Associate Clinical Trials Director

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Equity incentives

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences is seeking an Associate Director to oversee the Clinical Operations team, ensuring study activities meet FDA, EU, and ICH standards while aligning with corporate objectives. The role focuses on CRO/vendor management, timelines, budgets, and resource planning.

The ideal candidate will mentor staff, manage multiple programs, and partner with Regulatory, QA, DM, Stats, and external partners to drive successful clinical development across all phases.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of clinical trial management experience (domestic & international) including CRO/vendor oversight.
• Experience leading Clinical Operations teams and budgets.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, EU directives and ICH guidelines.
• Proven leadership and mentorship abilities; capable of directing multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design and implementation of clinical strategies and objectives.
• Provide leadership to the Clinical Operations study team.
• Support tactical execution of the clinical development process across all phases.
• Accountable for subfunctions within the group.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, EU, ICH, SOPs and GCP.

Skills

Clinical Operations

Vendor management

Leadership

Project management

FDA regulations

GCP

ICH guidelines

Education

BS/BA + 12+ years

Master’s + 10+ years

Job description

Who We Are

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role

Responsible for the overall management of the Clinical Operations team and may contribute to the development of strategic plans and objectives of the Clinical Operations team by executing Neurocrine's clinical studies (all phases). Ensures clinical study activities are conducted in compliance with FDA regulations, European Union (EU) Directive, International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines, and are in adherence with corporate and departmental Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). A key focus will be on the oversight of CROs, external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure studies are conducted according to timelines, budgets, and resources to achieve program objectives and corporate goals. The Associate Director will also support the career development of multiple direct reports within the clinical operations group.

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to)

• Contribute to the design and implementation of clinical strategies for area of responsibility and participate in formulating strategic plans and objectives for broader organization using internal and external resources
• Provides leadership to the Clinical Operations study team (Clinical Trial Managers, Specialists, Clinical Trial Associates, and other subordinate employees)
• Supports the tactical implementation and execution of the clinical development process (all phases) primarily for selected programs
• Accountable for smaller subfunctions
• Ensures program activities are conducted in compliance with FDA regulations, EU Directive and ICH guidelines, and are in adherence with corporate and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• In collaboration with the Outsourcing function, works with the Clinical Trial Manager or Sr. Clinical Trial Manager to manage vendor scopes individual study budgets, and change orders
• Maintains clinical trial timelines to achieve corporate goals
• Supports the creation and establishment of critical metrics to benchmark activities needed to develop and revise performance and reach and maintain the highest possible standards of excellence
• Identifies and introduces process improvements within the clinical organization
• In collaboration with Outsourcing, manages relationships and expectations with CROs, external vendors, and other clinical contract service providers.
• Act as point of contact with external bodies
• Manages inter-department relationships (e.g., Regulatory, QA, DM, Stats, etc) to ensure adequate support for clinical programs as well as provide input into cross-functional meetings and documentation
• Interfaces with Clinical Development by providing operational input to clinical protocols, clinical development plans, and clinical study reports
• Support the recruitment, training, management, and career development of subordinates within the clinical operations group
• Manages operational activities of clinical programs with corporate partners
• Performs additional tasks and duties as assigned

Requirements

• BS/BA degree AND 12+ years of clinical trial management experience, including CRO/vendor management (domestic and international), monitoring of budget scope, clinical site monitoring or related experience required.
• OR Master’s AND 10+ years of similar experience noted above
• Anticipates business and industry issues; recommends relevant process / technical / service improvements
• Demonstrates broad expertise or unique knowledge
• Considered an expert within the company and may have external presence in area of expertise
• Applies in-depth expertise in discipline and broad knowledge of other closely related areas to improve efficiency of team
• Ability to work as part of and lead multiple teams
• Good leadership, mentoring skills and abilities typically leads lower levels and/or indirect teams
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
• Sees broader picture and longer-term impact on division/company
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
• Excellent project management, strong project leadership skills
• Proven ability to work through others to deliver results to the appropriate quality and timeline metrics, monitoring/managing performance and providing feedback; experience productively partnering cross functionally and with customers to advance work effectively and efficiently
• Proven ability at analyzing data and information to derive conclusions and drive sound decision making
• Works to improve tools and processes within functional area
• Detailed knowledge of clinical drug development process including working knowledge of ICH, GCPs, FDA regulations and EU directive
• Ability to effectively manage, mentor and train personnel and ability to motivate and influence personnel to achieve goals
• Expertise directing global studies, particularly in endocrine related indications and/or rare diseases
• Strategic vendor management skills, particularly CROs or similar complexity
• Must posses strong presentation and communication skills for internal and external presentations
• Strong computer skills, organizational skills, interpersonal and team participation skills are essential

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

#LI-KM1

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $173,600.00-$237,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program.

Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

We are a top place to work. Neurocrine Biosciences was named one of the FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Biopharma™ 2025. We were also named a Great Place to Work® Certified company. ©2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

OUR VALUES

• PASSION: We are driven and love what we do. We are committed to our goals and to making a difference.
• INTEGRITY: We do the right thing for patients and our community. We take accountability. We speak up.
• COLLABORATION: We trust one another. We are inclusive. We are respectful. We are transparent. Together we succeed.
• INNOVATION: We seek and create optimal solutions.
• TENACITY: We do not quit. We adapt. We accomplish what others cannot.

Come join our team during this exciting time of growth and opportunities!