Associate Director, Clinical Trial Lead (all genders)

Merck (Schweiz) AG seeks an Associate Director, Clinical Trial Lead in Eysins, CH, to manage complex Phase I-III studies and lead global project teams in a hybrid work model.

The company is looking for a senior leader to oversee high-impact clinical trials and direct large, global teams within a matrix structure. This role involves developing trial strategies, ensuring operational excellence, and mentoring team members while aligning efforts with broader organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Phase I through III studies, including registrational trials and high-complexity projects, utilizing hybrid or in-house sourcing models.
• Direct and motivate large global project teams, fostering a positive environment and influencing stakeholders across various departments.
• Formulate clinical trial strategies and ensure successful execution, meeting budget, timeline, and quality standards set by Governance Committees.
• Analyze and prioritize complex information from internal and external sources to address operational challenges and mitigate risks effectively.
• Serve as a mentor and best-practice resource for the team and other functional groups.
• Ensure all study management activities comply with SOPs, WIs, and local regulatory guidance, including ICH-GCP, and lead audit processes.
• Provide independent reports and updates to senior management on non-study-related initiatives and project timelines.
• Apply creativity and innovation to support strategic project goals, predict outcomes, and drive achievement.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MPH, MS, MA, MBA, PharmD) and PM certification are desirable.
• Minimum 8 years in clinical research within a CRO or Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology sector, with at least 7 years in clinical trial management and leadership.
• Expertise in multiple therapeutic areas.
• Strong professional experience in relevant disciplines, substantial project management background, and deep market/competitor knowledge.
• Expertise in all aspects of clinical study planning, startup, budget/resource planning, and execution from initiation to final report.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Effective oral and written communication abilities.
• Proven ability to build partnerships across projects and multidisciplinary teams.

What the company offers

• A diverse and inclusive culture that values varied backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences to drive excellence and innovation.
• Commitment to creating access and opportunities for all employees to develop and grow at their own pace.
• A flexible working culture with great opportunities for personal development and career advancement globally.

About the company

Merck (Schweiz) AG is part of a global team passionate about innovating with science and technology to enrich lives through solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. The company is united by a purpose to help create, improve, and prolong lives, caring for its diverse mix of people, customers, patients, and the planet.

• Innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives.
• Dreaming big and caring for people, customers, patients, and the planet.
• Diverse, inclusive, and flexible working culture with global career advancement opportunities.
• United As One for Patients, focused on creating, improving, and prolonging lives.