Clinical Nurse Leader – Developmental Therapeutic Units 

Job details

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 to support clinical trials.

• Process Improvement & Data Analysis – Ability to assess workflows, implement evidence-based changes, and optimize patient care models.

Are you ready to learn more about our Benefits?

Pay Range $143,600.00-$237,000.00

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