SWOG Breast Committee Chair

The SWOG Breast Committee develops and conducts innovative, multidisciplinary clinical research designed to improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer and related malignancies, and to enhance the quality of life of survivors. The committee’s success reflects the integration of diverse scientific and clinical disciplines, including translational science, multispecialty clinical expertise, biostatistical design and analysis, as well as active collaboration with other NCTN groups and investigators across the broader cancer research community.

Candidates should have nationally recognized expertise in research and a demonstrated record of scientific leadership, including experience in the identification and/or evaluation of biomarkers and in the design and conduct of clinical trials. Substantial experience in a cooperative group environment, including active participation in and leadership of NCTN clinical trials, is essential. Experience fostering team science and engaging the full range of disciplines represented within the Breast Committee is highly desirable. In-depth knowledge and experience with the review process within CTEP, the Breast Steering Committee, and the FDA is essential for carrying out the responsibilities of the Chair.

Key responsibilities and priorities include:

• Setting the scientific vision and priorities of the Breast Committee, identifying the most important clinical questions and ensuring that SWOG resources and investigator efforts are directed toward studies with the greatest potential to improve patient outcomes.
• Developing a balanced and impactful clinical trials portfolio. Because the committee conducts research across a broad spectrum, the Chair must establish priorities across disease areas and scientific opportunities while maximizing benefit to patients.
• Cultivating innovative research. The Chair will stimulate investigators to develop novel trial strategies and facilitate their progression from scientific concepts to high-quality SWOG and NCTN protocols.
• Promoting team science and collaboration within SWOG and with other NCTN groups, the NCI, patient advocates, statistics and data management, and the broader clinical and translational research community.
• Developing the next generation of investigators, continuing the Committee’s strong tradition of mentorship, sponsorship, and professional and academic development of early-career members.
• Building an inclusive investigator community and clinical trial portfolio, fostering participation by investigators with varied backgrounds and perspectives and promoting broad representation of patient populations in SWOG clinical trials.

The committee chair is responsible for the overall scientific leadership of the committee and is expected to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving scientific and clinical landscape relevant to its disease areas. The chair should also maintain awareness of ongoing and planned studies across the NCTN and other research organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration, complementarity, and innovation.

Working closely with SWOG’s leadership, Statistics and Data Management Center, and Operations Office, along with the NCI, other NCTN groups, and national scientific leaders, the Chair will guide the development of new studies and review proposed study capsules, concepts, protocols, and major amendments for scientific merit, clarity, feasibility, and alignment with the Committee’s strategic priorities. The Chair will also contribute substantively to SWOG grant renewals and provide scientific and programmatic input for the Group’s annual Research Performance Progress Reports.

A SWOG Committee Chair may serve up to two consecutive five-year terms. Performance is reviewed annually by the SWOG Group Chairs, with a formal mid-term evaluation. Effort of 10-20% is budgeted for the position and will be compensated in accordance with applicable NIH salary limitations.

To apply, submit a CV and NIH biosketch and a 1-page vision statement addressing requirements above to cdawson@swog.org by November 23, 2026.