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Associate Study Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$140 - $210/hr

The Associate Director, Clinical Pharmacology Lead (AD, CPhL) may act as a trial clinical Pharmacologist (TCP; see TCP job profile) for clinical studies in their own projects or outside of their own ...

$180 - $240/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Associate Director/Director will be responsible for designing and executing clinical pharmacology strategy for oncology small-molecule programs, including PK/PD study design, dose ...

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Associate Study Director information

See salary details

$30.5K

$102.7K

$173K

How much do associate study director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate study director in the United States is $102,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate study director?

Associate Study Directors are professionals who assist in the planning, coordination, and management of scientific studies, often within research or laboratory settings. They work under the guidance of a Study Director to ensure studies are conducted according to protocols, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. Their responsibilities may include overseeing data collection, ensuring compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), managing study documentation, and communicating with clients or sponsors. This role is essential in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of research projects, particularly in fields such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and toxicology.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate study director, and how can they be addressed?

Associate Study Directors often face challenges such as managing multiple studies simultaneously, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating communication between cross-functional teams. Balancing strict timelines with high-quality data collection requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. To address these challenges, it's essential to develop robust project management habits, maintain clear documentation, and foster open communication with both internal teams and external stakeholders. Regular training on regulatory requirements and effective use of study management tools can also greatly enhance efficiency and accuracy in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate study director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Study Director, you need a solid background in life sciences, data analysis, and project management, typically supported by a relevant degree such as biology or pharmacology. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory guidelines (GLP/GCP), and data reporting tools is crucial. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure studies are conducted accurately, regulatory requirements are met, and projects are delivered on time.

What is the difference between Associate Study Director vs Study Director?

AspectAssociate Study DirectorStudy Director
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, with some experience in study managementRequires a higher level of education (often a master's or PhD) and extensive experience in study oversight
Work EnvironmentSupports study planning and execution under supervision, often in laboratory or research settingsLeads and oversees entire studies, ensuring compliance and data integrity
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in contract research organizations (CROs) and laboratoriesUsed in similar settings but with greater responsibility and authority

The main difference between an Associate Study Director and a Study Director lies in their level of responsibility and experience. Associate Study Directors support study activities and assist in management tasks, while Study Directors lead and oversee the entire study process, ensuring compliance and quality. Both roles are essential in research and testing environments, with the Study Director holding a more senior position.

What cities are hiring for Associate Study Director jobs?

Cities with the most Associate Study Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Study Director jobs?

The most popular types of Study Director jobs are:

What states have the most Associate Study Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associate Study Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Associate Study Director 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 $102,728 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Associate Principal Scientist, Toxicology/Study Director

Merck & Co., Inc.

West Point, PA • On-site

$142K - $224K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 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
Job Description:
The Nonclinical Drug Safety department is seeking a motivated and talented toxicologist to conduct and/or monitor toxicity studies (GLP and non-GLP) as a Study Director or Study Monitor. Toxicologists at our Company are integral members and leaders of collaborative cross functional scientific teams, addressing challenges from early discovery to late development. Our toxicologists provide scientific leadership in the design and overall conduct of in vivo studies and integrate the findings from all contributing scientists into reports that characterize the safety profile of drug candidates.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the single point of control (Study Director) on assigned acute through chronic general toxicology studies across all modalities. Interact with technical, veterinary, and scientific staff to ensure that the study is in compliance with the protocol, amendments, Standard Operating Procedures, regulations, safety guidelines, and company policies and procedures.

  • Critically analyze and interpret data. Integrate data from other areas (e.g., clinical pathology, pathology, toxicokinetics) in written reports used for regulatory submissions, and communicate results within established timelines.

  • Ensure regulatory rigor, proactive risk identification, and timely study execution.

  • Demonstrate enterprise mindset and strategic thinking, proactively identifying opportunities, anticipating challenges, and contributing to solutions aligned with Nonclinical Drug Safety organizational priorities.

  • Build strong collaborative relationships and influences without authority, contributing to an inclusive team environment.

  • Deliver high-quality results with accountability and agility, translating objectives into action while continuously improving, embracing change, and demonstrating leadership.

  • As needed, lead and/or participate in method development, inter-group initiatives, and various related scientific projects.

Education
  • Master's degree with training in toxicology, pharmacology, or related scientific discipline.

Requirements
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.

  • Minimum of 5 years as a Study Director in pharma, biotech, or at a CRO.

  • General toxicology GLP Study Director experience with varied models, routes of administration, and study designs.

  • Demonstrated understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (US FDA 21 CFR Part 58)

  • Strong interest in collaborating with diverse cross-functional teams and communicating openly and often with colleagues.

  • Strong listening and leadership skills

  • Ability to communicate clearly using verbal and written formats, including presentations

Preferred
  • GLP Study Director experience with varied modalities (e.g. biologics and small molecule therapeutics)

  • Familiarity with outsourced study monitoring

  • Familiarity with ICH safety guidelines

Required Skills:
Animal Studies, Effective Written Communication, Evaluate Information, Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Oral Communications, Proactive Thinking, Study Directing, Study Monitoring, Teamwork, Toxicology
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
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
$142,400.00 - $224,100.00
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.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
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
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
09/30/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

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