Job Description
Our Clinical and Pharmacovigilance teams manage studies to provide the safety and efficacy data required for regulatory approval of potential new drugs, vaccines and new indications for existing products. We ensure we conduct high-quality clinical trials by integrating state-of-the-art technology and applying rigorous scientific and ethical standards.
We care deeply about helping the world be well. We strive to improve health for others in the future by developing new drugs and vaccines that treat and prevent disease. Clinical trials are an essential part of this process. The Senior Clinical Research Associate role is integral to helping the world meet new breakthroughs that affect generations to come, and we're counting on your skills and inventiveness to help make meaningful contributions to global medical advancement.
Acts as primary site contact and site manager throughout all phases of a clinical research study, taking overall responsibility of allocated sites.
Develops strong site relationships and ensures continuity of site relationships through all phases of the trial.
Performs clinical study site management/monitoring activities in compliance with International Conference on Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), Sponsor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Local Laws & Regulations, Protocol, Site Monitoring Plan, and associated documents.
Gains an in-depth understanding of the study protocol and related procedures.
Coordinates & manages various tasks in collaboration with other sponsor roles to achieve Site Ready.
Participates & provides inputs on site selection and validation activities.
Performs remote and on-site monitoring & oversight activities using various tools to ensure:
Data generated at the site are complete, accurate and unbiased
Subjects' right, safety, and well-being are protected
Conducts site visits including but not limited to validation visits, initiation visits, monitoring visits, close-out visits, and records clear, comprehensive, and accurate visit & non-visit contact reports appropriately in a timely manner.
Collects, reviews, and monitors required regulatory documentation for study start-up, study maintenance, and study close-out.
Communicates with Investigators and site staff on issues related to protocol conduct, recruitment, retention, protocol deviations, regulatory documentation, site audits/inspections, and overall site performance.
Identifies, assesses, and resolves site performance, quality or compliance problems and escalates per defined Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Escalation Pathway as appropriate in collaboration with Clinical Research Manager (CRM), Partner Line Manager (PLM), and Regional Clinical Project Manager (RCPM).
Manages and maintains information and documentation in the Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS), electronic Trial Master File (eTMF), and various other systems as appropriate and per timelines.
Contributes strongly to CRA team knowledge by acting as process Subject Matter Expert (SME), sharing best practices, making recommendations for continuous improvement, and providing training as appropriate/required.
Supports and/or leads audit/inspection activities as needed.
Mentors/buddies junior CRAs on process/study requirements and performs co-monitoring visits where appropriate
Education and Experience:
Travel Expectations:
Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 65%-75% of working time.
Expected traveling 2-3 days/week.
The current driver's license preferred.
CORE Competency Expectations:
Fluent in Local Languages and English (verbal and written) and excellent communication skills, including the ability to understand and present technical information effectively.
Excellent understanding and working knowledge of clinical research, phases of clinical trials, current Good Clinical Practice/ International Council for Harmonisation (GCP/ICH) & country clinical research law & guidelines.
Excellent understanding of Global, Country/Regional Clinical Research Guidelines and ability to work within these guidelines
Demonstrated ability to mentor/lead
Hands-on knowledge of Good Documentation Practices
Proven Skills in Site Management including independent management of site performance and patient recruitment
Demonstrated high level of monitoring skill with independent professional judgment.
Good IT skills (Use of MS office, use of various clinical IT applications on the computer, tablet, and mobile devices) and ability to adapt to new IT applications on various devices.
Ability to understand and analyze data/metrics and act appropriately
Behavioral Competency Expectations:
Effective time management, organizational and interpersonal skills, conflict management, problem-solving skills
Able to work highly independently across multiple protocols, sites and therapy areas
High sense of accountability/urgency. Ability to set priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a changing environment
Works effectively in a matrix multicultural environment. Ability to establish and maintain culturally sensitive working relationships
Works with high quality and compliance mindset
Demonstrates commitment to Customer focus
*This is a Remote Position*
We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we "follow the science" and that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. And we believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA is known as "Merck" in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as "MSD" in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America & Asia Pacific. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a diverse portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology, vaccines and animal health products.
We are driven by our purpose to develop and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives. With 69,000 employees operating in more than 140 countries, we offer state of the art laboratories, plants and offices that are designed to Inspire our employees as we learn, develop and grow in our careers. We are proud of our 125 years of service to humanity and continue to be one of the world's biggest investors in Research & Development.
What we look for ...
In a world of rapid innovation, we seek brave Inventors who want to make an Impact in all aspects of our business, enabling breakthroughs that will affect generations to come. We encourage you to bring your disruptive thinking, collaborative spirit and diverse perspective to our organization. Together we will continue Inventing For Life, Impacting Lives while Inspiring Your Career Growth.
INVENT.
IMPACT.
INSPIRE.
NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS