1

Associate Director Clinical Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... and directing clinical research activities involving new or marketed medicines in the ... Associate Vice President in ensuring that appropriate Corporate personnel are informed of the ...

Assist the Executive Director and/or Associate Vice President in ensuring that appropriate ... Facilitate collaborations with external researchers around the world.Travel on company business ...

Flint, MI Job Id: 2496 # of Openings: 1 Insight Health System Clinical Research Associate Director, Research Operations Title: Associate Director - Research Operations Location: Michigan Reports To:

Showing results 41-60

Associate Director Clinical Research information

See salary details

$28K

$154.1K

$297.5K

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

As of Aug 12, 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?

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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,140 per year, or $74.1 per hour.

Senior Director, Clinical Research, Atherosclerosis

Merck & Co.

Rahway, NJ • On-site

$173 - $273/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description

The Senior Director (Sr. Principal Scientist) has primary responsibility for the planning and directing clinical research activities involving new or marketed medicines in the Atherosclerosis section of the Atherosclerosis & Metabolism therapeutic area. Our company's Atherosclerosis & Metaboslim medicines span all phases of clinical development (pre-clinical to post-licensure). The Senior Director will manage the entire cycle of late-stage clinical development and studies, including development strategy, study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, and publication.

Specifically, the Senior Director May Be Responsible For:
  • Planning clinical trials (design, operational plans, settings) based on these clinical development strategies
  • Monitoring and managing the conduct of ongoing or new clinical trials for investigational or marketed Atherosclerosis drugs
  • Analyzing and summarizing the clinical findings from studies to support decisions regarding safety and efficacy as well as new drug applications, clinical study reports, or publication
  • Participation in internal and joint internal/external research project teams relevant to the development of new compounds, and the further study of marketed compounds.
  • Evaluating pre-clinical and translational work for the purpose of generating early clinical development plans and Investigational New Drug applications;
  • Developing clinical development strategies for investigational or marketed Atherosclerosis drugs
  • Support of business development assessments of external opportunities
The Senior Director May:
  • Work closely with the Clinical Scientists in the execution of clinical studies. Work closely with a cross-functional group of experts in commercialization, regulatory affairs, statistics, and manufacturing to manage clinical development projects; and assist the Executive Director and/or Associate Vice President in ensuring that appropriate Corporate personnel are informed of the progress of studies of our company and competitors' drugs, and of internal and external expert opinion on scientific questions relevant to their areas of responsibility.
The Senior Director is responsible for maintaining a strong scientific fund of knowledge by:
  • Maintaining awareness of scientific developments within their area of expertise, in terms of new scientific findings, research methodologies
  • Identifying scientifically and operationally strong investigators who can assist in the development of our company's investigational and marketed drugs
  • Establishing communications with prominent clinical investigators in their particular field of interest, particularly those who will be willing and able to assist in the evaluation of our company's drugs
  • Attending appropriate scientific meetings to maintain their competency and to maintain awareness of research activities in their area of responsibility.
To accomplish these goals, the Senior Director may:
  • Author detailed development documents, presentations, budgets, and position papers for internal and external audiences
  • Facilitate collaborations with external researchers around the world
  • Travel on company business about twenty (20) percent of the time to manage future or ongoing clinical research projects.
QualificationsEducation

M.D or M.D./Ph.D.

Required
  • Must have experience in industry or as senior faculty in academia
  • Minimum of 3 years experience in clinical medicine
  • Minimum of 3-5 year of industry experience in drug development or biomedical research experience in academia
  • Demonstrated success in overseeing Phase 2 and 3 clinical studies and protocols
  • Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement
  • Proven track record in clinical medicine and background in biomedical research
  • Strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to function in a team environment
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication and presentation skills
Preferred
  • Board Certified or Eligible in Cardiology (adult or pediatric), Endocrinology, or Nephrology or related discipline
  • Prior specific experience in clinical research and prior publication
Required Skills
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Clinical Development
  • Clinical Research
  • Clinical Sciences
  • Clinical Trials
  • Cross-Functional Teamwork
  • Drug Development
  • Medical Monitoring
  • Scientific Writing
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is $173,200.00 - $272,600.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits
  • medical
  • dental
  • vision healthcare
  • other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
  • retirement benefits
  • 401(k)
  • paid holidays
  • vacation
  • compassionate and sick days

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

San Francisco Residents Only

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 25%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date: 08/27/2026

Requisition ID: R402384

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Merck employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom