Medical Oncologist / Principal Investigator

Job Description

Job Description

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 access to cutting edge trials throughout the US and Europe. Today, with over 1,300 studies completed, and with research facilities in the United States and in Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, START’s mission is to accelerate the development of new anticancer drugs that will improve the quality of life and survival for patients with cancer and lead to its eventual cure. To date, over 43 therapies conducted at START locations have obtained FDA/EMA approval. Incredibly, while Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) conduct 80% of cancer trials, such trials reach only 20% of the patient population – leaving the majority of patients who are treated in community practices and hospitals without access to a clinical trial when their care journey calls for one. START serves the many – by bringing cancer trials to physicians and their patients in community hospitals and practices when hope is needed most.


Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, START delivers hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world. As an example, in San Antonio, where START was founded, START treated the first patient ever with Keytruda – the most effective cancer drug in medical history.

We are seeking a Clinical Principal Investigator. The Clinical Principal Investigator (PI) is a physician-scientist responsible for the overall preparation, conduct, and management of sponsored projects, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and institutional policies. This role will manage the development and execution of clinical trial protocols, contribute to data analysis, and maintain strong communication and alignment with sponsors.

• Manage early phase clinical trials by providing overarching medical direction and comprehensive medical reviews of protocols in conformance with the investigational plan and good clinical practice.
• Provide medical and scientific feasibility of all new sponsor inquiries driving growth through strategic partnerships.
• Lead and manage a matrix team of responsible for responsible for the conduct of early phase oncology trials.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in the study at the trial site are protected.
• Ensure data collected at the study site is credible and accurate.
• Ensure the rights, integrity, and confidentiality of all participants in the trial at the site are protected.
• Develop close personal working relationships with Sponsors and Clinical Research Organizations involved in study conduct.
• Provide expert guidance and support to clinical operations research staff and sponsor client.
• Lead continuous quality improvement efforts for clinical research services, integrating best practices and fostering a culture of research excellence.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance patient recruitment and retention in clinical trials.

Required Education and Experience:

• M.D. or equivalent.
• Board Certified in Hematology and/or Medical Oncology.
• Clinical trials experience with a strong interest in drug development.
• Ability to critically analyze clinical scientific data and literature.
• Understanding of GCP principles, safety and adverse event reporting, FDA regulations, and biomedical research ethics.
• A passion for providing excellent clinical care and for working in a collaborative / team-oriented environment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Previous experience with industry sponsored clinical trials.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in publishing and presenting at scientific meetings.
• Translational research experience and familiarity with pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Potential applicants should directly contact Mary Vidovich ( [email protected] ) or Chris H. Takimoto, MD, PhD ( [email protected] )at START Research

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. Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, START delivers hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world. 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.

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.