Collaborations Coordinator

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 access to cutting edge trials throughout the US and Europe. Today, with over 1,300 studies completed, and with research facilities in the United States and in Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, START's mission is to accelerate the development of new anticancer drugs that will improve the quality of life and survival for patients with cancer and lead to its eventual cure. To date, over 43 therapies conducted at START locations have obtained FDA/EMA approval. Incredibly, while Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) conduct 80% of cancer trials, such trials reach only 20% of the patient population – leaving the majority of patients who are treated in community practices and hospitals without access to a clinical trial when their care journey calls for one. START serves the many – by bringing cancer trials to physicians and their patients in community hospitals and practices when hope is needed most.
 
START represents the world's largest roster of Principal Investigators (PIs) across its eight clinical trial sites. Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, START delivers hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world. As an example, in San Antonio, where START was founded, START treated the first patient ever with Keytruda – the most effective cancer drug in medical history.

Reporting to the Manager of Pharmacy & Laboratory Services, the Collaborations Coordinator, XenoSTART is a full-time position responsible for the comprehensive annotation, organization, and inventory of all XPDX models, including pathology confirmation, immunohistochemistry (IHC) profiling, genomic and transcriptomic sequencing, and other model integrity validation test results.  This role also supports day-to-day communication with collaborators who have licensed or are actively utilizing XPDX models, and facilitates the coordination of related scientific operations under the supervision of the Manager of Pharmacy & Laboratory Services.

Essential Responsibilities

Model Annotation & Data Management

• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date records for all XPDX models, including pathology confirmation, immunohistochemistry (IHC) data, and other testing not specified along with the associated in vivo results.
• Catalog, organize, and ensure data integrity across platforms.

Sample & Inventory Coordination

• Manage inventory of viable and non-viable model samples; track and escalate inventory shortages as needed.
• Coordinate and track sequencing activities, prioritize models for sequencing, and act as the primary liaison between XenoSTART and third-party sequencing vendors.
• Maintain accurate manifests and tracking logs for all characterization data.

Shipping & Logistics

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all sample transfers not associated with in-study use or deliverables.
• Ensure all domestic and international shipments comply with current IATA guidelines and documentation standards.

Collaborator & Program Support

• Manage communication with internal and external collaborators who license or utilize XPDX models.
• Coordinate and report data generated through the in vivo rat program at XenoSTART.
• Coordinate, organize, and report on relevant pathogen testing in alignment with current best practices.
• Perform routine lineage reviews of models to ensure accuracy and continuity.

Meetings & Operational Support

• Attend regular team meetings, provide project updates, and support cross-functional initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support scientific operations and collaboration success.

 Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required; bachelor's degree in life science or related field preferred.
• Two (2) years of related experience required; experience in a research or scientific support setting preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required, with an emphasis on accuracy and professionalism.

 Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience with data handling and record-keeping in a fast-paced environment strongly preferred.
• Experience with FreezerWorks inventory tracking system strongly preferred.
• Ability to be self-motivated and collaborative in a cross-functional, multi-location team environment strongly preferred.

Physical & Travel Requirements:

• Working Hours: On-site Monday through Friday, 7:30AM-4:30PM
• Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Standing: Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Motor Skills: Ability to perform daily tasks requiring fine motor skills.
• Range of Motion: Ability to utilize full range of motion (reaching, bending, etc.).
• Lifting: Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks
We value our employees' time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by a competitive compensation, depending on experience, and an extensive benefits package including:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided
• Robust retirement planning: 401(k) plan available with employer matching
• Financial security: Life and disability insurance for added protection
• Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts offered
• Well-being and work-life balance: Paid time off, flexible schedule, and remote work choices provided
• Plus, we work to maintain the best environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

More about The START Center for Cancer Research
Deeply rooted in community oncology centers globally, The START Center for Cancer Research provides access to specialized preclinical and early-phase clinical trials of novel anti-cancer agents. START clinical trial sites have conducted more than a thousand early-phase clinical trials, including for 43 therapies that were approved by the FDA. START represents the world's largest roster of Principal Investigators (PIs) across its eight clinical trial sites. Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, START delivers hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world. Learn more at 

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.