DESCRIPTION

The Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 54 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerated discovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

The Clinical Trials Office (CTO) at UCSD's Moores Cancer Center administers many clinical trials on behalf of its member investigators, including trials sponsored by National Cancer Institute cooperative groups, pharmaceutical companies, and physician investigators.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Director, Clinical Trial Activation and IIT Support, the Start-Up Project Manager coordinates and manages clinical trial start-up activity conducted at UCSD Moores Cancer Center. The Start-Up Project Manager tracks progress towards the efficient activation for externally authored clinical trials (e.g., industry-sponsored, cooperative group, externally authored investigator-initiated trials) of highest strategic importance to MCC’s clinical trials portfolio.

The incumbent directly communicates with assigned physicians and disease groups, including attending weekly meetings and tumor boards. The incumbent also serves as a liaison with study sponsors and activation functions throughout activation to coordinate start-up activities and ensure joint commitment to timely responses and addressing any potential delays. Serves as an initial escalation point for challenges encountered in activation across departments and with clinical trial sponsors. The incumbent also plays a key role in identifying process improvements in activation along with other CTO, MCC and UCSD teams, and serves as a champion for change across the organization with implementation of process improvements.

Uses advanced operational concepts and objectives to resolve highly complex issues. Regularly works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Primarily deals with programs and proposals with broad impact across the function, research initiative, program and / or organization. Develops and oversees the implementation of new programs and processes.

Advises Disease Team Project Managers, regulatory coordinators, budget analysts and other roles involved in study start-upon the various pathways and requirements for activation, including which UCSD teams to work with based on sponsor type, funding source, clinical trial requirements, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Nine years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor’s degree in related area plus five years of related experience/training.

• Advanced knowledge of clinical research practices and philosophy, and ability to apply knowledge and skills to recommend improvements in methodology. Advanced knowledge of regulatory requirements. Strong experience in Clinical Trials and Clinical Trials Program Management. Hands-on experience with Industry sponsored trials, cooperative group trials, and/or investigator-initiated trials.

• Advanced ability to effectively lead one or more projects with competing to meet the demands of a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Adaptable to quickly changing priorities.

• In depth critical thinking skills to evaluate issues and identify a potential solution. Creatively addresses complex or new problems.

• Advanced communication skills; including verbal and written, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills. Clear and concise communicator.

• Advanced interpersonal skills, including but not limited to: problem-solving, teamwork development, leadership with other team members. Works well with others to achieve common goals.

• Proven ability to perform all commonly applicable functions in word processing and spreadsheet software. Advanced knowledge of clinical information and documentation application programs. Proven ability utilizing clinical trial management systems.

• In depth ability to work collaboratively with other cross-functional teams. In depth ability to interface, collaborate and influence / persuade other members of an extended study team.

• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory submissions and compliance.

• Strong knowledge and experience of the clinical research coordinator and regulatory associate roles.

• Strong administrative experience using standard word processing and data management software programs, including Word and Excel, to develop and prepare reports. Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of various software programs (such as Adobe Acrobat, web browsers, CTMS, Epic, REDCap, etc.) and internet browser applications. Experience in conducting searches on the internet. Ability and willingness to learn new software as needed.

• Demonstrated experience working in a clinical research environment such as CRO, academic research institution, and/or a research hospital. Experience reading and interpreting clinical trials research protocols.

• Strong knowledge of investigational protocols (various trial products, data gathering, phases and protocol designs). Experience working with FDA regulations, NCI policies and procedures, and Good Clinical Practice guidelines for the conduct of clinical research.

• Knowledge or experience with oncology research and terminology.

• Experience in project administration in an academic environment. Knowledge and experience of clinical research management and contract negotiation in an academic institution.

• Advanced experience in research protocol start-up procedures, including: study feasibility, study activation and IRB processes, and qualification procedures.

• Hands-on experience with Industry sponsored trials, cooperative group trials, and/or investigator-initiated trials. Advanced ability to effectively lead one or more projects with competing to meet the demands of a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Adaptable to quickly changing priorities. Strong experience in Clinical Trials and Clinical Trials Program Management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree and/or SoCRA or ACRP Certification.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.