Associate Director Clinical Operations

Barrington James; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing biotech company is seeking an experienced Associate Director of Clinical Operations to lead clinical trials in a hybrid role based in San Francisco. The ideal candidate will manage the execution of trials, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality standards. This role demands strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of clinical trial operations, with a focus on driving success in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of clinical operations experience, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in managing global clinical trials and working with CROs.
• Strong understanding of GCP/ICH guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end execution of clinical trials, ensuring compliance.
• Manage CROs, vendors, and internal stakeholders to meet deadlines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for trial designs.
• Mentor junior Clinical Operations team members.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical trial regulations

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Advanced degree (MS, PhD, PharmD)

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Associate Director, Clinical Operations

Location: Hybrid – San Francisco, CA (2–3 days on-site)

Employment Type: Full-Time Permanent

About Us

Our client is a growing biotech company dedicated to developing innovative therapies that address unmet medical needs. With a recent milestone achievement in their pipeline, they are entering an exciting phase of growth and are seeking passionate and driven professionals to join the team. The culture is agile, collaborative, and science-driven, and we’re looking for leaders who are ready to make a meaningful impact.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director of Clinical Operations to lead and manage the execution of clinical trials across multiple phases. This is a hybrid role, offering the flexibility of remote work with regular in-office collaboration. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of clinical trial operations in a biotech or small/mid-sized pharma environment and be comfortable operating in a hands-on, fast-paced setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end execution of clinical trials, from study start-up through close-out, ensuring compliance with GCP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage CROs, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timelines, quality, and budget goals are met.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, and Quality to support clinical strategy and trial design.
• Contribute to protocol development, site selection, monitoring plans, and clinical study reports.
• Lead or contribute to the development of SOPs, workflows, and operational best practices.
• Support inspection readiness activities and contribute to submissions and regulatory interactions.
• Mentor junior Clinical Operations team members and support departmental growth as the company scales.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field; advanced degree (MS, PhD, PharmD) preferred.
• 8+ years of clinical operations experience, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Prior experience in a small biotech or startup environment is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing global clinical trials and working with CROs and vendors.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial regulations, GCP/ICH guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to [e-mail]