The START Center for Cancer Research
Sr. Manager, Physician (Principal Investigator) Recruiter
The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”) is the world’s largest early phase site network, fully dedicated to oncology clinical research. Throughout our history, START has provided hope to cancer patients in global community practices by offering "Hope Through Access” to cutting edge trials throughout the United States and Europe.
Position Summary
The Sr. Manager of Physician (Principal Investigator) Recruitment is responsible for developing and executing START's physician recruitment strategy. This role leads the full-cycle recruitment of oncology physicians and physician-investigators across START's global network of clinical research sites.
The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in physician recruitment, an established network within oncology and cancer research communities, and a demonstrated ability to identify, engage, and recruit high-performing physician specialists. This individual will serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on physician workforce planning, talent market intelligence, and long-term recruitment strategy.
This role is accountable for sourcing, attracting, recruiting, and onboarding physicians who advance START's mission of accelerating cancer drug development and expanding patient access to innovative therapies.
This is a remote role. The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $130,000. However, base pay may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Work Hours: M-F, 8am-5pm
Location: Remote
Essential Responsibilities
Physician (Principal Investigator) Recruitment
- Lead full-cycle recruitment for physician investigators and oncology physicians across START's clinical research network.
- Develop targeted sourcing strategies for Medical Oncologists, Hematologist-Oncologists, and other oncology subspecialists with clinical research experience.
- Build and maintain relationships with active and passive physician candidates.
- Manage all stages of the recruitment lifecycle including sourcing, screening, interviewing, candidate assessment, offer development, contract negotiations, and onboarding.
- Coordinate physician site visits and interactions with executive leadership, physician leaders, and site leadership.
- Present START's clinical research platform, scientific capabilities, and career opportunities to prospective physician investigators.
- Facilitate offer discussions, partnering with business leaders and partner organizations throughout the decision-making process.
Strategic Talent Pipeline Development
- Create and maintain a proactive pipeline of physician investigator talent.
- Develop long-term recruitment strategies aligned with organizational growth plans and future site expansion.
- Establish relationships with oncology fellowship programs, academic cancer centers, and physician training programs.
- Maintain talent communities and succession pipelines for future physician hiring needs.
- Develop physician referral strategies leveraging START's existing investigator network.
Oncology & Clinical Research Market Engagement
- Cultivate relationships within oncology and clinical research communities.
- Represent START at oncology, drug development, and physician networking events.
- Develop relationships with:
- Oncology fellowship directors
- Academic cancer center leaders
- Principal Investigators
- Cooperative groups
- Community oncology leaders
- Physician thought leaders
- Maintain market intelligence regarding physician availability, compensation trends, and emerging talent markets.
Executive Partnership
- Partner closely with senior leadership and physician leaders to assess workforce needs and recruitment priorities.
- Advise leaders regarding physician labor market conditions and recruitment strategies.
- Provide regular updates on candidate pipelines, recruitment performance, and anticipated hiring challenges.
- Support physician workforce planning initiatives.
Recruitment Analytics & Operations
- Monitor key physician recruitment metrics and performance indicators.
- Track candidate pipelines, sourcing effectiveness, offer acceptance rates, and time-to-fill.
- Ensure compliance with recruitment policies and applicable regulations.
- Support physician onboarding and integration activities.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
- Five or more years of physician recruitment experience specifically.
- Demonstrated success recruiting physicians in highly competitive healthcare markets.
- Experience leading physician recruitment from sourcing through signed employment agreements.
- Experience building passive candidate pipelines and direct sourcing strategies.
- Strong negotiation, relationship management, and executive communication skills.
- Ability to travel as needed.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Experience recruiting oncology physicians.
- Experience recruiting physician investigators, Principal Investigators, or research physicians.
- Experience supporting clinical research organizations, cancer centers, oncology networks, or academic medical centers.
- Established network within oncology and cancer research communities.
- Working knowledge of clinical trials and oncology drug development.
Physical and Travel Requirements
- Approximately 80% of time is spent sitting.
- Very fast-paced and ever-changing healthcare environment.
- Demanding deadlines and time frames.
- Constant demand for updating knowledge.
Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks
We value the time, talent, and dedication our employees bring to START. Our commitment to your well-being and growth is reflected in a competitive compensation package—based on experience—along with comprehensive benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally:
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
- Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and optional insurance options
- Company paid life and disability insurance for added financial protection
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no ‑cost support for you and your family from day one
- Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support your financial wellness
- Commitment to a supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility
- We’re committed to fostering a collaborative, creative workplace where every team member is encouraged to contribute. At START, you’ll join a team that values continuous learning, professional growth, shared ideas, and a culture built on inclusivity and innovation.
More About START
START clinical trial sites have conducted more than 1,000 early-phase clinical trials, including dozens of therapies that were approved by the FDA or EMA. START represents the world’s largest roster of early-phase principal investigators across its Network of clinical trial sites.
Learn more at STARTresearch.com.
Ready to be part of a team changing the future of cancer treatment?
Join us in our mission to conquer cancer, one clinical trial at a time. Your expertise and dedication can help us bring hope and healing to patients worldwide. Please submit your application online.
We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
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