality execution and process consistency in the core operations by implementation of appropriate processes and procedures. You should have for this position: Knowledge of Oncology Research clinical organizational policies, standard operating procedures, and systems Knowledge of Standard Research Operations Public presentation skills At least five years of experience in oncology. At least five years of direct people leader experience At least five years of team leadership experience At least five years of experience in a research setting Bachelor's degree is preferred; Associate degree required This position will be open for applications until March 10th. About Sarah Cannon Research Institute Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) is one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. In 2022, SCRI formed a joint venture with former US Oncology Research to expand clinical trial access across the country. It has conducted more than 750 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA today. SCRI’s research network brings together more than 1,300 physicians who are actively enrolling patients into clinical trials at more than 250 locations in 24 states across the U.S. Please click here to learn more about our research offerings. We care about the well-being of the patients and communities we serve, and that starts with caring for our people. That’s why we have a Total Rewards package that includes comprehensive benefits to support physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our Total Rewards offerings serve the different needs of our diverse colleague population and ensure they are the healthiest versions of themselves. For more information regarding benefits through our parent company, McKesson, please click here . As part of Total Rewards, we are proud to offer a competitive compensation package. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered. McKesson has become aware of online recruiting-related scams in which individuals who are not affiliated with or authorized by McKesson are using McKesson’s (or affiliated entities, like CoverMyMeds or RxCrossroads) name in fraudulent emails, job postings or social media messages. In light of these scams, please bear the following in mind: McKesson Talent Advisors will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a McKesson job application. McKesson Talent Advisors do not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms or using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail. Note that McKesson does rely on a virtual assistant (Gia) for certain recruiting-related communications with candidates. McKesson job postings are posted on our career site: careers.mckesson.com . 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.

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