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Pharma Startup Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Pharma Startup information

What are the typical challenges faced when working at a pharma startup, and how can new team members best adapt?

Working at a pharma startup often means operating in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving environment, with shifting priorities and limited resources. Team members may frequently wear multiple hats, contributing to research, regulatory documentation, and even business development. Adapting quickly, being flexible, and proactively communicating with colleagues are crucial for success. Embracing a collaborative mindset and staying open to learning new skills will help new hires navigate these unique challenges and thrive in the dynamic startup culture.

What is a pharma startup?

A pharma startup is a newly established company focused on the development, manufacturing, or commercialization of pharmaceutical products, such as drugs, biologics, or medical devices. These startups often work on innovative therapies, drug discovery, or novel approaches to healthcare challenges. Pharma startups play a crucial role in bringing new treatments to market and often collaborate with larger pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or investors to advance their products. They typically face unique challenges, such as regulatory approval, funding, and clinical trials, but also drive significant innovation in the healthcare industry.

What Are Jobs at a Pharma Startup?

Jobs at a pharma startup include positions in research, development, and sales for pharmaceutical and prescription drugs. In these roles, you may help educate potential clients about your products, research ways to make your drugs more effective, or help them get through the rigorous scrutiny necessary for most medications. Pharma startups often focus on one or two products—developing new medicine can be extremely expensive, so companies usually want to have a successful, money-earning product before expanding out into other areas. Many employees during the startup phase work long hours to help make the company more successful, so expect frequent overtime in most positions.

What is the difference between Pharma Startup vs Pharmaceutical Sales Representative?

AspectPharma StartupPharmaceutical Sales Representative
Required CredentialsDegree in life sciences or related field, possibly some industry certificationsDegree in life sciences, marketing, or related field; often requires sales training
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, innovative, often small teams, dynamic startup cultureCorporate setting, client-facing, travel involved, structured sales environment
Employer & Industry UsageStartups in biotech/pharma, early-stage companiesEstablished pharmaceutical companies, healthcare industry

Pharma Startup roles focus on innovation, product development, and early-stage growth, often requiring a versatile skill set. Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives primarily promote existing products, build client relationships, and work within structured sales frameworks. Both roles require a background in life sciences, but differ in work environment and company maturity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a pharma startup, and why are they important?

To thrive in a pharma startup, you need a solid background in pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, or related fields, often supported by relevant degrees or industry experience. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (FDA, EMA), clinical trial management systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, entrepreneurial mindset, and effective communication are vital soft skills for navigating the dynamic startup environment. These skills and qualities enable rapid innovation, regulatory compliance, and successful teamwork essential for scaling a pharma startup.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pharma Startup jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Pharma Startup jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Pharma Startup jobs in Michigan? For Pharma Startup jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Pharma Startup job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Clinical Data Associate

Clinical Data Associate

Shoulder Innovations

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Shoulder Innovations is a medical device startup that is revolutionizing shoulder replacements. Led by a seasoned team with over a century of orthopedic expertise, we've developed a disruptive shoulder replacement system and secured substantial funding to drive rapid growth. (NYSE: SI).
We're seeking entrepreneurial talent to join us on this exciting journey. Our culture is built on:
  • People First: Authentically human.
  • One Team: Empowered and aligned.
  • Innovation: Bold, creative, and daring.
  • Growth Mindset: Always curious.

Ready to make an impact in orthopedics? Let's grow together!
We are seeking a Clinical Data Associate who is responsible for clinical data management activities across study lifecycle; from start-up through database lock and closeout. This role includes day-to-day data review, query management, and data reconciliation within the Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system, and maintains Power BI dashboards to monitor data cleaning progress, site performance, and study metrics.
Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:
Data Management
  • Perform comprehensive data management tasks including data review, query generation, and query resolution
  • Support all study phases: Start-up, Execution, Database Lock, and Close-out
  • Perform ongoing data reconciliation across all data streams (e.g., EDC, imaging, third-party vendors)
  • Review discrepancy/edit check output and validation listings per the Data
  • Management Plan (DMP)
  • Resolve answered queries and re-query where appropriate
  • Receive and reconcile imaging data
  • Manage eCRF freeze/lock activities
  • File documentation in the Trial Master File (TMF)
  • Support study closeout and archiving activities, including QC of subject/site CRFs

EDC & Systems
  • Serve as a proficient day-to-day user of the EDC system (e.g., Castor EDC, Rave, or equivalent), including form/field configuration awareness, user access, and data export
  • Generate reports directly from the EDC system to track data cleaning progress and outstanding queries
  • Perform DM quality review and other internal QC checks per applicable EDC systems
  • Support EDC-related testing (edit checks, validation rules, user acceptance testing) during study build and amendments

Reporting & Monitoring (Power BI)
  • Maintains Power BI dashboards and reports to track data cleaning status, query aging, site-level data quality metrics, and monitoring visit findings. Development experience is a plus.
  • Translate data management metrics (e.g., missing data, outstanding queries, protocol deviations) into clear visual reports for internal stakeholders
  • Maintain and troubleshoot existing Power Query/Power BI data pipelines feeding from EDC exports and other source systems
  • Ensure dashboard data accuracy through regular reconciliation against EDC source data

Project & Study Support
  • Attend study-related meetings and teleconferences
  • Track project progress and issue periodic status/metric reports
  • Assist in identifying achievement of milestones per study timelines
  • Participate in finalization and transfer of the clinical database and related documents to the sponsor
  • Participate in internal meetings and internal/external audits as required
  • Maintain awareness of contract scope and study-specific Clinical Data Management Plans

We believe to be successful as a Clinical Data Associate, you will have the following:
  • Bachelor's degree in a health, science, or related discipline, or equivalent experience in clinical research
  • Clinical data associate/management experience at a CRO, pharma, medical device, or biotech company
  • Hands-on experience with EDC systems required (Castor EDC, Rave, Inform, or equivalent)
  • Demonstrated proficiency managing reports/dashboards in Power BI (Power Query/M language experience a plus)
  • Knowledge of current industry standards (e.g., GCP, ICH, CDISC/CDASH)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word); strong Excel skills required
  • Experience working in cross-functional, multi-site clinical trial teams

If you are looking to further your career in a pioneering and evolving industry, apply today for our Clinical Data Associate position. We value and appreciate our employees and will support you with great company culture, opportunities for professional growth, competitive wages, and benefits. To learn more about us, visit us online at https://shoulderinnovations.com.