Associate Director, Clinical Operations, Therapeutics and Oncology

Role Summary

Associate Director, Clinical Operations, Therapeutics and Oncology to manage studies within the Oncology Therapeutic Area. This role may oversee more than one study and is responsible for initiating and leading clinical trials across all phases, including oversight of CROs and vendors. The position works cross-functionally on clinical operations strategy and related initiatives, collaborating with the therapeutic area and cross-functional teams to drive development programs and ensure successful execution of assigned projects.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for delivery of assigned clinical study budget, timelines, and resource management with focus on quality, including making recommendations and decisions regarding operational strategies to support study and/or program objectives
• Develop operational strategy and clinical operations plans in support of execution of the Clinical Development Plan
• Partner and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders such as the Project Leader, Clinical Lead and other relevant stakeholders
• Lead and oversee execution of first-in-human through phase 4 trials, depending on lifecycle of program, in compliance with ICH/GCP, local regulations, and Moderna SOPs
• Manage invoice and budget tracking for individual studies and provide input into budget forecasting activities
• Support the selection, oversight, and management of CROs and other vendors
• Oversee site feasibility/capability assessments in collaboration with the CRO and cross-functional team
• Review and provide clinical operations input into relevant clinical documents such as the protocol, investigator brochure, regulatory documents, clinical study reports and other documents and plans as appropriate
• Manage the cross functional team and CRO/vendor(s) related to all aspects of clinical trial operations
• Responsible for representing Clinical Operations on cross-functional project teams and vendor/CRO operational meetings and ensuring compliance with operational standards and procedures
• Along with other Clinical Development personnel, represent Moderna externally to Investigators, site staff, and Key Opinion Leaders
• Perform and document study level Sponsor Oversight of outsourced clinical activities
• Communicate study-status, cost and issues to ensure timely decision-making by senior management
• Manage invoice and budget tracking for individual studies and provide input into monthly and annual forecasting activities for studies and programs
• Oversee/collaborate on and contribute to inspection readiness activities that support audits and regulatory inspections related to clinical trial conduct
• Maintain oversight and participate in the creation/review/training/maintenance of departmental and organizational SOPs to ensure compliance
• Lead and/or participate in clinical operations workstreams related to departmental and operating model related initiatives
• Develop and foster strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders both within and external to Moderna
• Support program level deliverables/activities at the discretion of the Senior Director, Clinical Operations
• Provide oversight and mentorship to assigned Clinical Trial Managers and Clinical Trial Associates by providing clinical operations and functional area expertise
• Strive for continuous improvement and more efficient ways of working in clinical development
• Act as a role model for Moderna’s values

Qualifications

• Required: Minimum of BA/BS with at least 8-10 years of trial and clinical program experience, including at least 4 years of independent clinical trial management experience and full trial life cycle experience (e.g., start-up, conduct, closure)
• Preferred: Advanced degree
• Required: Robust experience in oncology; experience in late stage/phase 3 study leadership, including inspection readiness
• Preferred: Immuno-oncology experience
• Required: Multi-dimensional Clinical Operations background with capability of devising plans for operational challenges such as site activation, subject enrollment, monitoring oversight, protocol deviation management, data cleaning, etc.
• Required: Cross-Collaboration proficiency with other functions such as Regulatory, CMC, Biostatistics, Data Management, Finance, Program Management, etc.
• Required: Experience in GCP inspections/audits
• Required: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, in addition to excellent organizational skills
• Required: Proven track record of effective leadership and team-building skills in the context of a multi-disciplinary team in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry
• Required: Resilient, Creative, capable problem-solver
• Required: Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Required: Experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with key opinion leaders

Additional Requirements

• Some travel required

Skills

• Clinical operations leadership
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Vendor/CRO management
• Site feasibility and capability assessment
• ICH/GCP compliance and regulatory document review
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Leadership and people management

Education

• BA/BS required; advanced degree preferred