Global Trial Optimization Director

MSD; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 256,000 - 403,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick days

Hybrid work

Job summary

MSD in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Head of Global Trial Optimization (GTO) to lead senior GTO staff, optimize processes, and manage resources and budget. You will drive data-driven feasibility, recruitment strategies and cross-functional collaboration with PDTs and legal, ensuring high-quality deliverables.

You will mentor senior leaders, shape portfolio risk plans, and advance end-to-end trial execution with global programs. Requires 15+ years in clinical research and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years clinical research experience in pharmaceutical industry (US and international).
• Strong leadership, collaboration and disciplined decision-making aligned with leadership principles.
• Excellent written and spoken English; ability to influence at senior regional and global levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership and mentorship to the GTO team, driving high-quality deliverables.
• Optimize organizational design, processes and resource allocation across GTO.
• Manage budget, risk, and portfolio-level strategies for trial optimization and site engagement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (CSSM, GPAM, Legal, Country Operations) to ensure compliance and strategic alignment.
• Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives and data-driven trial execution enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

GCP/ICH knowledge

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor of Science/Arts; advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Data analytics tools

Job description

MSD in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Head of Global Trial Optimization (GTO) to lead senior GTO staff, optimize processes, and manage resources and budget. You will drive data-driven feasibility, recruitment strategies and cross-functional collaboration with PDTs and legal, ensuring high-quality deliverables.

You will mentor senior leaders, shape portfolio risk plans, and advance end-to-end trial execution with global programs. Requires 15+ years in clinical research and strong leadership.