Study Activation Specialist

McKesson’s Corporate; Tennessee; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) is a leading oncology research organization within McKesson, focusing on community-based clinical trials. This role drives startup activities, builds sponsor relationships, and coordinates with CROs and internal teams to advance multiple studies.

The candidate will leverage knowledge of clinical trials, regulatory processes, and medical terminology, with occasional travel to support study activation and management across sites.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical industry, regulatory processes and clinical trials.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Availability to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact during trial feasibility, planning, and startup up to site activation.
• Manage startup activities and enter trials into the Sarah Cannon Strategic Sites’ clinical research program menus.
• Coordinate across internal departments, CROs, physicians, and sponsors to advance trials.
• Develop relationships with sponsors and CROs to identify potential studies.
• Maintain a database of pharmaceutical and CRO relationships.
• Market SCRI services to pharmaceutical companies and CROs within the industry network.
• Track site metrics for startup processes at each Strategic Site.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer Service

Pharma industry knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Clinical trial terms

Travel availability

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor Degree preferred

Job description

Role Overview

It's More Than a Career, It's a Mission. Our people are the foundation of our success. By joining our growing team at Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a subsidiary of McKesson, you will have the opportunity to become part of one of the largest community-based cancer programs to advance oncology treatments and improve outcomes for cancer patients across the globe. We look for mission-driven candidates who have a desire to advance the fight against cancer and make a difference in the lives of patients diagnosed with cancer every day. Our Mission People who live with cancer – those who work to prevent it, fight it, and survive it – are at the heart of every decision we make. Bringing the most innovative medical minds together with the most passionate caregivers in their communities, we are transforming care and personalizing treatment. Through clinical excellence and cutting-edge research, SCRI is redefining cancer care around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary responsible party and point of contact during clinical research trial feasibility, planning, and implementation up until the point of site activation.


• Manage the startup activities of proposed clinical trials and enter those trials into the Sarah Cannon Strategic Sites’ clinical research program menus.


• Maintain relationships and facilitate progress across multiple groups including but not limited to internal SC departments, Strategic Sites physicians and staff, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and Pharmaceutical Companies.


• Develop relationships with sponsors and CROs to provide potential studies.


• Maintain a database of potential pharmaceutical and CRO relationships.


• Market Sarah Cannon services and capabilities to pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and within the industry network.


• Develop and maintain strong industry ties, utilizing both the network and the Internet, in order to acquire new studies.


• Provide information and updates on current studies in the start-up process at all Sponsor meetings.


• Track all site metrics relating to the study start up process for each Strategic Site.


• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.


• Bachelor Degree preferred.


• Knowledge of pharmaceutical industry, regulatory processes, clinical trials and medical terminology.


• Availability to travel occasionally.


• At least one year of experience in Customer Service in a Client Facing Role.


• Experience in healthcare, research, pharmaceutical or marketing industries preferred.

About the Company

About Sarah Cannon Research Institute Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) is one of the world's leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. In 2022, SCRI formed a joint venture with former US Oncology Research to expand clinical trial access across the country. It has conducted more than 850 first‑in‑human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA in the past decade. SCRI's research network brings together more than 1,300 physicians who are enrolling patients into clinical trials at more than 200 locations in 20+ states across the U.S.

Please click here to learn more about our research offerings.

We care about the well‑being of the patients and communities we serve, and that starts with caring for our people. That's why we have a Total Rewards package that includes comprehensive benefits to support physical, mental, and financial well‑being. Our Total Rewards offerings serve the different needs of our diverse colleague population and ensure they are the healthiest versions of themselves. For more information regarding benefits through our parent company, McKesson, please click here.

Benefits and Compensation

As part of Total Rewards, we are proud to offer a competitive compensation package. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long‑term incentive opportunities may be offered.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

McKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable. Here, we focus on the health, happiness, and well‑being of you and those we serve – we care. What you do at McKesson matters. We foster a culture where you can grow, make an impact, and are empowered to bring new ideas. Together, we thrive as we shape the future of health for patients, our communities, and our people. If you want to be part of tomorrow’s health today, we want to hear from you.