Director, External Research Programs – Oncology

Revolution Medicines; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 211,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

Revolution Medicines is seeking a Director, Externally Sponsored Research (ESR) to lead strategy, oversight, and execution of ESR processes across a disease area. The role ensures scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and alignment with company goals, collaborating with Medical Strategy and Clinical Operations to advance externally sponsored research.

The position requires 10+ years in Medical Affairs/ESR, advanced science/medical degree, and strong cross-functional leadership.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science or medicine required (PhD, PharmD, or MD).
• 10+ years of experience in Medical Affairs and ESRs within biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience leading ESR programs, including proposal review, funding allocation, and study execution.
• Ability to navigate cross-functional partnerships with Legal, Compliance, Regulatory, and Clinical teams.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to assess research proposals for scientific merit and alignment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills to engage internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Deep knowledge of global regulatory requirements for Medical Affairs, including FDA, EMA, ICH, GVP, and industry best practices.
• Preferred: oncology, precision medicine, or targeted therapies experience.
• Familiarity with digital tools for grant submissions and ESR management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end ESR process for a specific disease area, including development of areas of interest, proposal review, approval, funding, and execution.
• Help set scientific and strategic objectives and ensure ESRs align.
• Represent ESR program within the organization.
• Lead cross-functional scientific committees in proposal and protocol reviews.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Monitor ongoing ESRs progress, milestone tracking, study reporting, and data dissemination.
• Optimize ESR program scalability and operational efficiency, including tracking proposals, funding, and outcomes.
• Will directly supervise the ESR manager assigned to the program.
• Serve as a key contact for ESR-related interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner with Clinical Operations on ESR execution, including contracting, budgets, enrollment, and metrics.
• Coordinate with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Preclinical, and other teams to align ESR funding with priorities.
• Build relationships with external investigators, KOLs, and cooperative groups.
• Ensure timely communication with investigators and external partners.

Skills

Medical Affairs

ESR leadership

Cross-functional partnering

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Education

Advanced degree in science or medicine

Job description

Revolution Medicines is seeking a Director, Externally Sponsored Research (ESR) to lead strategy, oversight, and execution of ESR processes across a disease area. The role ensures scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and alignment with company goals, collaborating with Medical Strategy and Clinical Operations to advance externally sponsored research.

The position requires 10+ years in Medical Affairs/ESR, advanced science/medical degree, and strong cross-functional leadership.