Director, SMMART

Department Overview

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection of cancer when the disease is most treatable.

 

SMMART is a highly adaptive, fast-paced, intense research environment. We work to support the conduct of novel clinical studies and translational research, aimed at improving the lives of people and families with cancer, by applying innovative strategies for cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment that are uniquely tailored to each patient.  We support this model through proactive, high-quality, and efficient study management in compliance with federal regulations and local policies and procedures. We navigate the complex world of oncology and clinical studies and work with a very vulnerable and sick population.

 

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles: 

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Function/Duties of Position

The SMMART Executive Director will serve as the overall operations manager of the Knight SMMART Clinical Trials Program, inclusive of both the clinical trial and the scientific research program priorities. To do so, they must be able to provide leadership and apply project management principles to move complex, multi-institutional projects through to completion. They will be responsible for managing timelines and communications for SMMART studies and research efforts, ensuring that all stakeholders are appropriately updated and are able to provide ongoing feedback to positively impact the direction and quality of the program deliverables.

 

In addition, the Executive Director will be responsible for establishing new initiatives and partnerships to advance the SMMART Clinical Trials Program. They will interact with and set up critical pharmaceutical, industry and academic collaborations to expand SMMART trial support and technical capabilities.  Advanced Scientific and Technical skills are required to succeed with these diverse interactions to accurately and critically assess, manage and provide leadership to successfully support the program’s mission and initiatives.

 

Excellent project management skills, a strong understanding of the biological and physical sciences and health-related research, and the ability to manage the high-volume information flow of scientific collaborations in a very organized and timely manner are all essential.

 

Scientific Leadership: Takes an active role in defining and implementing SMMART programmatic priorities and milestone deliverables, in close collaboration with the Program Director. Responsible for monitoring, reviewing and ensuring assigned programs are progressing as planned and expected.  Identifies any concerns or questions that could possibly jeopardize or slow down the progress of scientific discovery and/or collaboration

 

Team Management: Provides direct support to SMMART Clinical Trial Program Assistant Directors, in close collaboration with the Program Director, to advance the missions of the Knight Precision Oncology program. Ensures effective and timely communication and collaboration between teams and key stakeholders.  Identifies individual and collective performance issues as part of the overall project evaluation process; works with the team to find a solution if the project is behind schedule; identifies personnel requirements and participate in recruitment initiatives. Reports project status and escalates for resolution issues to Director and appropriate leadership committees.

 

Project Planning and Milestone Tracking: Identifies project scientific milestones; assigns timelines, tasks and tracking progress; Creates, updates and maintains relevant tracking system(s) that is accessible to key stakeholders. Assists in coordinating research and financial aspects of new and established collaborations in conjunction with appropriate science, clinical, business development and administrative staff. Creates appropriate documents to capture key decisions and action items. Assists with assembling documentation and milestone tracking for periodic Knight Leadership program reviews.

 

External Partner Interactions: Builds private sector partner relationships; works closely wit