Research Associate Jobs in North Chicago, IL

Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Associate Director of Strategic Planning and Operations to support executive leadership within a leading global biopharmaceutical organization. This role will drive strategic initiatives, operational excellence, change management, and cross-functional collaboration across clinical development programs. The ideal candidate will bring extensive pharmaceutical industry experience, strong project management expertise, and exceptional communication and analytical skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support executive leadership in driving organizational culture, strategic communications, and change management initiatives.
• Partner with senior leadership to oversee external collaborations, stakeholder engagement, and operational alignment across strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a key liaison for clinical protocols, scientific discussions, and collaboration activities with external partners.
• Identify operational risks, escalate critical issues, and recommend practical solutions to leadership.
• Evaluate existing processes and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Coordinate cross-functional assessments of scientific data, preclinical information, and development opportunities to support strategic planning.
• Manage external partnerships, contracts, and collaboration activities while maintaining project tracking tools and reporting dashboards.
• Coordinate governance meetings for clinical development programs, document key decisions, and communicate follow-up actions to stakeholders.
• Maintain project trackers, governance documentation, and operational databases to ensure timely execution of initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support strategic priorities, clinical development objectives, and pipeline advancement.
• Utilize analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence tools to improve reporting, operational effectiveness, and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, preferably supporting clinical development or oncology programs.
• Strong background in strategic planning, operations, and project management within a matrixed organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience supporting executive-level communications.
• Demonstrated experience leading change management and operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with experience leveraging automation and artificial intelligence tools for reporting and process improvements.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and external partners.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice, FDA regulations, and global clinical development processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting oncology clinical development programs.
• Experience working with global cross-functional clinical teams.
• Familiarity with governance processes supporting late-stage clinical development.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical business operations and strategic portfolio planning.
• Experience supporting external scientific collaborations and alliance management.

Benefits: The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid parking/public transportation, paid time off, paid sick and safe time, hours of paid vacation time, weeks of paid parental leave, and paid holidays annually – as applicable.

Pay Range: $100/hr to $130/hr