Job Description
100,000. That’s how many patients participate in our clinical trials at any given time. Global Clinical Operations (GCO) touches patients’ lives every day acting as a link between science and medicine. Envision the impact you could have! #GCO
The SSO Clinical Project Manager (CPM) is accountable for the day-to-day planning, executing and reporting, (from first site initiation visit to and including study site close-out), of assigned Global Drug Development (GDD) studies in compliance with Novartis processes and regulatory requirements.
The CPM is the single point of contact and study team lead, within the country/cluster/hub, for the assigned studies. The CPM is responsible for assuring aligned communication with Trial Lead and other CTT members, locally with Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), CRA Managers and other key associates on the execution and progress of their studies. The CPM collaborates with the SSO Country Manager, SSO Country Head, SSO Feasibility Manager, SSO Study Start-up Manager and SSO Site Partnership Manager in the planning, execution, and delivery of their assigned studies. Accountable for execution and reporting of assigned GDD studies in E2E product line Clinical Operations Program Head/Study Lead/ CPM – CRA. Can be assigned partially to participate in the review process of Site Monitoring Plans across Portfolio.
Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Study & Site Operations strategy: Supports SSO Study Start-up Manager in the development of country/cluster/hub study execution plans and timeline commitments. Participates in the recruitment sub-team and supports the development of innovative solutions for site and patient participation to ensure the delivery of assigned studies on time. Proactively identifies risk and opportunities for the assigned studies within the country/cluster/hub and develops respective mitigation plans
• Initiation and conduct of trials: supports the study feasibility by providing input to the study protocol, and operational aspects of the study. Maintains a strong knowledge of the study protocol to answer standard operational questions from CRAs, sites and Country/Cluster/Hub personnel. Drives the conduct of the study, (tracks status, maintains relevant reporting systems, oversees forecasts, progress, and mitigation plans), to ensure all study operational aspects are on track
• Portfolio Delivery: Ensures recruitment targets are met and reviews enrolment at the site level including responsibility for getting approval from the Study Leader on enrolling above site targets. Responsible to set up contingency plan to ensure recruitment targets are achieved in accordance with trial execution plan. Oversees local study team activities to achieve study timelines and quality execution , according to Novartis standards and relevant regulations. Leads/chairs country/cluster/hub study team meetings, participates in global clinical trial team meetings, as required and is the single point of contact for the conduct of assigned studies
• Delivery of quality data and Patient Engagement: Maintains oversight of country/cluster/hub level data management activities, including timely understanding of screen failure reasons and discontinuation rates, review of patient profiles, and proactively identifies data entry issues (on quality and timing) to mitigate queries, proactively identifies query resolution issues .Coordinates the study handover process with CRAs and their managers to ensure proper documentation and communication, when necessary . Tracks that all study close-out activities are performed in a timely manner, in collaboration with CRAs and key study stakeholders
• Ensure Compliance to quality standards: Conducts or coordinates training, as needed, for CRAs to support site readiness to recruit and study execution ensuring adherence to clinical data standards, prevailing legislation, GCP, Ethical Committee and SOP requirements. Conducts or coordinates local investigator meetings as needed and ensures relevant documentation of training is archived in the Trial Master File. Evaluates potential challenges/risks within the protocol and operational aspects of the study; assessing impacts, develops risk management plans and communicates/ escalates to global teams and SSO Country and Hub Head Portfolio, as appropriate
• Performance indicator management Accountable for monitoring quality and issue resolution through timely review and approval of study monitoring visit reports to ensure quality trial oversight and appropriate issue escalation. Promotes a compliance culture advocating the adherence to highest standards and ethical integrity, ensuring human subject protection and reliability of trial results at all times. Escalation point for issues in monitoring visit reports (MVRs) for the assigned studies. Responsible for evaluating trends identified in MVRs and communicating/escalating to global teams, as appropriate. Communicates with CRAs and their managers to ensure issue resolution in a timely manner
• Study Team coordination: Provides feedback about the quality of monitoring activities to CRA Managers, MSOM, SSO Country Managers, FSP/BiS line managers (as propriate) and local QA (when required per Novartis SOPs). Supports inspection readiness and submission preparation for monitoring related activities and assists and coordinates with country Portfolio Execution and Quality Assurance for internal audits organization and HA inspections, as required, and ensures implementation of corrective actions within specified timelines. Participates in multidisciplinary taskforces to support continuous improvement initiatives
• Budget and productivity: Monitors the status of site budget and contract negotiations as well as the collection and review of essential documents throughout study conduct. Tracks study budget with appropriate study budget responsible in Country. Ensures timely TCF preparation and submission .Processes invoiceable items for site level clinical study activities to allow timely payments
This position can be based remotely anywhere in the U.S. (there may be some restrictions based on legal entity). Please note that this role would not provide relocation as a result. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and/or international) will be defined by the hiring manager.
Diversity & Inclusion / EEO
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.
Minimum Requirements
What you’ll bring to the role:
• A degree in scientific or health discipline required and advanced degree with clinical trial experience and/or project management, is preferable
• Fluent in both written and spoken English
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in clinical research in a role that oversees (project management) and/or with monitoring clinical trials
• Capable of leading in a matrix environment, without direct reports and working cross-border managing study in various countries
• Understanding of all aspects of clinical drug development with particular emphasis on monitoring and study execution
• Strong project management capabilities with demonstrated ability to problem solve and mediate complex issues
• Thorough understanding of the international aspects of drug development process, including strong knowledge of international standards (GCP/ICH), health authorities (FDA/EMA), local/National Health Authorities regulations and Novartis standards
• Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution skills both internal and external (site relationships)
• Communicates effectively in a local/global matrixed environment
#GCO
Why Novartis?
766 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2021, and while we’re proud of this, we know there is so much more we could do to help improve and extend people’s lives.
We believe new insights, perspectives and ground-breaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation. That a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment inspires new ways of working.
We believe our potential can thrive and grow in an unbossed culture underpinned by integrity, curiosity and flexibility. And we can reinvent what’s possible, when we collaborate with courage to aggressively and ambitiously tackle the world’s toughest medical challenges. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying!
Imagine what you could do here at Novartis!
US Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations: Individuals in need of a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or disability for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1 (877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $158,400 and $237,600 annually; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/23 through 12/31/23, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.