Clinical Research Associate

**Job Description**:
The role of **Clinical Research Associate** is accountable for performance and compliance for assigned protocols and sites in a country.

Under the oversight of the CRA manager the person ensures compliance of study conduct with ICH/GCP and country regulations, our Company policies and procedures, quality standards and adverse event reporting requirements internally and externally. Acts as primary site contact and site manager throughout all phases of a clinical research study, taking overall responsibility of allocated sites. Actively develops and expands the territory for clinical research, finding and developing new sites. Participates in internal meetings and workstreams as SME for monitoring processes and systems.

**Responsibilities include, but are not limited to**:

- Performs clinical study site management/monitoring activities in compliance with ICH-GCP, Sponsor SOPs, Local Laws & Regulations, Protocol, Site Monitoring Plan and associated documents.
- Conducts site visits including but not limited to validation visits, initiation visits, monitoring visits, close-out visits and records clear, comprehensive and accurate visit & non-visit contact reports appropriately in a timely manner.
- Collects, reviews, and monitors required regulatory documentation for study start-up, study maintenance and study close-out.
- Communicates with Investigators and site staff on issues related to protocol conduct, recruitment, retention, protocol deviations, regulatory documentation, site audits/inspections and overall site performance.
- Identifies, assesses and resolves site performance, quality or compliance problems and escalates per defined CRA Escalation Pathway as appropriate in collaboration with CRA Manager, CRM, TA Head and CRD as needed.
- Works in partnership with GCTO country operations, finance, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, legal and regional operations, HQ functional areas and externally with vendors and IRB/IECs and Regulatory Authorities in support of assigned sites.
- Supports and/or leads audit/inspection activities as needed.

Experience Requirements:

- Min. 3 years of direct site management (monitoring) experience in a bio/pharma/CRO.

Educational Requirements:

- B.A./B.S. with strong emphasis in science and/or biology

CORE Competency Expectations:

- Fluent in Local Languages and English (verbal and written) and excellent communication skills, including the ability to understand and present technical information effectively.
- Good understanding and working knowledge of clinical research, phases of clinical trials, current GCP/ICH & country clinical research law & guidelines.
- Good understanding of Global, Country/Regional Clinical Research Guidelines and ability to work within these guidelines.
- Hands on knowledge of Good Documentation Practices.
- Proven Skills in Site Management including management of site performance and patient recruitment.
- Demonstrated high level of monitoring skill with independent professional judgment.
- Ability to understand and analyse data/metrics and act appropriately.
- Capable of managing complex issues, works in a solution-oriented manner.
- Performs root cause analysis and implements preventative and corrective

**Who we are **
We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

**What we look for **
Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.

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**Employee Status**:
Regular

**Relocation**:
No relocation

**VISA Sponsorship**:
**Travel Requirements**:
**Flexible Work Arrangements**:
**Shift**:
**Valid Driving License**:
**Hazardous Material(s)**:
**Requisition ID**:R228269