Director of Clinical Research, Clinical Development

SAGA is seeking a talented and highly motivated Director of Clinical Research with a strong interest in advancing our mission to revolutionize cancer diagnostics through the use of liquid biopsies.

 You will be a key member of the SAGA clinical development team, an international multi-disciplinary team, where you will be responsible for providing technical and genomic expertise to key clinical studies and biopharma projects.  The trials and clinical studies may be either sponsored by SAGA or conducted in collaboration with academic, or commercial partners.  We are growing our clinical development team and engaging with world leading KOLs and so this a unique opportunity to build the clinical research, reporting to the VP of Clinical Development.

 This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly scaling cancer genomics startup with excellent momentum, international attention, and strong customer traction – where every role is critical. Through cooperation and teamwork, you will have the opportunity to help grow the company and make a real difference for people with cancer worldwide.

Key responsibilities:

• Work with external research collaborators from leading academic centers globally to manage relationships, project timelines, sample forecasting and tracking, and data management and analysis for clinical studies.
• Manage proposals from external collaborators through to successful contract execution.
• Act as a point person for an internal clinical team and site staff. Communicate with the larger research and development team regarding research/analysis to ensure understanding of design and results. Provide laboratory expertise to clinical development projects as required.
• Develop clear and measurable analytical plans.
• Interpret individual testing results and provide compilation of all analytical data for finalization and approval prior to clinical study analysis.  Utilize primary statistical analysis methods.
• Keep up to date with scientific and academic research data and provide summaries and reviews.
• Provide expertise in cancer genomics for the development of new products.
• Prepare data presentations and publications as required to promote SAGA clinical studies and products. Attend scientific meetings to represent SAGA and support opportunities for abstracts, posters and podium presentation.
• Provide scientific support for biopharma & other business development activity as required.
• Maintain study budget for individual collaborations.  Understand, implement and verify complex and tailored study budgets or invoicing for projects.
• Some travel will be required for this position (approximately 10%)

Requirements

Technical Requirements:

• PhD or equivalent in Cancer Genomics or similar field. 
• 5+ years experience working in a molecular biology environment.   .
• Experience of research/clinical trials in the oncology field, would be an advantage.
• Computer literacy (including relevant software, such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe plus specific regulatory packages)
• Experience in conducting statistical analysis of genomic datasets is desirable.
• Experience in a Biotech/start-up environment would be advantageous.

Skill Requirements:

• Extensive Molecular biology skills.
• Detailed knowledge of Cancer Genomics.
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills, including experience in giving presentations.
• Knowledge of Product Development would be an advantage.
• Strong troubleshooting and data interpretation skills.  Application of statistical principles and analysis skills.
• Experienced in clinical research.
• Strong team working skills with a proven track record of working collaboratively to ensure delivery of projects to meet challenging timelines.
• Flexibility towards work assignments, new learning and travel.

Benefits

What we offer:

• The opportunity to build a critical clinical research portfolio from concept and develop exceptional data packages.
• As an early employee of the clinical research team, you will be involved in many aspects of the business and help set the direction/culture as we grow.
• You will be given the autonomy and resources to deliver to the highest level.
• All the perks of a start-up – highly competitive salaries, flexible working, flat structure, and a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, and paid parental leave.
• Membership to SAGA’s Equity scheme.   

Primary location: Remote with regular visits to Morrisville NC office as needed

SAGA Diagnostics is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces and encourages applicants of every background.  The company’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity means that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action and termination will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.