Associate Director Study Manager (Hybrid)
Merck
June 25, 2026
Remote friendly (San Diego, CA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Role Overview:
The Associate Director Study Manager leads operational planning, execution, and delivery of one or more global clinical trials, ensuring high-quality study conduct, timelines, risk management, and coordination across stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead operational planning, feasibility assessment, and execution of assigned clinical trials(s)
- Serve as Clinical Trial Team (CTT) Lead; provide cross-functional leadership
- Drive study strategy, operational reviews, and risk identification/mitigation planning
- Collaborate with internal teams, country organizations, and external partners (e.g., CROs, vendors)
- Oversee study timelines, key deliverables, and execution milestones
- Provide operational input into clinical trial documents (protocols, plans, reports)
- Lead governance interactions, including senior management updates and cross-functional meetings
- Coach/mentor and develop junior staff; contribute to process improvements; may act as subject matter expert
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field
- Advanced degree preferred
Experience:
- Bachelor’s: 9+ years OR Master’s: 6+ years OR PhD/PharmD: 2+ years clinical development
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of ICH/GCP and clinical research regulatory requirements
- Ability to lead global, cross-functional clinical trial teams
- Project management/planning/execution; manage competing priorities
- Problem-solving and risk management; stakeholder engagement/influencing
- Excellent written/verbal communication; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Preferred Skills:
- Global clinical trial environment experience; Vendor/CRO oversight
- Immunology (or relevant therapeutic area); leading governance/decision forums
Application:
Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en. Application deadline is stated on the posting.
The Associate Director Study Manager leads operational planning, execution, and delivery of one or more global clinical trials, ensuring high-quality study conduct, timelines, risk management, and coordination across stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead operational planning, feasibility assessment, and execution of assigned clinical trials(s)
- Serve as Clinical Trial Team (CTT) Lead; provide cross-functional leadership
- Drive study strategy, operational reviews, and risk identification/mitigation planning
- Collaborate with internal teams, country organizations, and external partners (e.g., CROs, vendors)
- Oversee study timelines, key deliverables, and execution milestones
- Provide operational input into clinical trial documents (protocols, plans, reports)
- Lead governance interactions, including senior management updates and cross-functional meetings
- Coach/mentor and develop junior staff; contribute to process improvements; may act as subject matter expert
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field
- Advanced degree preferred
Experience:
- Bachelor’s: 9+ years OR Master’s: 6+ years OR PhD/PharmD: 2+ years clinical development
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of ICH/GCP and clinical research regulatory requirements
- Ability to lead global, cross-functional clinical trial teams
- Project management/planning/execution; manage competing priorities
- Problem-solving and risk management; stakeholder engagement/influencing
- Excellent written/verbal communication; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Preferred Skills:
- Global clinical trial environment experience; Vendor/CRO oversight
- Immunology (or relevant therapeutic area); leading governance/decision forums
Application:
Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en. Application deadline is stated on the posting.