At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the study start-up process for innovative clinical trials and drive impactful healthcare solutions.
- Company: Join a global leader in healthcare innovation with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, personal development opportunities, and a commitment to inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement across multiple countries.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while working with cutting-edge science and technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in clinical research and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us. United As One for Patients, our purpose in Healthcare is to help create, improve and prolong lives. We develop medicines, intelligent devices and innovative technologies in therapeutic areas such as Oncology, Neurology and Fertility. Our teams work together across 6 continents with passion and relentless curiosity in order to help patients at every stage of life.
Your Role
Clinical trial activation is one of the most critical drivers of bringing new therapies to patients - and in this role, you will be at the heart of it. As a Study Start-Up Lead within our Research and Development organisation, you will own and drive the end-to-end study start-up process across a diverse and complex clinical portfolio, from country and site identification through to site activation. You will develop and execute the Study Start-Up Operational Plan, set clear delivery expectations, and ensure that timelines, metrics, and reporting are consistently met across all assigned studies. Working closely with Clinical Trial Leads, Functional Leads, and local team members, you will proactively identify and resolve start-up challenges, coordinate feasibility efforts, and partner with the Operational Design Center on country and site selection. You will lead the ethics and regulatory submission strategy - including preparation of the CTIS Part 2 packages - and oversee the Essential Document Package process to ensure full alignment at both study and local level for site activation. You will also work closely with the site budget development and contract negotiations team, to deliver best-in-class site activations timelines.
Who You Are
- Substantial experience in clinical research, including significant hands‑on expertise in global study start‑up leadership within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or contract research organisation environment.
- In‑depth knowledge of international regulatory requirements and guidelines, including International Council for Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice and applicable European Union directives.
- Proven expertise in central and local ethics committee submission processes across multiple countries, with regulatory affairs knowledge considered a strong advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to develop country‑ and site‑specific start‑up strategies, manage risk proactively, and apply contingency planning in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
- Experience coordinating site budget development and contract negotiations with internal and external parties.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences, including cross‑functional teams and external partners.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities independently and collaborate effectively within a cross‑functional, international team structure.
Location: Feltham, United Kingdom | Hybrid - minimum 3 days per week on-site. This role can also be based in Germany, Poland or Greece - minimum 3 days per week on-site.
What we offer
We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!
Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!
Associate Director, SSUL, Feasibility & Site Activation employer: Merck Group
As an Associate Director in our Healthcare team, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values innovation and personal growth. With opportunities for career advancement and a commitment to diversity, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives while enjoying a flexible hybrid working environment in Feltham. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions and championing human progress.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, SSUL, Feasibility & Site Activation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely excited about what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to the role you're after.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces in our talent pool!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, SSUL, Feasibility & Site Activation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director role. Highlight your hands-on expertise in global study start-up leadership and any relevant regulatory knowledge to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for clinical research and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with ethics and regulatory submissions!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:We value strong communication skills, so make sure to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our diverse and innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merck Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical research knowledge, especially around global study start-up processes. Familiarise yourself with international regulatory requirements and guidelines, as well as the ethics and regulatory submission strategies mentioned in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your hands-on expertise in leading study start-ups. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've developed country- and site-specific strategies, managed risks, and navigated complex stakeholder environments in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice conveying complex information in a straightforward manner. Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your ability to explain intricate concepts to diverse audiences.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
Demonstrate your organisational skills by preparing a list of questions about the role and the company. Show that you're proactive by thinking ahead about potential challenges in the study start-up process and how you would address them.
