Scientific Search

Compensation

Full Description

Executive Director – VP of Clinical Operations Therapeutic Area: Multiple years of Respiratory Experience Required (with recent late stage experience HIGHLY preferred) Location: Philadelphia Area – Hybrid (preferred) Salary: $300-380k base (dependent on experience) plus bonus, plus equity. Scientific Search has recently partnered with an innovative pharmaceutical company who has tasked us in finding them an experienced and strategic Head of Clinical Operations (ED or VP level). The Head of Trial Operations will be responsible for leading and managing all clinical operations activities, overseeing a broad portfolio of clinical studies with a focus on respiratory, immunology, and rare diseases. This role requires a seasoned leader with over 10 years of proven success in clinical operations, strategic planning, and tactical execution. The successful candidate will oversee a high volume of concurrent studies—including complex, large-scale, and difficult-to-enroll Phase III trials—while ensuring they are conducted efficiently, on time, within budget, and in full compliance with global regulatory requirements. Responsibilities • Lead the oversight and execution of 3-5 concurrent clinical studies including complex Phase III. • Build, mentor, and lead a diverse team ranging from 10-30 to individuals, fostering a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative culture. • Promote professional development opportunities, leadership training, and succession planning within the team. • Oversee end-to-end clinical trial execution from design to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. • Serve as the central point of contact for all trial operations activities, managing multiple stakeholders while diplomatically resolving key issues. • Collaborate with the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Development Officer, Head of Clinical Development, regulatory, program management, data management, quality, CMC, CROs, and finance teams to align operational activities with company objectives. • Provide clear and timely reports and presentations to executive leadership, regulatory authorities, and oversight boards, ensuring transparency and accountability. • Partner across functions to ensure seamless integration of clinical strategy and execution. • Select, negotiate, and manage CROs, vendors, and trial sites to maximize efficiency and quality. • Ensure site engagement, monitor performance, and drive resolution of site-level challenges to maintain study momentum. • Oversee contractual and budgetary negotiations to ensure cost-effective resource utilization. Requirements • Education: Advanced degree in life sciences, pharmacy, clinical research, or a related field (Master’s, PhD, or MBA preferred). • Experience: 10+ years in clinical operations within biotech, pharma, or CROs, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role. Experience working in Respiratory Required. • Proven track record of leading Phase I–III clinical trials, including large-scale, global, and difficult-to-enroll programs, rare disease. • Demonstrated success in applying innovative patient recruitment solutions and technology platforms. • Strong knowledge of GCP, ICH, and global regulatory requirements. • Experience managing budgets, vendors, and cross-functional teams in fast-paced, small biotech settings. • Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. How To Apply: We’d love to see your resume, but we don’t need it to have a conversation. Send us an email to tom@scientificsearch.com and tell me why you’re interested. Or, feel free to email your resume.