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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