Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Massachusetts
Associate Director Clinical Operations jobs in Massachusetts are concentrated in one of the most active life sciences and clinical research markets in the country, with demand across biopharmaceutical sponsors, contract research organizations, and academic medical centers at every level from senior manager through director. The greatest density of openings is in the Greater Boston area, Cambridge, and Worcester, where anchor employers such as Biogen, Pfizer's local research operations, and Massachusetts General Hospital Brigham Health system consistently recruit for this role. The most in-demand specialties are oncology trials, rare disease programs, and Phase I through III oversight for complex multi-site studies. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 6+ Associate Director Clinical Operations jobs
By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.
Job Description
Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company to inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as an Associate Director, Clinical Operations Program Lead based remotely reporting to the Executive Director, Clinical Operations.
At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to work towards their potential through life-changing work. We offer stimulating careers, and work toward excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to provide Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.
Here, you will be a necessary contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.
OBJECTIVES:
- Develop and lead the program-level operational strategy and planning on assigned programs in close collaboration with our strategic partners and other vendors.
- Represent Clinical Operations at the Global Program Team (GPT) and partner with Global Clinical Lead to lead the Clinical Sub Team (CST) accountable for the development and execution of the CDP.
- Provide program-level sponsor’s operational oversight of our strategic partners and other vendors to ensure the effective execution of the clinical studies on time, with high quality and within agreed budget.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Accountable to the GPT for the translation of the CDP into an optimal operational strategy and plan. Ensures assessment of various scenarios operational for optimal execution of the CDP. Maintain close communication with the Global Program Leader and Global Clinical Lead to ensure expectations and activities are aligned.
- On assigned clinical programs, develop and lead the clinical program operational strategy in close collaboration with the Clinical Operations Managers (COMs), strategic partners, CROs, and other vendors.
- Serve as the point of escalation for the COMs for issues that can’t be resolved at the study level. Collaborate with COMs and cross-functional counterparts to oversee the performance of activities assigned to our strategic partners, CROs, and other vendors.
- Responsible for budget planning and accountable for external spend related to clinical program execution. Works closely with COMs, Global Program Manager (GPM), and Finance to ensure on a regular basis that budgets, enrolment, and gaiting are accurate.
- Responsible for participating in strategic cross-functional initiatives for process and/or business improvements.
- Communicates program status and issues to ensure timely decision-making by senior management.
- May participate in Business Development/in-licensing/alliances evaluations by providing operational due diligence.
- Review and provide expert clinical operations input into clinical documents related to the drug development process and into preparation for key regulatory meetings as appropriate.
- Leads Clinical Operations aspects of inspection readiness activities and acts as subject matter expert during regulatory inspections.
- Lead or participate in cross-functional strategic initiatives and process improvement.
- Actively seek new ways of working more efficiently to meet the needs of clinical development.
- Demonstrate advanced Takeda Leadership Behaviors and act as a role model for Takeda´s values.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent required, Life Sciences preferred. Advanced degree is highly desirable.
- 10+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical industry and/or clinical research organization, including 7+ years clinical study/project management.
- Experience must include early phase clinical studies/Phase 2 studies or later phase global programs.
- Experience in more than one therapeutic area is highly desired.
- Expertise in global regulatory and compliance requirements for clinical research, including but not limited to US CFR, EU CTD, and ICH GCP.
- Awareness of local country requirements is also required.
- Demonstrated excellence in program management, including scenario assessment, risk assessment and contingency planning.
- Demonstrated excellent matrix leadership and communication skills.
- Able to influence without authority.
- Excellent teamwork, communication, organizational, interpersonal, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Entrepreneurial and innovative; takes measured risks; thinks outside the box; challenge the status quo.
- Pragmatic and willing to drive and support change.
- Is comfortable with ambiguity.
- Embody a culture of continual improvement and innovation; promote knowledge sharing.
- Fluent business English (oral and written).
Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
For Location:
Massachusetts - VirtualU.S. Base Salary Range:
$154,400.00 - $242,550.00
The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
For information about our benefits, please click here.
EEO Statement
Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
Locations
Massachusetts - VirtualWorker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeJob Exempt
Yes It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.#LI-Remote
By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.
Job Description
Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company to inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as an Associate Director, Clinical Operations Program Lead based remotely reporting to the Executive Director, Clinical Operations.
At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to work towards their potential through life-changing work. We offer stimulating careers, and work toward excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to provide Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.
Here, you will be a necessary contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.
OBJECTIVES:
- Develop and lead the program-level operational strategy and planning on assigned programs in close collaboration with our strategic partners and other vendors.
- Represent Clinical Operations at the Global Program Team (GPT) and partner with Global Clinical Lead to lead the Clinical Sub Team (CST) accountable for the development and execution of the CDP.
- Provide program-level sponsor’s operational oversight of our strategic partners and other vendors to ensure the effective execution of the clinical studies on time, with high quality and within agreed budget.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Accountable to the GPT for the translation of the CDP into an optimal operational strategy and plan. Ensures assessment of various scenarios operational for optimal execution of the CDP. Maintain close communication with the Global Program Leader and Global Clinical Lead to ensure expectations and activities are aligned.
- On assigned clinical programs, develop and lead the clinical program operational strategy in close collaboration with the Clinical Operations Managers (COMs), strategic partners, CROs, and other vendors.
- Serve as the point of escalation for the COMs for issues that can’t be resolved at the study level. Collaborate with COMs and cross-functional counterparts to oversee the performance of activities assigned to our strategic partners, CROs, and other vendors.
- Responsible for budget planning and accountable for external spend related to clinical program execution. Works closely with COMs, Global Program Manager (GPM), and Finance to ensure on a regular basis that budgets, enrolment, and gaiting are accurate.
- Responsible for participating in strategic cross-functional initiatives for process and/or business improvements.
- Communicates program status and issues to ensure timely decision-making by senior management.
- May participate in Business Development/in-licensing/alliances evaluations by providing operational due diligence.
- Review and provide expert clinical operations input into clinical documents related to the drug development process and into preparation for key regulatory meetings as appropriate.
- Leads Clinical Operations aspects of inspection readiness activities and acts as subject matter expert during regulatory inspections.
- Lead or participate in cross-functional strategic initiatives and process improvement.
- Actively seek new ways of working more efficiently to meet the needs of clinical development.
- Demonstrate advanced Takeda Leadership Behaviors and act as a role model for Takeda´s values.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent required, Life Sciences preferred. Advanced degree is highly desirable.
- 10+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical industry and/or clinical research organization, including 7+ years clinical study/project management.
- Experience must include early phase clinical studies/Phase 2 studies or later phase global programs.
- Experience in more than one therapeutic area is highly desired.
- Expertise in global regulatory and compliance requirements for clinical research, including but not limited to US CFR, EU CTD, and ICH GCP.
- Awareness of local country requirements is also required.
- Demonstrated excellence in program management, including scenario assessment, risk assessment and contingency planning.
- Demonstrated excellent matrix leadership and communication skills.
- Able to influence without authority.
- Excellent teamwork, communication, organizational, interpersonal, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Entrepreneurial and innovative; takes measured risks; thinks outside the box; challenge the status quo.
- Pragmatic and willing to drive and support change.
- Is comfortable with ambiguity.
- Embody a culture of continual improvement and innovation; promote knowledge sharing.
- Fluent business English (oral and written).
Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
For Location:
Massachusetts - VirtualU.S. Base Salary Range:
$154,400.00 - $242,550.00
The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
For information about our benefits, please click here.
EEO Statement
Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
Locations
Massachusetts - VirtualWorker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeJob Exempt
Yes It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.#LI-Remote
See All 6 Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Massachusetts
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Find JobsAssociate Director Clinical Operations Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Associate Director Clinical Operations Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate director clinical operations jobs across Massachusetts.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field
- Minimum five to eight years of clinical trial operations experience at a sponsor or CRO
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-site or global Phase II or Phase III studies
- Strong working knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines and FDA regulatory requirements
- Experience leading and mentoring cross-functional clinical operations teams
- Proficiency with clinical trial management systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a associate director clinical operations in Massachusetts?
Most associate directors of clinical operations in Massachusetts reach the role by building several years of progressive experience in clinical trial management, typically starting as a clinical research associate or trial manager. Massachusetts does not require a state-issued license specific to this role, but employers in the Greater Boston and Cambridge life sciences corridor strongly favor candidates with a bachelor's or advanced degree in a clinical or scientific field, GCP certification, and a documented record of leading multi-site studies through a sponsor or contract research organization.
Which companies hire associate director clinical operationss in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring associate director clinical operationss in Massachusetts right now include CSL, Kymera Therapeutics, and Tessera Therapeutics, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Massachusetts's dense concentration of biopharmaceutical headquarters and academic medical centers in the Greater Boston and Cambridge area makes it one of the most consistently active hiring markets for this role nationwide.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most associate director clinical operations jobs?
The cities with the most associate director clinical operations openings in Massachusetts are Boston, Norwood, and Waltham. Greater Boston and Cambridge dominate because of the concentration of biopharmaceutical company headquarters, contract research organizations, and major academic medical centers there, while Worcester draws openings tied to UMass Memorial Health and regional hospital research programs.
Are there remote associate director clinical operations jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, since associate directors of clinical operations spend a significant portion of their time on strategy, vendor oversight, and team management that can be done remotely. About 80% of associate director clinical operations openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the desk-heavy nature of much of this leadership work. Site monitoring and audit responsibilities still typically require travel or an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a associate director clinical operations in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a clinical research associate or clinical trial coordinator role at a contract research organization or mid-size biopharmaceutical company in the Greater Boston area, then building toward a trial manager position before targeting associate director openings. Large Massachusetts employers such as Biogen and PPD operate structured development programs for early-career clinical operations staff. Earning a GCP certification and gaining hands-on experience on at least one Phase II or III study significantly strengthens a candidacy for the next step up.
Where can I find and apply to associate director clinical operations jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to associate director clinical operations jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and therapeutic area focus, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 6 Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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