Clinical Research Associate Manager (Remote)

MSD • Rahway, NJ

3d • $142,400 - $224,100 • Remote

About The Position

The Clinical Research Associate Manager is responsible for managing a team of 6–14 Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) and ensuring strong monitoring, study performance, and site performance in clinical trials. The role operates under the oversight of the Clinical Research Director or Head of Site Management and Monitoring, with strict adherence to local regulations, company standard operating procedures, and ICH GCP. The work is primarily focused on Vaccine/Infectious Disease, with some Cardiovascular therapeutic area work.

The manager develops CRA talent through training, support, and mentoring; manages career development and performance reviews; addresses low or non-performance; and supports escalations from CRAs. At the country level, the role works with Clinical Research Managers and other stakeholders to align and develop country capabilities, and collaborates with Partner Line Managers to ensure consistency across monitoring functions. The role also contributes to headquarters capacity and resource planning, including forecasting CRA capacity and resolving local conflicts between resources and work.

The position is remote, with a 50% travel requirement. The primary location is Rahway, New Jersey. Relocation is not provided, and visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience within Clinical Research.
• At least 3 years of experience as a CRA monitoring clinical trials.
• Bachelor’s degree in Science.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent people management, time management, project management, and organizational skills.
• History of strong performance.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Fluency in the local language and business proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Excellent working knowledge of applicable ICH/GCP regulations and Good Documentation Practices, and ability to work within these guidelines.
• Expertise in and excellent working knowledge of core trial management systems and tools.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including conflict management.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with external customers, such as sites and investigators.
• Influencing skills.

Nice To Haves

• Line management experience; at minimum, team leader experience.
• Advanced degree, such as a BA/BS or higher, with a strong emphasis in science and/or biology.
• Experience or skills in Cardiovascular Research.
• Experience or skills in Infectious Disease Research.
• Experience or skills in Vaccine Research.

Responsibilities

• Allocate work and manage staff development and performance appraisal.
• Support departmental company initiatives and workstreams.
• Provide input for capacity planning, including reporting current manpower and forecasting CRA capacity and needs to ensure efficient resource use.
• Work with CRAs, Partner Line Managers, and other functions to ensure consistent processes and protocol implementation across the country.
• Interact with sites as needed to resolve site or CRA operational issues and meet commitments in coordination with the study Clinical Research Manager.
• Attend local Investigator Meetings when requested.
• Interface with Global Clinical Trial Operations partners on clinical trial execution.
• Escalate site performance issues to the Head of Site Management and Monitoring.
• Manage CRA career development and performance reviews, address low-performance situations, and take appropriate actions.
• Support and resolve escalated issues from CRAs.
• Liaise with local HR and finance functions as required.
• Contribute to headquarters capacity and resource planning and manage local conflicts between resources and work.
• Provide training, support, and mentoring to CRAs to ensure continuous development.
• Ensure CRA compliance with corporate policies, procedures, and quality standards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare, and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Compassionate and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

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