Associate Director Study Manager (Hybrid)

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 with internal/external stakeholders.

Responsibilities:
- Lead operational planning, feasibility assessment, and execution of assigned clinical trials(s)
- Serve as Clinical Trial Team (CTT) Lead and 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 (senior management updates; cross-functional meetings)
- Coach/mentor junior staff; build team capabilities
- Contribute to process improvements; may serve as a 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 experience

Required Skills:
- Strong knowledge of ICH/GCP and clinical research regulatory requirements
- Lead global, cross-functional clinical trial teams
- Project management/planning/execution; manage competing priorities
- Advanced 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 experience
- Experience leading cross-functional governance/decision forums

Application instructions:
Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline is stated on the posting.