Clinical Nurse Leader – Developmental Therapeutic Units

Job Description

Nurse Leader – Developmental Therapeutic Units 

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) Department: Developmental Therapeutic Units (DTUs) Reports to: Director  

Overview: 

The Nurse Leader of Developmental Therapeutic Units (DTUs) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) plays a pivotal role in overseeing nursing operations, patient care, and research coordination within the early-phase clinical trial setting. This leader ensures that high-quality, evidence-based nursing care is provided while fostering collaboration between clinical teams, research staff, and ancillary services to drive innovation in cancer treatment. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

Leadership & Operational Oversight 

• Provide strategic leadership for nursing operations across our Developmental Therapeutic Units. 

• Develop and implement standardized policies, procedures, and protocols to enhance clinical trial workflows. 

• Collaborate with clinical researchers, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of early-phase clinical trials into patient care. 

Patient Care & Safety 

• Oversee the delivery of specialized nursing care for patients enrolled in early phase clinical trials. 

• Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), FDA regulations, and institutional policies. 

• Monitor and address adverse events, patient safety concerns, and protocol deviations to maintain the highest standards of patient care. 

Team Development & Staff Engagement 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of nurses and research staff within the DTUs. 

• Foster a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and excellence in oncology clinical research nursing. 

• Conduct performance evaluations, staff training, and competency assessments. 

Collaboration & Research Coordination 

• Act as a liaison between nursing, research, and administrative teams to facilitate efficient trial implementation. 

• Partner with Pharmacy, Lab Medicine, and regulatory teams to optimize clinical trial processes. 

• Engage in process improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency. 

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Improvement 

• Ensure adherence to clinical trial protocols, safety regulations, and institutional research guidelines. 

• Participate in audit preparation, protocol review, and compliance monitoring. 

• Utilize data-driven decision-making to improve workflow efficiency and patient care. 

 

 

Qualifications: 

 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree (MSN, MHA, or related field) preferred. 

• Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience, with at least 2 years in oncology, clinical research, or a leadership role. 

• Experience in early-phase clinical trials, infusion therapy, or experimental therapeutics preferred. 

Certifications & Licensure 

• Current NYS Registered Nurse (RN) license required. 

• Oncology Nursing Certification (OCN) or Clinical Research Nursing Certification (CRN) preferred. 

Key Skills & Competencies 

• Clinical Research Expertise – Strong understanding of early phase clinical trials, research protocols, and patient monitoring. 

•  Leadership & Team Management – Ability to motivate, mentor, and guide a high-performing nursing team. 

• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge – Familiarity with FDA regulations, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes. 

•  Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Experience working with physicians, researchers, and ancillary departments