Clinical Research Graduate

Merck; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 20 000 - 30 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading clinical research organization in South Africa is seeking a Clinical Research Graduate to support cross-functional team operations. You will engage in numerous tasks ranging from assisting in team meetings, handling document tracking for Regulatory teams, to supporting budgeting activities. Candidates should hold a Master's degree in sciences and display strong communication, accountability, and collaboration skills. This role offers opportunities to learn and contribute meaningfully in the clinical research field.

Benefits

Structured development pathway

Mentorship and on-the-job learning

Opportunities for meaningful contributions in clinical research

Qualifications

• Effective communication skills with GCTO team members and clients.
• High sense of accountability and urgency; reliable follow-through.
• Proactive attitude to solving problems and proposing solutions.
• Excellent negotiation skills in finance/budgeting.
• Good IT skills and proficiency with productivity tools.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Collaborative team player who works well with diverse stakeholders.
• Integrity-driven and adherence to compliance/quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional GCTO SSA activities and facilitate team meetings.
• Take ownership of the GCTO Onboarding program.
• Assist Regulatory team with document tracking and submissions.
• Support finance activities, including data gathering and reconciliation.
• Coordinate alignments with local CTCs, COMs, CRMs, and CRAs.
• Identify operational risks and propose solutions.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with GCTO standards.
• Prepare and deliver updates to stakeholders.
• Participate in training for core competencies.

Skills

Effective communication skills

High sense of accountability and urgency

Proactive attitude

Excellent negotiation skills

Good IT skills

Detail-oriented

Collaborative team player

Growth-oriented

Education

Master's degree in sciences

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a recent graduate from a reputable South African institution to join our clinical research team as a Clinical Research Graduate.

The role provides a multi-disciplinary supportive function to all teams in GCTO SSA.

Examples include assisting in team meetings, supporting Site Ready dates, taking ownership of select processes within GCTO (such as the Onboarding program), assisting the Regulatory team, and supporting the finance / budgeting team.

You will collaborate locally and closely with CTCs, COMs, CRMs, and CRAs, ensuring smooth operational coordination across study start-up, site management, regulatory activities, and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional GCTO SSA activities, including scheduling, preparation, facilitation, and follow-up for team meetings and operational checkpoints (e.g., Site Ready dates).
• Take ownership of specific internal processes, notably the GCTO Onboarding program, including content updates, logistics, stakeholder coordination, and continuous improvement.
• Assist the Regulatory team with document tracking, submissions coordination, timelines monitoring, and vendor / site communication as needed.
• Support finance and budgeting activities, including data gathering, basic analysis, reconciliation, and stakeholder follow-up; contribute to discussions and negotiations with vendors / sites under guidance.
• Coordinate with local CTCs, COMs, CRMs, and CRAs to ensure alignment on timelines, deliverables, and issue resolution across studies and operational initiatives.
• Contribute to problem-solving by proactively identifying operational risks or gaps and proposing practical solutions.
• Maintain accurate records, trackers, and documentation in line with GCTO procedures, quality standards, and compliance requirements.
• Prepare and deliver concise updates and reports to internal stakeholders, escalating issues in a timely manner.
• Participate in training and development programs to build core competencies in clinical research operations, regulatory processes, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

Master's degree in sciences preferred.

Skills and Competencies: Effective communication skills with other GCTO team members and our clients (sites or vendors).

High sense of accountability and urgency; reliable follow-through on commitments.

Proactive attitude to solving problems and proposing solutions; resourceful and adaptable.

Excellent negotiation skills related to finance / budgeting interactions.

Good IT skills; proficient with common productivity tools (e.g., spreadsheets, presentations, collaboration platforms) and quick to learn new systems.

Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in parallel.

Collaborative team player who builds trust and works well with diverse stakeholders.

Curious and growth-oriented, keen to learn the R&D landscape and GCTO operating model.

Integrity-driven, adhering to compliance and quality standards.

What We Offer

Structured development pathway with mentorship and on-the-job learning across key GCTO functions.

Exposure to regional operations in Sub-Saharan Africa and interaction with cross-functional teams.

Opportunities to contribute meaningfully to clinical research operations while building a foundation for future roles in the industry.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together.

The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment.

We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Required Skills

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Clinical Research
• Clinical Trial Compliance
• Clinical Trial Documentation
• Clinical Trial Regulations
• Clinical Trials Monitoring
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Detail-Oriented
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Team Player