Clinical Research Associate - Scotland in London
Clinical Research Associate - Scotland

Clinical Research Associate - Scotland in London

London Full-Time 37000 - 46000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
MSD Malaysia

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead clinical studies, ensuring compliance and building strong site relationships.
  • Company: Join a leading company dedicated to high-quality clinical research.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with extensive travel and excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while travelling and growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and experience in clinical site management required.

The predicted salary is between 37000 - 46000 £ per year.

Location: Scotland

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. You will take ownership of allocated sites, actively expand our clinical research territory by identifying and developing new sites and contribute as a subject matter expert on monitoring processes and systems across internal workstreams.

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; escalate 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:

Core competencies:
  • 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.

How to apply: Please submit your resume/CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant monitoring experience and site leadership achievements.

Required Skills:
  • Accountability
  • Adaptability
  • Adverse Event Reporting System
  • Clinical Research Methods
  • Clinical Site Management
  • Clinical Study Management
  • Clinical Trials Monitoring
  • Good Clinical Data Management Practice (GCDMP)
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
  • Protocol Adherence
Preferred Skills:
  • Current Employees apply
  • Current Contingent Workers apply

Clinical Research Associate - Scotland in London employer: MSD Malaysia

Our company is an exceptional employer, offering Clinical Research Associates in Scotland the chance to lead impactful clinical studies while enjoying a collaborative and growth-oriented work culture. With competitive compensation, extensive mentorship opportunities, and a commitment to employee development, we empower our team to excel in their careers while ensuring patient safety and research integrity are at the forefront of our mission.
MSD Malaysia

Contact Detail:

MSD Malaysia Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the clinical research field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. 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 understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of advancing high-quality clinical research. Show them you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about patient safety and compliance.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to site management and monitoring. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Clinical Research Associate role!

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

Clinical Research Methods
Clinical Site Management
Clinical Trials Monitoring
Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Protocol Adherence
Adverse Event Reporting System
Data Interpretation
Site Performance Management
Regulatory Compliance
Communication Skills
Mentoring and Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Interpersonal Skills
Adaptability

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 site management and monitoring, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of ICH/GCP standards.

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 skills align with our company’s mission. Keep it concise but impactful!

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

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at MSD Malaysia

✨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 help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance with ICH/GCP standards.

✨Showcase Your Site Management Skills

Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in site management and monitoring. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed site performance or resolved compliance issues, as this will show your capability to take ownership of allocated sites.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities

Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating complex information clearly and concisely. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've effectively communicated with investigators and site staff.

✨Prepare for Travel Discussions

Given the travel requirements of the position, be ready to discuss your flexibility and experience with domestic and international travel. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your adaptability and willingness to meet the demands of the role.

Clinical Research Associate - Scotland in London
MSD Malaysia
Location: London

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