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Associate Director Clinical Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Neurology Chair Office, is seeking a Director-Clinical Research Administration. The position is tasked with direction, strategic planning, and oversight ...

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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 Jul 19, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,140 per year, or $74.1 per hour.

Associate Director, Clinical Operations

Clinical Dynamix, Inc.

Watertown, MA

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Associate Director, Clinical Operations Job Description

How you’ll make an impact:

  • Contribute to the planning, implementation, and execution of global clinical trials.
  • Plan, execute, and lead study-specific meetings (e.g., internal core team meetings, investigator meetings, etc), as needed.
  • Provide input for the design of the Informed Consent Form(s), eCRFs, monitoring conventions, edit checks, etc.
  • Provide study-specific training and leadership to clinical research staff, CRO, CRAs, sites and other contract personnel.
  • Manage study timelines and metrics to ensure completion of study deliverables.
  • Lead site feasibility and selection qualification, initiation, and oversight of outsourced monitoring activities.
  • Review monitoring reports to ensure quality and resolution of site-related issues.
  • Ensure timely enrollment and data collection at clinical trial sites.
  • Collaborate with the data management team to ensure data integrity and timely database lock.
  • Ensure tracking, review of protocol deviations, and assess impact on study data.
  • Work closely with translational medicine team to ensure appropriate incorporation of bioanalytical sampling plan into clinical protocols and relevant data output of the trial is provided to functional groups for review.
  • Partner with Operational Excellence and assigned Site Engagement Leads to help drive site engagement and bolster recruitment
  • Serve as key counterpart of Clinical Outsourcing to build RFPs and support the selection of clinical vendors
  • Oversee and contribute to Sponsor Oversight activities including but not limited to review of KPIs, KRIs, PDs, risks, Data Review Findings, etc. to assess the health of the study and proactively ensure mitigations are in place to achieve Company’s quality standards
  • Contribute to clinical operations process improvement initiatives
  • Maintain accurate and complete trial documentation.
  • Proactively identify and resolve clinical project issues.
  • This role may require up to 25% travel

Skills and experience you’ll bring:

  • BS degree and 8+ years of experience in clinical operations in biotech/pharma. 5 years’ experience leading global clinical trials
  • Inspection readiness experience preferred
  • Experience working on large, global, complex phase 2b/3 or late stage trials. Respiratory or Immunology experience highly preferred.
  • Broad knowledge of Global regulations and guidelines including CFR, ICH GCP, HIPAA, GDPR, and the Protection of Human Research Subjects.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple trials simultaneously.
  • Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with cross-functional teams.