Nurse Navigator

Registered NurseNo weekendsFull-Time

Compensation

Pay not listed

The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday

Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting, call expectations and time off.

Posted 1mo ago

Job Description

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 "Hope Through Access” to cutting edge trials throughout the United States and Europe.

We are seeking a Nurse Navigator. The Nurse Navigator is a critical member of the Phase 1 clinical trial program team, serving as the primary liaison between patients, referring physicians, and START staff. This role ensures timely, coordinated, and personalized care while addressing barriers to trial participation, promoting program awareness, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Location: 800 Foremost Dr SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

Essential Responsibilities

  • Educate referring physicians and their staff about the START Phase 1 program and clinical trials.
  • Perform referral intake for new patients, ensuring coordinated, high-quality care and service.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage technology for improved patient matching and care coordination.
  • Support patients by scheduling Phase 1 appointments, addressing barriers to care, and linking them with community resources.
  • Present new and ongoing trials referring physicians and staff using virtual and in-person platforms.
  • Coordinate case conferences and attend tumor boards to support multidisciplinary cancer care.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation for Phase 1 patient tracking and study monitoring.
  • Attend administrative meetings, protocol reviews, and site visits as required.
  • Demonstrate effective communication and maintain confidentiality of patient information.
  • Practice integrity and accountability, incorporating feedback into clinical presentations.
  • Support growth goals of the clinical research program with respect to new patient referrals and accruals.

Education & Experience

  • Associate’s degree.
  • Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the practicing state.
  • Minimum of 1 year of oncology experience.

Preferred Education & Experience

  • Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification.
  • Clinical trials experience.

Physical & Travel Requirements

Travel may be required to referral offices or for presentations.

Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks

We value the time, talent, and dedication our employees bring to START. Our commitment to your well-being and growth is reflected in a competitive compensation package—based on experience—along with comprehensive benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally:

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
  • Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results
  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and optional insurance options
  • Company p‑aid life and disability insurance for added financial protection
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no ‑cost support for you and your family from day one
  • Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support your financial wellness
  • Commitment to a supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility

We’re committed to fostering a collaborative, creative workplace where every team member is encouraged to contribute. At START, you’ll join a team that values continuous learning, professional growth, shared ideas, and a culture built on inclusivity and innovation.

More About START

START clinical trial sites have conducted more than 1,000 early-phase clinical trials, including dozens of therapies that were approved by the FDA or EMA. START represents the world’s largest roster of early-phase principal investigators across its Network of clinical trial sites.

Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, START delivers hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world via our mission of “Hope Through Access”.

As an example, in San Antonio, where START was founded, START treated the first patient ever with Keytruda – one of the most effective cancer drugs in medical history.

Learn more at STARTresearch.com.

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.

Key Responsibilities

The Nurse Navigator serves as the primary liaison between patients, referring physicians, and the clinical research team to coordinate care and facilitate trial participation. They are responsible for managing patient referrals, educating staff on clinical trials, and supporting multidisciplinary cancer care through case conferences.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an Associate’s degree and an active Registered Nurse (RN) license. A minimum of one year of oncology experience is required, with preference given to those with OCN certification and clinical trials experience.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure

Key Skills

Oncology nursingClinical trial coordinationPatient navigationReferral managementPatient educationCase managementTumor board coordinationClinical documentationInterdisciplinary collaborationProtocol reviewPatient advocacy

Oncology — Registered Nurse Career Context

Of the 50 active Registered Nurse listings this role was benchmarked against, 22% are remote, 58% have no call, 80% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Michigan is 96.2 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 61.8% of Michigan clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

START Center for Cancer Research holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 80/100, 14 active listings.

Registered Nurse pay on WeekdayDoc is up 13.8% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Nurse Navigator at START Center for Cancer Research a 6.4 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in Oncology (RN) — ranked against 294 active Oncology (RN) listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.

Top Registered Nurse Jobs

37 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution34 jobs · 31 employers

9
<$95k
10
$95k-115k
6
$115k-135k
6
$135k-155k
3
$155k+

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks25 jobs

401k / retirement match
100% this job
Sign-on bonus
20%
CME allowance
8%
Loan repayment
4%
Relocation assistance
4%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Director of Nursing DON - Acute Inpatient Mental Health 264

Telecare · Shelton, Washington

$144k-$165k
#2

Case Manager, RN

Welbe Health · San Jose, California

$61.21-$78/hr
#3

Nurse Educator - Critical Care

$50.14-$77.83/hr
#4

Travel Registered Nurse Case Management Job

$143k-$151k
+ 35 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 5.1this job 6.4
Better work-life than 80% of Oncology (RN) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 294 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • No weekends

Living in Kentwood

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$329k
Typical market rent
$1,592/mo
Residents’ average commute
20 min
State income tax
Up to 4.3%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

START Center for Cancer Research logo

About START Center for Cancer Research

Biotechnology Research
San Antonio, Texas
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
Eligibility for an annual performance bonus
Generous paid time off and paid holidays
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Company-paid life and disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Flexible FSA and HSA plans