Head of Clinical Trial Optimization & Strategy

Kardigan; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 242,000 - 315,000; Full time

Job summary

Kardigan seeks a Senior Director, Clinical Trial Optimization to create and lead an internal capability spanning feasibility, enrollment planning, protocol optimization, and patient engagement. This leader defines the operating model, builds the team, and ensures evidence-based decisions before studies advance.

Reporting to Global Site Management, you will partner with Clinical Trial Management, Medical Affairs, and AI initiatives, driving strategy, governance, and performance metrics with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or quantitative field; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong leadership and executive presence with stakeholder influence.
• Experience building or scaling a new capability in drug development.

Responsibilities

• Define vision and roadmap for Clinical Trial Optimization and portfolio enablement.
• Lead feasibility, enrollment planning, protocol optimization, and site activation.
• Partner across Clinical Operations and enterprise teams to drive efficiency.
• Oversee engagement strategies and vendor relationships for patient experience.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Executive presence

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a quantitative discipline

Advanced degree (MS/MPH/MBA/PhD/ PharmD) preferred

Tools

CTMS systems

Citeline

TriNetx

RWE data

Job description

Kardigan seeks a Senior Director, Clinical Trial Optimization to create and lead an internal capability spanning feasibility, enrollment planning, protocol optimization, and patient engagement. This leader defines the operating model, builds the team, and ensures evidence-based decisions before studies advance.

Reporting to Global Site Management, you will partner with Clinical Trial Management, Medical Affairs, and AI initiatives, driving strategy, governance, and performance metrics with