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Clinical Trial Lead

San Francisco, CA 94158

Posted: 02/02/2026 Employment Type: Contract Industry: Research and Discovery Job Number: 12499 Pay Rate: $100.00 - $116.00 Remote Friendly: remote

Job Description


Our client is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of drug candidates which are designed to improve the benefits of drugs for patients.

Role Overview:

Elevate your career by leading groundbreaking clinical trials as a Clinical Trial Lead at a forward-thinking biopharmaceutical organization. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to oversee and direct complex trials, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and partner with CROs and vendors to drive scientific innovation and ensure excellence in clinical development. Join a dynamic team committed to advancing therapies that make a real difference in patients' lives.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and support end-to-end clinical trial activities, managing budgets, timelines, and resources with a focus on quality and operational efficiency.
  • Develop and oversee clinical operational plans aligned with study objectives, ensuring regulatory compliance (ICH/GCP), SOP adherence, and inspection readiness.
  • Oversee vendor selection, management, and performance, including CRO oversight, site feasibility assessments, and regulatory submissions.
  • Collaborate on clinical documentation such as protocols, investigator brochures, and study reports, ensuring clarity and compliance.
  • Represent Clinical Operations in cross-functional project teams, external stakeholder meetings, and regulatory inspections.
  • Monitor study progress, communicate status, costs, and issues to senior management to facilitate timely decision-making.
  • Lead quality initiatives, SOP development, and continuous process improvements to optimize clinical trial execution.
  • Manage and mentor Clinical Operations staff, fostering development, performance, and a cohesive team environment.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with investigators, site staff, key opinion leaders, and external partners.

Job Requirements


Required Skills:
  • Minimum of 10 years' experience in pharmaceutical development, with proven success managing CROs and clinical trials.
  • At least 3 years of people management experience, including hiring, coaching, and performance evaluation.
  • Extensive knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory standards; GCP inspections/audits experience highly desired.
  • Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills; adept at handling complex situations and data analysis.
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Project, Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.

Nice to Have Skills:
  • Experience with inspection readiness and audit processes.
  • Advanced project management certifications or training.
  • Prior experience in a start-up or fast-paced pharmaceutical environment.
  • Multilingual capabilities or international trial experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
  • RN or BSN degree highly desired; equivalent experience may be accepted.
  • Demonstrated success in managing multiple clinical trials and cross-functional teams in a regulated environment.

Other Requirements:
  • Willingness to travel as required based on business needs.
  • Open to candidates across all locations, with availability for PST hours as needed.
  • Proven leadership qualities aligned with our core values and a commitment to innovation.

Meet Your Recruiter

Jay Hite
Recruiter, Account Manager

As a Recruiter at Compass, Jay enjoys meeting job seekers and helping them to find new and exciting opportunities. He enjoys the process of getting to know candidates and learning all about their experience and what their future goals are. Jay feels the excitement of his candidates and is passionate about helping to find a fit both culturally and professionally. 

When Jay isn’t working, he enjoys bike rides, trying out new foods, tequila tasting and watching movies.  

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About San Francisco, CA

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