Merck & Co, Inc

Clinical Trial Operations Lead/Clinical Trial Manager

Merck & Co, Inc • $117K — $184K *
San Diego, CA 92154In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or clinical drug development OR a Master's Degree with 3+ years OR a PhD/PharmD
  • Preferred: Degree in life sciences
  • Experience in managing global clinical trials from initiation to database lock
  • Experience in operational activities specific to immunology-related clinical trials
  • Familiarity with imaging vendors and external data monitoring committees for clinical trials

Responsibilities

  • Lead operational planning, feasibility, and execution of clinical trials
  • Serve as clinical trial team lead
  • Manage key aspects of study planning and execution, including timelines and communication plans
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve study objectives
  • Oversee the management of study-specific partners and vendors
  • Facilitate risk identification and issue resolution within the study team
  • Accountable for maintaining project timelines and operational milestones

Benefits

  • Inclusive hiring process
  • Opportunity to work in a global, cross-functional team
  • Chance to apply leadership and technical skills in clinical trials
  • Engage with diverse stakeholders across various functional areas
  • Opportunity for professional development in clinical trial management
Full Job Description
Job Description

This position leads the operational planning and execution of one or more clinical trials or significant aspects thereof. In this position, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and technical skills as part of a global, cross-functional team. You will apply project management, communication, and collaboration skills in support of our clinical trials.

Job Responsibilities:

Responsible for the operational planning, feasibility, and execution of a clinical trial. This may include:
  • May serve as the clinical trial team lead
  • May lead team in key study planning, development, and execution elements (e.g., data management deliverables, trial level plans/timelines, country/site selection, site materials, system updates, investigator meeting planning, communication plans, preparation of status update reports, study close out activities).
  • Leads team for timeline management, risk identification and mitigation, issue resolution.
  • May facilitate and collaborate with key internal/external stakeholders (e.g., study team, country teams, vendors, committees) in support of clinical study objectives.
  • Accountable for managing any study specific partners and/or vendors.

Core Skills

Demonstrated ability to drive and manage operational activities on clinical protocols. This position may represent the company through external partnerships, collaborations, and key strategic engagements. This includes the ability to:
  • Solid knowledge of clinical research regulatory requirements (e.g., Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Council for Harmonisation (ICH)
  • Ability to manage multiple competing priorities with good planning, time management and prioritization skills
  • Solid understanding of the principles of project planning & project management
  • Good analytical skills to drive operational milestones
  • Influence opinions and decisions of internal and external customers/vendors, across functional areas, and within the division
  • Interact with key stakeholders across department, division, and company. Role requires a proactive approach and leadership driving toward study goals.
  • Applying leadership skills to processes, leading meetings, and influencing peers in a matrix environment.
  • Problem solving, prioritization, conflict resolution, and critical thinking skills
  • Strong communication, writing, and presentation skills
  • Intermediate knowledge in Microsoft office or similar (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, etc.)

Education/Experience
  • A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of pharmaceutical, clinical drug development, project management, and/or medical field experience -OR-
  • A Master's Degree and 3+ years of pharmaceutical, clinical drug development, project management, and/or medical field experience -OR-
  • A PhD/PharmD Degree
  • Preferred: A Degree in life sciences

Ideal candidate would have:
  • Experienced conducting global clinical trials, including trial initiation through database lock
  • Experienced managing and driving operational activities on protocols for immunology related clinical trials
  • Experience with imaging vendors, clinical outcome assessments, biomarker sample collection and management, central labs and external data monitoring committee for immunology clinical trials
  • Highly Preferred: Experienced conducting clinical trials for Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Rheumatology, especially autoimmune or immune-mediated disorders


clinicaltrialjobs

Required Skills:
Clinical Data, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Operations, Clinical Research, Clinical Study Design, Clinical Trial Compliance, Clinical Trial Management, Clinical Trials, Ethical Standards, ICH GCP Guidelines, Project Management, Project Planning, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift:
1st - Day

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Job Posting End Date:
08/4/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Engage with us through our careers blog and by participating in networking events and employment fairs. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Merck & Co, Inc. Join us in our mission to improve health and wellness around the world.
Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ
MRK
* Ladders Estimates

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