Senior Clinical Research Associate

Novartis

5d • $108,500 - $201,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

Novartis is hiring a Senior Clinical Research Associate (internal title: Sr CRA) for a field-based and remote role in an assigned geography. The role must be based in the western United States near a major airport, preferably in California; relocation support is not available. The position requires 80% travel and involves driving and air travel as essential functions. The Senior CRA manages site relationships and performs on-site and remote monitoring to support the initiation, conduct, and timely completion of Phase I–IV clinical trials in accordance with ICH/GCP, local regulations, SOPs, and monitoring procedures. The role serves as a key site contact, overseeing site performance, recruitment, quality, risk management, and issue resolution to support reliable trial execution and high-quality data. For complex trials and/or less experienced sites, the Senior CRA may serve as a subject matter expert, support audit and inspection readiness, ensure timely corrective actions, and collaborate with local and global cross-functional teams to improve processes.

The expected annual salary range is $108,500–$201,500. Compensation includes a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on role level, possible eligibility for annual equity awards. Eligible US-based employees receive health, life, and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, other benefits, and paid time off including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in site monitoring.
• BS/BA degree in a scientific, healthcare, or other related field.
• Excellent knowledge of the drug development process, specifically clinical trials and research.
• Knowledge of international standards, including GCP/ICH, FDA, and EMEA.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and time efficiently.
• Excellent site management capabilities, with demonstrated negotiating and problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Fully valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
• Ability to meet the role’s essential driving and air-travel requirements; the position requires 80% travel.

Nice To Haves

• Cardiology experience.
• Oncology experience.
• CART experience.
• RLT experience.
• Immunology experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary site manager and first point of contact between site staff and Novartis.
• Act as a frontline liaison supporting collaboration, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor in accordance with legislation, ICH/GCP, and Novartis standards.
• Manage assigned sites and networks conducting Phase I–IV protocols according to monitoring plans and Novartis procedures.
• Conduct site initiation visits and provide ongoing training for site personnel.
• Perform continuous on-site and remote monitoring of protocol, GCP, regulatory, and process compliance, data integrity, and patient safety.
• Facilitate preparation and collection of site- and country-level documents.
• Identify risks, resolve issues, and escalate concerns as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive efficient study execution.
• Deliver timely, high-quality, robust, and reliable site data in support of Trial Monitoring goals.
• Partner with the SSU CRA to ensure a seamless transition of site responsibility.
• Act as a subject matter expert across study activities when required.
• Support audit and inspection readiness activities and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions when applicable.

Benefits

• Performance-based cash incentive.
• Potential eligibility for annual equity awards, depending on the level of the role.
• Health benefits.
• Life benefits.
• Disability benefits.
• 401(k) with company contribution and match.
• Other employee benefits.
• Time off including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

What This Job Offers

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