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Associate Director Clinical Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Clinical Research

Paramus, NJ · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

Supervise two (2) or three (3) Senior Clinical Study Managers and one Associate Director; including ... research experience with emphasis on Phase II-IV clinical trials. * Experience in managing and ...

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Associate Director Clinical Research information

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$28K

$154.1K

$297.5K

How much do associate director clinical research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director clinical research in the United States is $154,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,500.00 and $195,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Director Clinical Research, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Director Clinical Research, you need advanced knowledge of clinical trial design, regulatory compliance, and drug development, typically supported by a relevant advanced degree and significant industry experience. Proficiency in clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC) platforms, and familiarity with GCP and FDA/EMA regulations are crucial. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills help build effective teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure successful, compliant clinical trials that advance organizational goals and safeguard patient safety.

What is the difference between Associate Director Clinical Research vs Clinical Project Manager?

AspectAssociate Director Clinical ResearchClinical Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD, MD, or advanced degree in life sciences; relevant certifications like RAC or CCRP are commonBachelor's or master's degree in life sciences or related field; certifications like PMP are advantageous
Work EnvironmentLeads multiple clinical trials, oversees teams, and collaborates with senior management in pharmaceutical or biotech companiesManages specific clinical trials, coordinates teams, and ensures project milestones are met within clinical research settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical, biotech, and CROs for senior clinical research leadership rolesCommonly employed in pharmaceutical companies and CROs for trial management

The Associate Director Clinical Research typically holds a higher strategic and leadership role, overseeing multiple projects and teams, whereas the Clinical Project Manager focuses on the day-to-day management of individual clinical trials. Both roles require strong knowledge of clinical research processes, but the Associate Director often has more seniority and broader responsibilities.

What does an Associate Director of Clinical Research do?

An Associate Director of Clinical Research is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and management of clinical trials within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company. They ensure that all research activities comply with regulatory requirements, company policies, and ethical standards. Their role often includes supervising clinical project teams, managing budgets and timelines, and liaising with external partners such as contract research organizations (CROs) and regulatory agencies. Additionally, they play a key part in developing clinical study protocols, monitoring trial progress, and ensuring data integrity for successful drug development.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Associate Director of Clinical Research when leading cross-functional teams?

As an Associate Director of Clinical Research, you may encounter challenges such as aligning priorities across diverse functional groups (e.g., regulatory, data management, and clinical operations), managing tight timelines, and ensuring clear communication among stakeholders. Navigating regulatory requirements and adapting to evolving study protocols also require strong problem-solving skills. Success in this role often depends on your ability to foster collaboration and maintain focus on project goals while balancing the needs of multiple departments.
More about Associate Director Clinical Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Director Clinical Research jobs? Cities with the most Associate Director Clinical Research job openings:
What states have the most Associate Director Clinical Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Director Clinical Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Director Clinical Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,140 per year, or $74.1 per hour.

Associate Director, Clinical Research

Bracco

Princeton, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Bracco Diagnostics Inc. is a subsidiary of Bracco Imaging which is part of the overall Bracco Group. The Company specializes in the clinical development, marketing and sales of diagnostic contrast imaging agents. Bracco Diagnostics Inc. primarily markets its products to hospitals throughout the United States. Bracco Diagnostics Inc. is committed to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of imaging agents and solutions aimed at providing a better use and management in terms of diagnostic efficacy, patient safety and cost effectiveness.
The Associate Director/ Director, Clinical Research leads and manages end-to-end clinical research activities for assigned programs and studies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (ICH/GCP) and study protocols. Oversees study design, site selection, vendor and CRO management, and clinical operations, while coordinating investigators, monitoring study progress, and maintaining data quality and documentation. Ensures timely execution, budget adherence, regulatory compliance, and effective communication across internal teams, study sites, and external partners.
The Associate Director/ Director, Clinical Research is person is responsible for leading clinical research activities for a specific program or programs as well as managing all activities associated with performing one or more clinical studies. This person has the responsibility to guide and supervise clinical research activities performed by external vendors (CROs), consultant monitors (when applicable) and clinical study assistants working on assigned projects.
Main Responsibilities, Activities, Duties, and Tasks
  • Writing and finalizing protocols for the conduct of interventional clinical studies and noninterventional studies as well as studies designed for the retrospective collection of data
  • Identifying, selecting, and qualifying sites to conduct clinical studies
  • Reviewing informed consent forms and other Study Master File (TMF) documents, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met
  • Performing site visits including monitoring activities as needed/assigned, ensuring the clinical study is being performed according to ICH/GCP guidelines and meeting the protocol requirements
  • Planning, coordinating, and facilitating investigator meetings
  • Communicating with study centers, addressing issues, and disseminating study study information
  • Training investigators, monitors and site personnel to ensure appropriate collection and reporting of non-serious and serious adverse events, as well as special situations, and any urgent safety measures taken by the site during the study
  • Assisting with data flow and query resolution
  • Requesting and managing clinical supplies, including coordinating the shipment of the clinical supplies to study sites, over-seeing drug accountability and the return of clinical supplies to Bracco
  • Managing vendors and consultants (e.g., central ECG and central lab services)
  • Ensuring that all project information is up to date in the Clinical Study Management System (CTMS) (e.g., monitoring visits; enrollment)
  • Ensuring the current version of project documentation is filed in Expresso
  • Tracking enrollment for each site; proactively addressing issues, insuring protocol compliance
  • Maintaining the TMF
  • Initiating payments to investigators
  • Overseeing payments to vendors: reviewing invoices including documentation supporting pass through costs
  • Overseeing the tracking of receipt of original CRFs in house at Bracco
  • Submitting SUSARs to IRBs/ECs and Investigators as needed
  • Ensuring that projects keep within their approved budget
  • Communicating critical study-related or personnel issues to the Head of Worldwide Clinical Research in a timely manner to facilitate immediate action
  • Reviewing, revising, and facilitating the training / approval process for clinical related SOPs

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • TBD

Education
  • B.S./B.A. degree preferably in Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nursing, Pharmacy)

Professional Experience, Knowledge & Technical Skills
  • 10+ years Clinical Research/Management experience with demonstrated experience in multinational and/or multi-site clinical studies. Knowledge of GCPs, CFR, ICH and EU guidelines
  • Strong organizational, communication and teamwork skills. Ability to manage several projects simultaneously. Experience in diagnostic imaging field is desired.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects/programs simultaneously
  • Ability to manage investigators, consultants, vendors
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with particular attention to communicating study information
  • Taking personal responsibility to achieve results/objectives and makes every effort to achieve the expected outcome of any task
  • Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Ability to deal with competing priorities, meet aggressive timelines within the assigned scope of the project

Core Relationships
  • Medical Planning and Management
  • Medical Affairs and Scientific Information
  • Data Management
  • Biostatistics
  • Regulatory Affairs &Medical Writing
  • Corporate Drug Safety
  • Management Office
  • Corporate Quality Management
  • Clinical Research Quality Systems
  • Global Legal Affairs

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must be able to communicate via telephone, written correspondence, or spoken word to perform the essential duties of the position
Bracco Diagnostics Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.