Associate Director, Clinical Operations

Candel Therapeutics

$160K — $200K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific or healthcare discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in clinical trial operations with progressive responsibility.
  • 2-3 years managing complex late-phase oncology clinical trials.
  • Experience in regulatory inspections is preferred.
  • Proven track record in overseeing CROs and external vendors for trial execution.
  • Strong knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines and clinical research regulations.
  • Ability to resolve complex issues and maintain oversight of study delivery.

Responsibilities

  • Lead operational planning and execution of clinical studies aligned with timelines and objectives.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams from study start-up to closure.
  • Oversee clinical sites and CRAs, proactively addressing operational challenges.
  • Contribute to the development and review of essential clinical documents.
  • Assess risks and develop strategies to achieve study objectives and quality.
  • Support budget development and oversee accruals and invoice accuracy.
  • Lead inspection readiness activities and manage CRO performance.

Benefits

  • Hybrid role offering flexibility between remote and office work.
  • Opportunity to work in cutting-edge oncology clinical trials.
  • Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Engagement in continuous improvement initiatives to elevate operational practices.
Full Job Description
NOTE: We are not currently partnering with external agencies for this search. We kindly ask that agencies refrain from direct outreach regarding candidate submissions or recruiting services.

Functional Area: Clinical Operations
Reports to: Vice President, Clinical Operations or delegate
Hybrid role (Needham MA)
Salary: $160,000-$200,000

Position Summary:
The Associate Director, Clinical Operations leads the execution of clinical studies across our oncology development programs. This individual will be accountable for end-to-end operational strategy and execution of one or more clinical studies working with Clinical Operations team of CTMs, CTAs and CRAs. This individual will work directly with the cross-functional study teams to develop and implement the operational strategy for assigned studies within prescribed timelines and budget and with high quality. The ideal candidate will be experienced in leading Phase 2 and Phase 3 global oncology trials independently, escalating only critical strategic or operational risks to senior leadership.Key Responsibilities
  • Lead operational planning and execution of assigned clinical studies, ensuring alignment with development timelines and program objectives.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional team to support study from start-up, site activation, patient enrollment through database lock and study closure.
  • Oversight of clinical sites and CRAs for monitoring study progress and proactively address operational risks and challenges. Conduct co-monitoring visits as required to support sites and oversee CRAs.
  • Contribute to the development and review of clinical documents such as study protocols and amendments, case report forms, informed consent forms, study manuals and plans.
  • Proactive assessment of risks and development of mitigation strategies to meet study objectives, timelines and quality
  • Support the development and oversight of study budgets in partnership with Clinical Operations leadership. Oversee accruals reporting and forecasting for assigned trials. Review site and vendor invoices for accuracy.
  • Lead inspection readiness activities including proactive risk assessments, inspection preparation strategy and serving as an operational lead during regulatory inspections
  • For outsourced studies, oversee the CRO and provide timely input to ensure that the study is executed according to the agreed project plan. Responsible for management of CRO(s) performance to ensure adherence to scope of work within timelines and budget.
  • May manage direct reports, including ongoing performance management, mentorship, and career development.
  • Drives continuous improvement initiatives by identifying gaps in operational processes, contributing to SOP development, and implementing best practices to enhance quality, efficiency, and consistency across studies
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific, medical, or healthcare-related discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Approximately 8+ years of experience demonstrating progression in clinical trial operations
  • At least 2-3 years of recent experience managing complex late phase oncology clinical trials
  • Experience in participation in regulatory inspections preferred
  • Experience overseeing CROs and external vendors supporting clinical trial execution.
  • Ability to engage in critical hands-on activities to resolve complex issues or de-risk execution, while maintaining primary accountability for study oversight and delivery
  • Strong understanding of ICH-GCP guidelines and regulatory requirements governing clinical research.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience mentoring or guiding junior team members preferred.
  • Ability to travel is required (~20%) Domestic travel only

Must be authorized to work in US. We are unable to accommodate any sponsorships at this time.

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