Senior Clinical Research Associate

Job Description Summary

This is a field-based and remote opportunity in an assigned geography. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role. Please only apply if this location is accessible for you. Candidates must be located near an airport (Houston, Dallas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska are highly desirable locations).

Drive clinical trials forward where it matters most - at the site level and with patients at the center. As a Senior CRA at Novartis, you will manage trusted site relationships and perform on-site and remote monitoring activities to support the initiation, conduct, and timely completion of Phase I – IV trials in compliance with International Council for Harmonization / Good Clinical Practices (ICH/GCP), local regulations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and monitoring procedures. Serving as a key point of contact for investigational sites, you will proactively manage site performance, recruitment, quality, risks, and issue resolution to ensure sustainable trial execution and high-quality data delivery. Assigned to complex trials and/or less experienced sites, you may also act as a Subject Matter Expert, support audit and inspection readiness activities, ensure timely implementation of corrective actions, and collaborate with local and global cross-functional teams to drive process improvements that help bring innovative therapies to patients faster.

The successful candidate will be required to travel by plane or car up to 80% of the time.

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.

Key responsibilities

Primary site manager and first point of contact between site staff and Novartis

Frontline liaison supporting collaboration, milestones, and deliverables

Monitor according to legislation, ICH/GCP, and Novartis standards

Manage assigned sites/networks conducting Phase I–IV protocols according to monitoring plans and Novartis procedures

Conduct site initiation visits and deliver ongoing training for site personnel

Continuous on-site/remote monitoring; protocol, GCP, regulatory and process compliance; data integrity and patient safety

Facilitate preparation and collection of site- and country-level documents

Identify risks, resolve issues, and escalate concerns as needed

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive efficient study execution

Deliver timely, high-quality, robust, reliable site data supporting Trial Monitoring goals

Partner with SSU CRA for seamless transition of site responsibility

Act as a subject matter expert across study activities when required

Essential Requirements

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in site monitoring

BS/BA degree, Scientific, Healthcare or related field

Excellent knowledge of the drug development process specifically clinical trial/research

Knowledge of international standards (GCP/ICH, FDA, EMEA)

Ability to manage multiple priorities and manage time efficiently

Excellent Site management capabilities with demonstrated negotiating and problem-solving skills

Strong communicator and presentation skills (oral and written)

Desirable Requirements

RLT, CAR T or Oncology experience a plus!

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.