Clinical Research Site Director

SQRL; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

15 days PTO

10 company holidays

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

SQRL is seeking an experienced Director of Clinical Research Operations – Oncology to lead the launch and growth of a new oncology site in the San Diego market. This hands-on leadership role oversees site development, clinical operations, staff recruitment, budget, quality, and sponsor interactions.

The position requires 8+ years in clinical research, including 5+ years in site leadership, with direct oncology experience.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of clinical research experience with at least 5 years in site operations or leadership.
• Direct experience in oncology clinical research is required.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, launch, and day-to-day operations of a new oncology clinical research site, including staffing, workflows, systems, and operational processes.
• Remain closely involved in site activities during the build-out phase and provide hands-on clinical or study support when necessary.
• Oversee study execution, patient safety, regulatory compliance, investigator engagement, data quality, and readiness for sponsor monitoring visits and audits.
• Manage site financial performance, including P&L oversight, budgeting, forecasting, staffing, productivity, capacity planning, and profitability.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop clinical and operational staff while building a collaborative and accountable site culture.
• Partner with investigators, sponsors, business development, oncology practices, and referral sources to grow study volume and establish a strong local research presence.

Skills

Oncology clinical research leadership

Site operations leadership

FDA/ICH-GCP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL RESEARCH OPERATIONS – ONCOLOGY (Site Director)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Lead the launch and growth of a new oncology clinical research site in the San Diego market.
• $160,000–$200,000 base salary plus annual performance bonus (20% target)
• Join a rapidly expanding national clinical research organization with significant continued growth planned throughout 2026 and beyond.
• High-impact leadership role with responsibility for site development, clinical operations, team building, financial performance, and long-term growth.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 15 days of PTO, 10 company holidays, and additional employee programs.
• 401(k) with a 100% employer match on the first 4% of employee contributions, plus tuition reimbursement, parental leave, life insurance, and disability coverage.

COMPANY

Our client is a fast-growing national clinical research organization with a broad and expanding presence across the United States. The organization conducts clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas and continues to invest heavily in the growth of its oncology research capabilities. Continued expansion in 2026 and beyond creates significant career development opportunities for leaders who enjoy entrepreneurial, build-stage environments.

POSITION

Our client is seeking an experienced oncology clinical research leader to help launch and lead a new site in the San Diego market. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who is equally comfortable building a team and strategy as they are stepping into day-to-day site operations when needed. The Director will oversee clinical execution, staff development, financial performance, quality, investigator relationships, and continued site growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development, launch, and day-to-day operations of a new oncology clinical research site, including staffing, workflows, systems, and operational processes.
• Remain closely involved in site activities during the build-out phase and provide hands-on clinical or study support when necessary.
• Oversee study execution, patient safety, regulatory compliance, investigator engagement, data quality, and readiness for sponsor monitoring visits and audits.
• Manage site financial performance, including P&L oversight, budgeting, forecasting, staffing, productivity, capacity planning, and profitability.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop clinical and operational staff while building a collaborative and accountable site culture.
• Partner with investigators, sponsors, business development, oncology practices, and referral sources to grow study volume and establish a strong local research presence.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of clinical research experience, including at least 5 years of clinical research site operations or leadership experience.
• Direct experience in oncology clinical research is required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead clinical operations and teams in a fast-moving environment; experience launching, building, or substantially growing a research site is highly valued.
• Experience with site-level financial management, including P&L ownership or strong working knowledge of budgets, revenue, margins, staffing, and resource planning, is preferred.
• Strong understanding of FDA regulations, ICH-GCP, SOPs, clinical trial operations, audit readiness, and quality management.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred