Clinical Research Associate - Midlands in London

Clinical Research Associate - Midlands in London

London Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead clinical studies, ensuring compliance and patient safety while building strong site relationships.
  • Company: A leading company in high-quality clinical research with a commitment to integrity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Other info: Travel 65-75% of the time, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in global clinical research and develop your career in a dynamic field.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and experience in clinical research or site management required.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Location: Midlands

Travel: Approximately 65–75% (about 2–3 days per week, domestic and international)

About our company

Our company is committed to advancing high-quality clinical research that upholds ICH/GCP standards and local regulatory requirements. We collaborate across global and regional teams to deliver studies with excellence, integrity, and patient safety at the core.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Clinical Research Associate (CRA) to lead performance and compliance for assigned protocols and sites within the South East. Under the oversight of the CRA Manager or Clinical Research Director (CRD), you will serve as the primary site contact throughout all phases of clinical studies, ensuring rigorous adherence to ICH/GCP, local regulations, our company policies and procedures, quality standards, and adverse event reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build and sustain strong relationships with investigative sites across all trial phases.
  • Perform site management and monitoring activities in compliance with ICH-GCP, Sponsor SOPs, local laws/regulations, protocol, site monitoring plans, and related documents.
  • Develop deep understanding of study protocols and procedures.
  • Coordinate cross-functional tasks to achieve Site Ready status.
  • Participate in site selection and validation; provide informed input to decisions.
  • Conduct remote and on-site monitoring to ensure data integrity (complete, accurate, unbiased) and protection of subjects’ rights, safety, and well-being.
  • Execute validation, initiation, monitoring, and close-out visits; document clear, comprehensive visit and non-visit reports in a timely manner.
  • Collect, review, and monitor regulatory documentation for start-up, maintenance, and close-out.
  • Communicate proactively with investigators and site staff on protocol conduct, recruitment/retention, deviations, regulatory findings, audits/inspections, and site performance.
  • Identify, assess, and resolve site performance, quality, or compliance issues; elevate appropriately per the CRA escalation pathway in collaboration with CRA Manager, CRM, TA Head, and CRD.
  • Partner with internal teams (country operations, finance, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, legal, regional operations, HQ) and external stakeholders (vendors, IRB/IEC, regulatory authorities).
  • Maintain accurate, timely documentation in CTMS, eTMF, and other systems.
  • Act as a process SME: share best practices, drive continuous improvement, and deliver training.
  • Support and/or lead audit/inspection activities.
  • Contribute to country strategy by identifying and onboarding potential new sites; build site capabilities.
  • Mentor and buddy junior CRAs; conduct co-monitoring and quality control visits where appropriate.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 65–75% of working time (about 2–3 days per week). Valid driver’s license preferred; required in certain countries.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

  • Fluent in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present technical information effectively.
  • Robust knowledge of clinical research, trial phases, ICH/GCP, and local clinical research regulations and guidelines; ability to work within global, country, and regional frameworks.
  • Demonstrated mentoring and leadership capability.
  • Hands‑on knowledge of Good Documentation Practices.
  • Proven site management expertise, including independent oversight of site performance and patient recruitment.
  • High‑level monitoring skills with sound, independent professional judgment.
  • Strong IT proficiency (MS Office and clinical applications across computer, tablet, and mobile); adaptable to new tools.
  • Ability to interpret data/metrics and take appropriate action, including in virtual settings.
  • Experience conducting site motivation visits to boost enrollment.
  • Solution‑oriented approach to complex issues; capable of root‑cause analysis and implementing preventive/corrective actions.
  • Ability to mentor junior CRAs and perform co‑monitoring visits.

Behavioral Competencies

  • Excellent time management, organization, interpersonal skills, conflict management, and problem solving.
  • High independence across multiple protocols, sites, and therapy areas.
  • Strong sense of accountability and urgency; able to prioritize and multitask in changing environments.
  • Effective in a matrixed, multicultural setting; fosters culturally sensitive relationships.
  • Customer‑focused mindset with high standards of quality and compliance.
  • Positive, growth‑oriented, self‑driven, and professional demeanor aligned with company values.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) with extensive direct site management (monitoring) in bio/pharma/CRO.

What We Offer

Opportunity to shape clinical research at high‑performing sites and contribute to global development programs. A collaborative environment with growth, mentorship, and continuous improvement. Competitive compensation and benefits.

Clinical Research Associate - Midlands in London employer: Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme

Our company is an exceptional employer for Clinical Research Associates in the Midlands, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth. With a commitment to high-quality clinical research, employees benefit from competitive compensation, extensive mentorship opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on global health initiatives while travelling both domestically and internationally.

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme

Contact Details:

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Clinical Research Associate - Midlands in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the clinical research field on LinkedIn or at industry events. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of advancing high-quality clinical research.

Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to site management and compliance. We want you to feel confident and articulate when discussing your expertise!

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 candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Research Associate - Midlands in London

Clinical Research Knowledge
ICH/GCP Compliance
Site Management
Monitoring Skills
Regulatory Documentation
Data Integrity Assessment
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Clinical Research Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in clinical research, site management, and any specific skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about clinical research and how your background aligns with our company values. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your written communication skills. Use clear, professional language and ensure there are no typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!

How to prepare for a job interview at Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme

Know Your Protocols Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the study protocols and procedures relevant to the role. This will not only show your commitment but also allow you to discuss how you can ensure compliance with ICH/GCP standards effectively.

Showcase Your Site Management Skills

Be prepared to share specific examples of your site management experience. Highlight instances where you've successfully built relationships with investigative sites or resolved compliance issues, as this will demonstrate your capability in handling the responsibilities of a Clinical Research Associate.

Demonstrate Your Communication Prowess

Since strong communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating complex information clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to convey technical details effectively.

Prepare for Travel Discussions

Given the travel requirements of approximately 65–75%, be ready to discuss your flexibility and past experiences with travel. Share how you manage your time and maintain productivity while on the road, as this will reassure them of your readiness for the role.