Clinical Research Graduate

Merck; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in South Africa is seeking a Clinical Research Graduate to support a multi-disciplinary research team. This role involves assisting with operational tasks, regulatory submissions, and finance-related activities. Ideal candidates should possess a Master’s degree in sciences and strong communication and organizational skills. This position offers exposure to clinical research operations and a structured development pathway through mentorship and training.

Benefits

Structured development pathway

Mentorship opportunities

Exposure to regional operations

Qualifications

• Recent graduate from a reputable South African institution.
• Strong communication and organizational skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a clinical environment.

Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional GCTO SSA activities.
• Take ownership of internal processes like the GCTO Onboarding program.
• Assist the Regulatory team with document tracking and submissions.
• Support finance and budgeting activities.
• Coordinate with local teams to ensure alignment on project timelines.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Accountability

Adaptability

Proactive attitude

Excellent negotiation skills

Good IT skills

Detail-oriented

Collaborative team player

Integrity-driven

Education

Master’s degree in sciences preferred

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.

Attributes

• 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

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date: 01/4/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.