Director of Hematologic Malignancy – Providence Cancer Institute
Portland, OR
Director of Hematologic Malignancy – Providence Cancer Institute
About the Role
Providence Cancer Institute is seeking a Director of Hematologic Malignancy to lead the growth and strategic direction of its blood cancer and cellular therapy programs. Based at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center in Portland, Oregon, this physician-scientist leader will oversee clinical operations, expand translational research, and drive the integration of advanced cellular therapies—including CAR-T, TCR-T, and next-generation immunotherapies—into the hematologic malignancy service line.
The Director will work within the infrastructure of the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (EACRI), Providence’s dedicated cancer research institute. EACRI operates a fully GMP-capable cell manufacturing facility, runs 400+ clinical trials (150+ actively enrolling), and maintains 14 specialized research laboratories in 45,000 square feet of dedicated research space. Its investigators led the pivotal trial of ipilimumab—the first FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitor—and published the first successful treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer with TCR gene-engineered T cells in the New England Journal of Medicine (2022). EACRI contributed to the FDA approval of lifileucel (Amtagvi), the first adoptive cell therapy for a solid tumor, and to the approval of lisocabtagene maraleucel (Breyanzi) as second-line treatment for large B-cell lymphoma.
The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), a Providence affiliate, is home to Mary E. Brunkow, PhD, whose identification of the FOXP3 gene—the master regulator of regulatory T cells—was recognized with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Regulatory T-cell biology is directly relevant to cancer immunotherapy research underway at EACRI, including ongoing studies on overcoming Treg-mediated immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment.
Providence Cancer Institute is the flagship cancer program for Providence Health System, a $29 billion, 51-hospital system spanning seven states with 120,000+ caregivers. This position reports to the Division Director of Hematology & Medical Oncology.
Mount Hood Reflection at Trillium Lake
Position Details
- Title: Director of Hematologic Malignancy
- Employer: Providence Cancer Institute, Providence Health System
- Location: Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
- Appointment: 1.0 FTE (flexible distribution between clinical, administrative, and research workstreams)
Key Responsibilities:
The Director of Hematologic Malignancy will:
- Strategic Leadership: Set and execute the clinical, translational, and operational strategy for the hematologic malignancy service line across both hospital campuses, including growth targets, quality metrics, and program development milestones.
- Clinical Care: Deliver specialized care for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Manage patients receiving autologous stem cell transplant, CAR-T cell therapy, and other advanced cellular therapies.
- Cellular Therapy Expansion: Grow the CAR-T and cell therapy program, with a focus on expanding the portfolio of commercially available and investigational cellular products for hematologic malignancies. Collaborate with EACRI’s Adoptive Cell Therapy Laboratory and GMP manufacturing facility to advance translational programs.
- Clinical Trials: Strengthen the clinical trials portfolio in hematologic malignancy, with emphasis on novel cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, T-cell engagers, and investigator-initiated studies. Increase trial accrual across the program.
- Translational Research: Serve as the clinical bridge between EACRI’s laboratory research programs and hematologic malignancy patient care. Collaborate with PhD investigators on translational studies and clinically relevant bench-to-bedside programs.
- Team Development: Recruit, mentor, and retain physicians, APPs, and research staff. Build the hematologic malignancy team to a minimum of 5 physicians with supporting APPs. Develop educational and training pipelines.
- Program Operations: Oversee budgetary management, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and operational performance of the hematologic malignancy and transplant/cellular therapy programs.
- External Engagement: Represent Providence at national forums (ASH, ASCO, ASTCT, SITC). Cultivate relationships with industry sponsors, referring institutions, community oncology practices, and philanthropic stakeholders.
- Service Line Growth: Drive patient volume growth in liquid tumors through referral network development, expanded service offerings, and regional market positioning.
Required Qualifications:
- MD or MD/PhD, with board certification or eligibility in Hematology/Oncology
- Proven track record treating a broad array of hematologic malignancies
- Demonstrated experience in autologous transplant and cellular therapies (CAR-T or equivalent)
- Clinical research experience and involvement in educational programs
- Strong skills in administration, budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning
- Commitment to mentorship, diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic settings
Key Selling Points
Providence Cancer Center in Portland, Oregon
Advanced Clinical Practice
• Opportunity to treat a broad spectrum of hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
• Specialized experience in autologous stem cell transplantation and CAR-T/cellular therapies.
• Engagement with a multidisciplinary team encompassing radiation oncologists, pathologists, integrative medicine clinicians, dietitians, oncology nurses, and social workers.
Research and Innovation
• Access to a comprehensive library of clinical trials and groundbreaking research in immunotherapy through the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute.
• Participation in innovative clinical trials for treatments of leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloma.
Comprehensive Support Services
• Robust support from oncology nurse navigators, social workers, dietitians, and spiritual care providers to guide patients through treatment.
• Personalized assistance from Oncology Resource Specialists for patients, families, and care partners.
Earle A Chiles Research Institute | A Leader in Immunotherapy and Immuno-Oncology Research
State-of-the-Art Facilities
• Employment at one of the few highly specialized blood cancer treatment centers in the region, offering world-class care and promising new therapies.
• Utilization of advanced technologies, including the only MRI linear accelerator in the Pacific Northwest, Gamma Knife Espirit, HDR Brachytherapy, and more.
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary range + incentive / bonus potential, benchmarked to national leadership compensation surveys (e.g. AACI)
- Guaranteed base salary for the first two years of employment, with additional annual value-based and wRVU incentive plans.
- Starting bonus (e.g. $30,000) and relocation assistance (up to $15,000)$30,000 starting bonus and up to $15,000 for relocation assistance.
- Generous annual support Continuing Medical Education (CME) (e.g. $6,000 per year, 80 hours protected time, along with reimbursement for licensure and certifications.
- Retirement plan (403(b) / 401(k) matching, as applicable)
- Paid time off, holidays, professional development funds
- Full benefits: health/dental/vision, life/disability, malpractice coverage
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program as a non-profit organization.
Collaborative and Inclusive Environment
• Integration into a team dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, providing culturally competent care.
• Collaboration with colleagues across various specialty areas to provide a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
The Providence Cancer Center is committed to cutting-edge research and clinical excellence.
Earle A. Chiles Research Institute:
- Research Excellence: Since 1993, the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute has been a leader in cancer research, focusing on cancer immunotherapy and the integration of genomic sequencing and personalized medicine to accelerate groundbreaking discoveries.
- Innovative Research: The institute’s physician scientists, such as Dr. Marka Crittenden and Dr. Kristina Young, have made significant contributions to understanding the immune response to radiation therapy and developing clinical trials that combine radiation with immunotherapy.
- Pioneering Therapies: Recent studies include groundbreaking work in adoptive cell therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer by Dr. Eric Tran and Dr. Rom Leidner, leading to international recognition and FDA approval of new immunotherapy treatments.
- Collaborative Environment: The institute fosters collaborations across multiple disciplines, offering a unique environment for innovative research and the development of practice-changing therapies in immunotherapy, immuno-oncology, and cellular therapy.
Where You’ll Work:
Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon
Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon brings together leading cancer specialists, clinical and research teams, including the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute in the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center on the campus of Providence Portland Medical Center, as well as top-rated oncology clinics across Oregon. Multidisciplinary, tumor-site-specific teams work together to provide the best care possible and access to the most promising clinical trials and advanced technology.
Providence Health System:
Providence Health System: Key Facts and Figures
Providence Health System is one of the largest health systems in the U.S., with over 120,000 caregivers serving in 52 hospitals and 1,085 clinics across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. This extensive network provides a unique opportunity to engage in groundbreaking multi-site research and clinical discovery, leveraging the size and scope of the organization to drive innovative healthcare solutions. Providence’s comprehensive range of health and social services touches millions of lives, ensuring high-quality, compassionate healthcare for everyone, regardless of coverage or ability to pay. With a strong commitment to healthcare transformation, Providence continues to advance best practices and integrate cutting-edge research into patient care, setting the standard for future healthcare models.
Where You’ll Live:
Portland, Oregon
Experience the iconic charm of Portland’s Old Town as the sun sets.
Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city with a population of 2.3 million, known for its rich character, diverse dining options, and thriving arts scene. The city is home to the Portland Trail Blazers and offers a high quality of life with strong neighborhood identities and community bonds. As an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Portland is ideally situated between waterfalls, beaches, Mt. Hood’s skiing and hiking trails, lush forests, and the stunning Columbia River Gorge.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Known as the “Silicon Forest,” Portland has a booming high-technology economy with major companies such as Intel, Tektronix, and Nike providing ample professional opportunities. The city’s west side, including neighborhoods like Tigard and Lake Oswego, is home to some of the highest-rated schools in the country, making it an attractive destination for families. With its blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, and thriving economic landscape, Portland offers an ideal setting for professionals to relocate and flourish.
How to Apply:
The Providence Health System has retained the services of Academic Med to lead this national search effort for the role of Director of Hematologic Malignancy. The search will be led by Academic Med’s Gentry Zacheis and Jim Hagood. Please contact Jim Hagood, Managing Director of Academic Med at ji*@**********ed.com for inquiry, nomination, or application.
Join us at Providence Cancer Institute and make a meaningful impact in the fight against GI malignancies. We look forward to your application!
Equal Opportunity Employment:
Providence Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Relevant Links
Want to learn more about this unique opportunity for a Director of Hematologic Malignancy to join the Providence Health System and to make a significant impact on patient care in Portland, Oregon and across the US? See the links below for additional details: