Associate Director Clinical Research

AstraZeneca

2d • $137,937 - $206,906 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director Clinical Research (ADCR) is accountable for the successful performance and management of their assigned team, ensuring the successful delivery of clinical interventional studies under her/his supervision and in line with agreed resources and timelines. All activities must be conducted in compliance with AstraZeneca Procedural Documents, international standards such as ICH-GCP, and applicable local regulations. The ADCR leads and manages dedicated staff groups, including Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) and/or Clinical Study Administrators (CSAs). This includes the planning and utilization of staffing resources, setting clear objectives, and conducting ongoing performance management and follow-up. As assigned, the ADCR oversees the full lifecycle of study site management, including site identification, qualification, set-up, initiation, monitoring, closure, and documentation archiving, according to local agreements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline, preferably in life science, or equivalent qualification aligned to the knowledge and skills of the role and ensures successful conduct of responsibilities and appropriate interactions with internal and or external stakeholders.
• 7+ years of industry experience and 4+ years of site monitoring experience
• Previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry, preferably in Clinical Operations (CRA / SrCRA / LSAD) or other related fields.
• Relevant knowledge and ability to fulfill key responsibilities, including but not limited to: Drug development process and related GxP processes, International guidelines ICH-GCP, relevant country regulations, medical knowledge and ability to learn relevant AZ Therapeutic Areas, Clinical Study Management including project management, monitoring, study drug handling and data management.
• Personal Effectiveness & Drives Accountability in Others
• Learning Agility
• Financial, Technology & Process Competency
• Active Listening, Fluency in written & spoken business-level English
• Act with Integrity & high ethical standards
• Effectively lead a team across in-person and virtual settings to deliver shared goals, demonstrates cultural awareness
• Identify and champion more efficient delivery of quality clinical trials with optimized cost and time
• Ability to travel nationally/internationally as required
• Valid driving license if country employment requirement
• Communication & Teamwork - Influencing, Collaboration, Impactful Site conversations
• Effective risk-based thinking – Plans & Aligns, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Effective Issue Management
• Deliver Priorities Results & Impact - Recruitment/Retention Planning & Action, Ensures Accountability, Empowerment & Delegation
• Leadership - Feedforward & Coaching, Drives Engagement & Development, Building Effective Teams, Manages Conflict

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to a dedicated team, fostering team spirit and cultivating a positive, high-performing team climate and professional behavior.
• Ensure adequate resourcing for all assigned clinical studies, enabling the team to efficiently meet study objectives.
• Regularly monitor and balance the workload of direct reports, ensuring fair distribution and manageable assignments.
• Oversee the development and performance management of direct reports, guiding them toward continuous growth and success.
• Ensure all direct reports have individual development and training plans in line with the Individual Development Plan (IDP) process.
• Provide regular coaching and mentorship, arranging external coaching support when necessary to promote professional development.
• Prepare salary and bonus proposals for direct reports in close consultation with the (Senior) Director, Country Head, and local HR Business Partner, ensuring decisions reflect individual performance.
• Collaborate closely with the responsible (Senior) Director, Country Head to support the effective functioning of the SMM organization at the country level.
• Contribute expertise to high-quality feasibility assessments, supporting appropriate site and study selection.
• Support the achievement of country-level SMM study delivery targets, ensuring studies are delivered to plan with both speed and quality.
• Drive quality improvement of study processes and procedures, championing best practices and continuous enhancement.
• Maintain all required systems in an up-to-date state to support efficient and compliant study conduct.
• Ensure the electronic Trial Master File (eTMF) is kept complete, accurate, and “Inspection Ready”.
• Provide direction and support to CRAs and CSAs on major study deliverables and proactively resolve key issues.
• Ensure that all study activities at the country level are aligned with local policies, regulations, and the company code of ethics.
• Review monitoring visit reports, as applicable for direct reports, and in line with AstraZeneca Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Review and evaluate accompanied/co-monitoring, training, and Quality Control visits performed by direct reports, in accordance with local QC plans.
• Perform accompanied site visits for quality assessment, ongoing coaching/development, and/or competency assessment of the team.
• Maintain open and effective communication with Functional Service Providers (FSPs), offering direction and feedback on both insourced and outsourced work.

Benefits

• short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
• retirement contribution (hourly roles)
• commission payment eligibility (sales roles)
• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director