Biogen

Head of Clinical Trial Start Up

Biogen$235K — $340K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPH, PharmD, PhD) preferred.
  • 12+ years of experience in study start-up and clinical trial activation leadership.
  • Proficient in project management and global cross-functional delivery.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • In-depth understanding of clinical development processes and regulatory environments.
  • Executive presence to represent functions at senior levels.

Responsibilities

  • Lead global study activation from protocol finalization to site initiation.
  • Build and sustain a high-performing team focused on quality and compliance.
  • Evaluate and refine processes to create scalable, efficient activation frameworks.
  • Oversee vendor management and outsourced activation activities.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with key departments to enhance execution.
  • Develop global activation competencies and strengthen talent pipelines.
  • Facilitate integration and transparency in data systems for performance assessment.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurances.
  • Wellness programs including fitness reimbursement.
  • Paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
  • 15 days of paid vacation and an end-of-year shutdown from Dec 26-31.
  • Up to 12 paid holidays and 3 paid personal significance days.
  • 80 hours of sick time per year.
  • Paid maternity and parental leave policy.
  • 401(k) with company matched contributions.
  • Employee stock purchase plan.
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 yearly.
  • Participation in Employee Resource Groups.
Full Job Description
About This Role: As the Head of Clinical Trial Start-Up, you will spearhead Biogen's global study activation strategy, ensuring seamless execution across our clinical development portfolio. Leading multidisciplinary teams, you will align activation capabilities, systems, and processes with Biogen's strategic priorities, directly contributing to our vision of pioneering scientific breakthroughs. Your role is pivotal in providing both strategic and operational leadership for study start-up, site activation, contracting, budgeting, and EU-CTR strategy. You will transform activation capabilities through technology, process innovation, and automation, ensuring inspection-ready delivery across regions and therapeutic areas. Managing resources, developing talent, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are integral to your success as you drive forward our global clinical operations.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead global study activation from protocol finalization through site initiation and activation.


  • Build and sustain a team dedicated to delivering study start-up quality and compliance while meeting milestone time requirements.


  • Evaluate and refine processes and systems to create scalable, efficient, and compliant study activation frameworks.


  • Govern outsourced activation activities, including vendor oversight and contractual management.


  • Align cross-functionally with Regulatory, Legal, Finance, Quality, and Medical teams to streamline execution.


  • Strengthen global activation competencies and talent pipeline within Biogen.


  • Drive integration and visibility across data and systems for transparent performance assessment and strategic opportunity identification.


Who You Are: You are a visionary leader with a strategic mindset, capable of translating vision into executable plans. Your high emotional intelligence allows you to navigate ambiguous environments with resilience, influencing without authority across matrixed organizations. You possess exceptional stakeholder management skills, and your executive presence enables you to represent functions in senior forums. You are driven by the pursuit of excellence, continuously seeking improvements and fostering innovation.

Required Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPH, PharmD, PhD) preferred.


  • At least 12 years of experience in study start-up, clinical study/trial activation leadership.


  • Extensive project management skills and experience in global cross-functional delivery.


  • Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills.


  • Robust understanding of clinical development processes and regulatory environment.


  • Strong executive presence and ability to represent functions in senior executive forums.


Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with digital/technology transformation in clinical trials.


  • Strong decision-making and risk management orientation.


  • High emotional intelligence and resilience in ambiguous environments.


Job Level: Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $235,000.00-$340,000.00

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
  • Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
  • 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
  • Employee Resource Groups participation


Job Level: Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $235,000.00-$340,000.00

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
  • Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
  • 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
  • Employee Resource Groups participation


Job Level: Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $235,000.00-$340,000.00

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
  • Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
  • 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
  • Employee Resource Groups participation


Job Level: Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $235,000.00-$340,000.00

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
  • Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
  • 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
  • Employee Resource Groups participation


Job Level: Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $235,000.00-$340,000.00

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
  • Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
  • 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
  • Employee Resource Groups participation


About Biogen

Biogen is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of innovative therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Biogen is developing a pipeline of possible medicines in neurology, neuropsychiatry, specialized immunology, and rare illness, and the company is laser-focused on its mission of helping humanity through science and building a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

Biogen Careers

Join Biogen, a leader in biotechnology, and be part of a team that is dedicated to pioneering neurological and neurodegenerative diseases research. At Biogen, our mission is to lead the way in science and medicine, and we offer job opportunities that challenge and reward your professional growth. Work You’ll Do At Biogen, you will contribute to groundbreaking projects that help improve the lives of millions. Our commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry provides a dynamic environment for both seasoned professionals and those at the beginning of their career. With a variety of job opportunities ranging from research and development to marketing and sales, Biogen is where your skills will help shape the future of healthcare. Join our diverse team and embrace the culture of excellence and collaboration that Biogen is known for. Here, every position contributes to our mission, driving us forward with shared purpose and vision. Biogen’s Employment Philosophy We believe in the power of our people and invest in their future. The growth and development of our team members are paramount, which is why we offer robust benefits, diversity training, and career advancement opportunities. At Biogen, leadership and innovation go hand in hand, fostering an environment where you can thrive. Internship and Early Career Programs Kickstart your career with a Biogen internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build a professional network that will serve you throughout your career. Our internships provide a platform to develop your skills and test your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you for full-time employment in the biotechnology field. Hiring Process Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are passionate about making a difference. From the initial application and resume submission to the interview and final selection, each step is an opportunity to showcase your unique talents and potential. At Biogen, we look for individuals who are curious, creative, and eager to tackle new challenges. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various positions available at Biogen and find the one that best matches your skills and interests. We are constantly looking for individuals who are driven to explore, innovate, and lead. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. Biogen is not just a company; it’s a community where you can grow, connect, and contribute to exciting, meaningful work. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the rewarding opportunities waiting for you at Biogen and be part of our mission to lead in the biotechnology industry. Join Biogen today and be part of a team that is dedicated to redefining the boundaries of science and medicine. Your career at Biogen is not just a job—it’s a pathway to personal and professional fulfillment.
Learn more about Biogen
Size
9,610 employees
Market Cap
$39.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4 billion
Founded
1978
5 Year Trend
-0.8%
Revenue
$13.4 billion
NASDAQ

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