Head of Clinical Trial Start Up
About The Position
As the Senior Director, 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.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with digital/technology transformation in clinical trials.
- Strong decision-making and risk management orientation.
- High emotional intelligence and resilience in ambiguous environments.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Benefits
- 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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
