Job Summary:
The Senior Clinical Research Associate (SrCRA) has local responsibility for the delivery of the studies at allocated sites and is an active participant in the local study team(s). The SrCRA works in close collaboration with other CRAs and the Local Study Team/ Local Study Associate Director (LSAD) to ensure that study commitments are achieved in a timely and efficient manner. The SrCRA acts as the main contact with the study site and has the responsibility for monitoring the study conduct to ensure proper delivery of the study. The SrCRA is responsible for the preparation, initiation, monitoring, and closure of assigned sites in clinical studies, in compliance with Client Procedural Documents, international guidelines such as ICHGCP, and relevant local regulations and that the sites deliver according to their respective commitment in the individual studies. The SrCSA performs all the duties of the CRA with higher proficiency, independency, accountability, and ability to take on additional tasks or tutor more junior personnel. A SrCRA with longer tenure and experience may take on additional responsibilities that include additional tasks associated with LSAD.
Key Accountabilities:
Site Management Responsibilities
- Contributes to the selection of potential investigators.
- In some countries, as required, SrCRAs are accountable for study start-up and regulatory maintenance. Tasks may include Site Qualification Visits, collection, preparation, review and tracking of documents for the application process; submission of proper application/documents to EC/IRB and to Regulatory Authorities for start-up and for the duration of the study.
- Trains, supports, and advises Investigators and site staff in study related matters, including Risk Based Quality Management (RbQM) principles.
- Confirms that site staff have completed and documented the required training appropriately, including ICH-GCP training, prior to and for the duration of the study. Ensures the sites are always inspection ready.
- Actively participates in Local Study Team (LST) meetings.
- Contributes to National Investigators meetings, as applicable.
- Initiates, monitors, and closes study sites in compliance with Client Procedural Documents. Shares information on patient recruitment and study site progress (site quality/performance) within the LST.
- Drives performance at the sites. Proactively identifies and ensures timely resolution to study-related issues and escalates them as appropriate.
- Updates CTMS and other systems with data from study sites as per required timelines.
- Manages study supplies (Investigator Site File (ISF), etc.), drug supplies and drug accountability at study site. Prepares study drug for destruction, if applicable.
- Performs monitoring visits (remote and onsite), as well as remote data checks, in accordance with the timelines specified in the study specific Monitoring Plan. If required, determines and discusses with LSAD the correct timing and type of visits.
- Performs Source Data Review (SDR), Case Report Form (CRF) review and Source Data Verification (SDV), in accordance with the Monitoring Plan.
- Performs regular Site Quality Risk Assessments and adapts monitoring intensity accordingly during the study.
- Ensures data query resolution in a timely manner.
- Works with data management to ensure robust quality of the collected study data.
- Ensures accurate and timely reporting of Serious Adverse Events and their follow ups.
- Prepares and finalizes monitoring visit reports in CTMS and provides timely feedback to the Principal Investigator, including follow-up letter, within required timelines and in line with Client SOP.
- Follows up on outstanding actions with study sites to ensure resolution in a timely manner.
- Follows quality issue processes by escalating systematic or serious quality issues, data privacy breaches, Clinical Study Protocol (CSP) or ICH-GCP compliance issues to Local Management and/or Clinical Quality Management (CQM) as required.
- Assists site in maintaining inspection ready ISF.
- Prepares for and collaborates with the activities associated with audits and regulatory inspections in liaison with LSAD and Clinical Quality Associate Director (CQAD).
- Ensures timely collection/uploading of essential documents into the eTMF in accordance with ICHGCP, Client SOPs and local requirements. Supports/participates in regular QC checks performed by LSAD or delegate.
- Ensures that all study documents under their responsibility (i.e., site documents, relevant communications, etc.) are available and ready for final archiving and completion of local part of the eTMF.
- Provides feedback on any research related information including sites/investigators/competing studies that might be useful for the local market.
- Collaborates with local Medical Scientific Liaisons (MSLs) as directed by LSAD or line manager
Skills:
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good collaboration and interpersonal skills.
- Good negotiation skills.
- Proficient in written and spoken English language required.
- Fluency in local language(s) required.
- Ability to work in an environment of remote collaborators. Manages change with a positive approach for self, team and the business. Sees change as an opportunity to improve performance and add value to the business.
- Ability to look for and champion more efficient and effective methods/processes of delivering quality clinical trials with reduced budget and in less time.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrates ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with conflicting deadlines.
- Ability to understand the impact of technology on projects and to use and develop computer skills while making appropriate use of systems/software in an e-enabled environment.
- Team oriented and flexible; ability to respond quickly to shifting demands and opportunities Knowledge and Experience (Essential):
- Excellent knowledge of international guidelines ICH-GCP, basic knowledge of GMP/GDP.
- Good knowledge of relevant local regulations.
- Good medical knowledge and ability to learn relevant Client Therapeutic Areas.
- Basic understanding of the drug development process.
- Good understanding of Clinical Study Management including monitoring, study drug handling and data management.
Required Experience:
- 3+ years of direct Monitoring / CRA experience in a CRO or Pharma organization
- 2+ years direct Oncology Monitoring / CRA experience in a CRO or Pharma organization
- Familiar with risk-based monitoring approach including remote monitoring.
- Good cultural awareness.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree required
Other:
- Ability to travel as required.
- Valid driving license per country requirements, as applicable
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