Jobs and Careers

Director, Translation Oncology Research

Grand Rapids, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 24 Jun 2026

About the role

Job Summary

Responsible for leading and growing the translational oncology research program for Corewell Health. Will direct a robust portfolio of translational and clinical research focused on improving the detection, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Has a deep scientific expertise in oncology, a strong commitment to team science, and a demonstrated track record of US Federal funding or comparable external funding in oncology research and programming.

Has a proven record of community engaged research excellence, including peer-reviewed publications in relevant scientific journals and presentations at scientific conferences. Incorporates the principles of a learning health institution model to leverage real-world data to drive continuous improvement in early detection and cancer care delivery.

Provides leadership and scientific oversight, manages daily operations, develops novel methodologies, and collaborates closely with investigators to support novel research across Corewell Health. Collaborates with Corewell Health Research Institute leadership to coordinate lab management and organization, as well as train scientists, medical students, and lab technicians. Additionally, the Director, Translational Oncology Research Program will contribute to manuscript preparation for publications and grant proposal writing to support external and fundraising efforts for the Program to elevate CH's oncology research impact and visibility.

Essential Functions

Scientific Leadership: Develop and lead a strategic research vision focused on oncology and contributing disorders. Advance translational science through integration of molecular biology, imaging, biomarkers, and clinical studies. Directs a bench-to-bedside research portfolio that translates discoveries into innovative patient care solutions.
Maintain an active, externally funded research program addressing critical questions in oncology research, from early detection to late-stage care.
Strategic and Operational Oversight: Direct day-to-day operations of core lab, including supervising staff responsible for conducting assays, handling maintenance, and collaborating with technical staff by guiding sample preparation, bioinformatics, data acquisition, and analyses.
Guide CHW strategy for oncology research, identifying growth opportunities in precision medicine, digital health, and community-based interventions. Oversee research operations, including grant development, compliance, and budget management.
Investigator Collaboration: Partner with investigators throughout Corewell Health in experimental design, sample preparation, data interpretation, and project support. Partner with clinicians across the enterprise, including academic institutions, industry partners and community institutions/stakeholders, to advance translational oncology research. Serve as a scientific and regulatory resources to investigators, proactively identifying regulatory risks and guiding mitigation strategies for complex, high impact studies.
Training and Guidance: Provide technical training and problem-solving solutions to students, postdocs, and investigators conducting experiments. Provide growth and development opportunities for the team, including coaching and mentoring junior scientists, supporting project teams, and facilitating the work of direct/matrix reports and key collaborators within the functional community.
Operations and Oversight: Provide leadership oversight of regulatory operations for the Translational Oncology Research Program, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and institutional requirements (e.g. IACUC, FDA, HIPAA, NIH, GCP, IRB, etc.).
Establish and maintain program-level regulatory standards, policies and workflows that support rigorous science while enabling timely study start-up and execution. Ensure proper oversight of data governance, biospecimen use and human subjects protections.
Funding and Grants: Actively identify, apply and secure external funding to offset the Translational Oncology Research Program. Seeks funding through private and philanthropic partnerships to expand the Research Program. Collaborate with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary grant applications that address complex diseases and related disparities.
Community and National Engagement: Serve as scientific liaison to internal leadership and external stakeholders (NIH, foundations, industry). Represent Corewell Health in national research consortia, NIH initiatives and American Cancer Society; Present at leading conferences and publish in top-tier journals to advance the field and enhance Corewell Health’s national reputation.

Qualifications