At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the start-up process for clinical trials, ensuring timely site activation and collaboration.
- Company: Innovative healthcare company focused on improving lives through science and technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, personal development opportunities, and a diverse, inclusive culture.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to innovation and human progress.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by driving new therapies to patients worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in clinical research and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Work Your Magic with us! Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! 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. Joining our Healthcare team is becoming part of a diverse, inclusive and flexible working culture, presenting great opportunities for personal development and career advancement across the globe.
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 in London employer: Merck
Join a dynamic and inclusive team at the forefront of healthcare innovation, where your role as Associate Director will empower you to lead critical clinical trial activations that directly impact patient lives. With a strong commitment to employee growth, our hybrid work culture in Feltham offers flexibility and collaboration, ensuring you thrive in a diverse environment while contributing to meaningful advancements in health and technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, SSUL, Feasibility & Site Activation in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially around healthcare and innovation. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in clinical research makes you the perfect fit for the Associate Director role. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage complex projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and working your magic with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, SSUL, Feasibility & Site Activation in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through in your application. We want to see how your curiosity and passion for healthcare and clinical research align with our mission to improve lives.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in clinical research and study start-up leadership. We love seeing how your unique background can contribute to our diverse team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in multi-stakeholder environments.
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 this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merck
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical research knowledge, especially around global study start-up processes. Familiarise yourself with the regulatory requirements and guidelines mentioned in the job description, as this will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in leading study start-ups. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges or developed strategies for site activation. This will help demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice conveying complex information in a straightforward manner. You might be asked to explain your approach to coordinating with cross-functional teams, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will be key to making a good impression.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
During the interview, highlight your organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities. Share examples of how you've proactively identified risks and implemented contingency plans in previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with what they're looking for.
