Senior Director, Clinical Operations

BigHat Biosciences; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 275,000 - 295,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Dental & vision coverage

Well-being benefits

401(k) match

Company shutdown days

Paid parental leave

Job summary

BigHat Biosciences in San Mateo, CA seeks an experienced Clinical Operations Lead to drive early‑stage biologics trials in oncology and inflammatory diseases. As Director and Lead, you will shape strategy, oversee trial design and execution, and build a high‑performing operations function.

You will partner with R&D, Regulatory, CMC, and Translational Biomarkers, manage CROs and sites, ensure data integrity and GCP compliance, and guide regulatory interactions.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in life sciences or related field (PhD/MD/PharmD preferred).
• 10+ years in clinical operations, with oncology/inflammatory diseases experience.
• Experience leading early-phase clinical trials in biotech/pharma.
• Proven ability to build and lead startup teams.
• In-depth knowledge of ICH-GCP, FDA/EMA regulations, and global trial processes.
• Proven vendor management, CRO oversight, budget management, and trial risk management.
• Experience with biomarker sample management and translational support.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in oncology, inflammatory diseases, and/or targeted therapies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute clinical operational strategies to advance biologics for oncology and inflammatory diseases from early-phase trials to regulatory approval.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align clinical strategies with company goals.
• Provide insights into trial design, site selection, and patient recruitment.
• Lead planning, initiation, and management of Phase I–III trials with global regulatory standards.
• Oversee vendor selection and CRO oversight; ensure protocol adherence and data integrity.
• Monitor trial progress, manage risks, and resolve operational challenges.
• Oversee site-side sample management and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Partner with Translational Biomarker team to support biomarker sample collection and logistics.
• Manage clinical data management, documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Develop budgets and optimize resources to meet milestones.

Skills

Clinical operations

Team leadership

Oncology/inflammatory diseases

Vendor management

Budget management

ICH-GCP/FDA/EMA knowledge

Trial risk management

Biomarker program support

Site management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD/MD/PharmD preferred

Job description

Department

Drug Development

Location

San Mateo, CA

The role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Clinical Operations Lead to join our drug development team, focusing on early‑stage clinical development of biologic drugs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. As the Director and Lead of Clinical Operations, you will oversee the design, execution, and management of clinical trials, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements. You will lead a high‑performing clinical operations function, develop strategies to accelerate development timelines, and establish best practices for trial execution. This is a unique opportunity to contribute at both strategic and operational levels in a fast‑paced, collaborative startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute clinical operational strategies to advance biologics for oncology and inflammatory diseases from early‑phase trials to regulatory approval.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (e.g., R&D, Regulatory, CMC, Translational Biomarkers) to align clinical strategies with overall company goals.
• Provide insights into trial design, site selection, and patient recruitment strategies.
• Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including investigators, regulators, and partners; prepare for and support regulatory interactions and inspections.

Clinical Trial Execution

• Lead the planning, initiation, and management of clinical trials (Phase I–III), ensuring they are conducted on time, within budget, and in compliance with global regulatory standards (ICH‑GCP, FDA, EMA) and company SOPs.
• Oversee vendor selection and management, including CROs, labs, and other external partners; conduct and manage CRO site monitoring activities to ensure protocol adherence and data integrity.
• Monitor trial progress, manage risks, and resolve operational challenges efficiently.
• Oversee clinical site‑side sample management, including collection, processing, storage, and shipment of biological samples in alignment with protocol requirements and chain‑of‑custody standards.

Translational Biomarker Support

• Partner closely with the Translational Biomarker team to ensure clinical operations infrastructure supports biomarker sample collection, handling, and logistics across all trial sites.
• Coordinate with sites and CROs to ensure biomarker sampling plans are implemented correctly and that sample quality and completeness meet program requirements.

Data Management and Quality

• Oversee clinical data management activities, including data completeness, quality review, and timely query resolution to ensure high‑quality, audit‑ready datasets.
• Implement and maintain data quality management processes in collaboration with data management and biostatistics partners.

Clinical Document Generation

• Manage the preparation and lifecycle of key clinical documents, including protocols, informed consent forms, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and regulatory submissions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable guidelines.
• Coordinate cross‑functional input and review cycles to deliver complete, high‑quality documentation.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage clinical operations budgets, ensuring cost‑effective resource allocation.
• Optimize timelines and resources to meet critical milestones and deliverables.

Skills Knowledge And Expertise

• Advanced degree in life sciences, pharmacy, or a related field (PhD, MD, PharmD preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in clinical operations, with a strong track record in oncology and/or inflammatory diseases.
• Experience leading operational aspects of early‑phase clinical trials in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams in a dynamic, startup environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of ICH‑GCP guidelines, FDA/EMA regulations, and global clinical trial processes.
• Proven experience in vendor management, CRO oversight, budget management, and trial risk management.
• Experience in clinical site‑side sample management and biomarker program support.
• Familiarity with data management principles and data quality oversight in clinical trials.
• Experience managing the generation of clinical documents across the trial lifecycle.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience in oncology, inflammatory diseases, and/or molecularly targeted therapies.

Total Rewards

The salary estimated for this position is $275,000 - $295,000 + bonus + options + benefits. Compensation will vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Actual compensation will be confirmed in writing at the time of the offer.

What BigHat Offers

• Range of health insurance plan options through Anthem and Kaiser (monthly credit if benefit waived).
• Dental and vision coverage through Guardian.
• Additional well‑being benefits through Nayya, OneMedical, Wagmo, Rula, and more.
• 401(k) with company match.
• DTO, two weeks of company‑wide shutdown, and 12 company holidays.
• Paid parental leave.