Lead Clinical Research Associate

Alira Health•Boston, MA

1d•$110,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead CRA is an important member of the Alira Health Clinical team. The Lead CRA provides oversight, leadership, and guidance in the management and execution of clinical trial monitoring to ensure compliance and quality. Lead CRAs work closely with US: Director of Clinical Monitoring, In-house CRAs, field CRAs, EU: Associate Director of Clinical Monitoring, CRAs, CTCs and Clinical Project Managers to ensure protocol compliance, address site questions, and assist with study recruitment, site training, and other site-related issues.

Requirements

US: BS/BA from an undergraduate program (life sciences or related discipline preferred)
US: 4 years of experience in the pharmaceutical / biotechnology / CRO industry
2 years’ experience in clinical monitoring
1 year of management experience
EU (Italy): Certified Monitor in compliance with Italian CRO decree dated 15Nov2011.
EU: Graduation in a scientific/health field
EU: Extensive experience in clinical monitoring, in local and international studies, multiple therapeutical areas and phases.
Proven ability to be careful, thorough, detail-oriented and quality focused
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced environment; able to manage priorities and organize time
Strong analytical, negotiation, meeting management, cross-functional team, and leadership skills
Ability to problem-solve unstructured or ambiguous challenges
US: Strong command of English, both written and verbal
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with customer service orientation
Good computer skills, with ability to use CTMS systems, clinical trial databases and electronic data capture
Knowledge of Pharmacovigilance processes
Ability to travel
Professional, trustworthy and disciplined
Able to manage stress and conflicts
Leadership attitude
Problem solving skills
Self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, yet less structured team environment
US: Permanent authorization to work in the U.S.
EU: Adequate English

Nice To Haves

Experience in clinical project management is not mandatory but is considered as a plus

Responsibilities

Provides guidance, oversight, and feedback to the field CRA team to ensure adherence to project scope, SOPs, timelines, and budget requirements.
Ensures quality of data is in line with clinical standards and that the rights and safety of patients involved in studies are protected.
Monitors performance of CRAs on a continuous basis, including reviewing monitoring visit reports and conducting co-monitoring visits as needed.
Performs CRA mentoring and oversight of CRA activities including evaluation of quality of work through co-monitoring.
Ensures appropriate and timely investigator site visits.
Coordinates with appropriate cross-functional departments to facilitate negotiation/issue resolution for clinical trial monitoring related issues.
Assists in development of study-specific Clinical Monitoring Plans and training presentations as needed.
Assists in resourcing CRAs for planned and ongoing clinical trials.
Supports CRA hiring through initial screening, phone, and video interviews of potential new employees.
Responsible for CRA new hire training and onboarding.
Conducts review of CRA time and expenses, as appropriate.
Provides monthly billing information to finance team.
Performs qualification, initiation, interim, and close-out visits both onsite and remote, ensuring proper documentation of monitoring visits.
Prepares consistently accurate and timely monitoring visit reports documenting site-related problems, resolutions, actions taken, protocol deviations, study progress, and enrollment status.
Ensures integrity of CRF data through meticulous and thorough source document review and verification.
Conducts investigational product accountability.
Reviews site regulatory binder for required documents, performing quality assurance of documents collected at sites for uploading to eTMF/TMF.
Maintains regular contact with study sites to ensure protocol/GCP compliance, assesses patient accrual rates, and responds to sponsor requests.
Complies with and ensures team compliance with ICH GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, and company/Sponsor SOPs.
Proactively identifies site issues and develops problem-solving strategies.
Conducts audit preparation at study sites as needed.
Supports study team with set-up, collection of site specific ethics documents and site contract negotiation as required.
Participates and attends bid defense meetings as required.
Supports improvement and set up of new company processes/procedures related to monitoring activities.
Collaborates with development and maintenance of Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS).
Promote a collaborative team atmosphere between CRAs.
Participates in internal, client/sponsor, scientific, and other meetings as required
Performs additional duties as assigned.