Clinical Trial Protocol Specialist

Life Science Recruitment; Connacht; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Science Recruitment's client, a medical device startup, is seeking a Clinical Trial Protocol Specialist to lead the design and authorship of investigational protocols for oncology trials. The role sits at the intersection of clinical science, regulatory strategy, and study operations, with a permanent position in Ireland.

The ideal candidate holds an MD/PhD/PharmD or equivalent, with 5+ years in protocol design for oncology, and a proven track record of authorship.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in clinical trial protocol design and authorship in oncology.
• Proven ability to independently author oncology trial protocols.
• Deep knowledge of oncology endpoints and CTCAE grading.

Responsibilities

• Lead Design & Authorship: oversee Phase I-III oncology trials and draft protocols.
• Endpoint & Population: select endpoints and populations with scientific justification.
• Documentation Development: draft ICFs and patient questionnaires.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: work with biostatistics on SAPs and with clinical advisors.
• Regulatory Compliance: align with ICH/FDA guidelines and support submissions.
• Research & Literature: conduct targeted reviews to support study design.

Skills

Protocol design

Oncology expertise

Regulatory knowledge

Scientific writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MD/PhD/PharmD or equivalent

Job description

Our client an innovative medical device startup are currently recruiting for a Clinical Trial Protocol Specialist to join their team on a permanent basis. As Clinical Trial Protocol Specialist you will lead the design and authorship of investigational protocols across their expanding portfolio. You will work at the intersection of clinical science, regulatory strategy, and study operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Protocol Design & Authorship: Oversee Phase I-III oncology trials, including feasibility, pilot, and pivotal studies. Translate scientific hypotheses into operationally- and submission-ready protocols, develop study synopses, and lead protocol amendments.
• Endpoint & Population Selection: Select appropriate endpoints, patient populations, and clinical instruments, while developing robust scientific justifications for your selections.
• Documentation Development: Draft and revise core study-specific documentation, including informed consent forms (ICFs) and patient questionnaires.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with biostatistics teams on statistical analysis plans (SAPs), and collaborate with clinical advisors to shape study design, narratives, and scientific rationale.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all protocols align perfectly with global regulatory guidance and applicable device/drug frameworks. Support regulatory submissions with high-quality protocol documentation.
• Research & Literature Reviews: Conduct targeted literature reviews to support study design and validate clinical assumptions.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: MD, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, or a related field with a demonstrated background in oncology.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in clinical trial protocol design and authorship specifically within general oncology.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated ability to independently author protocols for oncology trials.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep proficiency with oncology-specific endpoints and CTCAE grading frameworks.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of ICH guidelines and FDA regulatory expectations.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Advantages (Nice-to-Have):

• Experience with medical device trials (e.g., IDE SR/NSR, De Novo, 510(k) pathways).
• Experience with clinical trials focused on Quality of Life (QoL) outcomes, physical side effects, or time/financial toxicity.
• Familiarity with Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs).