Associate Director of Clinical Operations

About the role

Piper Companies is seeking an Associate Director of Clinical Operations to support a leading clinical research organization (CRO) focused on government and commercial clinical development programs. This position is Remote and supports teams based in Bethesda, MD.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical operations strategy and execution across multiple clinical research programs.
• Oversee clinical trial management, site monitoring, TMF management, and clinical systems activities.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, resources, and key deliverables for complex studies.
• Serve as the primary client-facing operational leader for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Direct and mentor Clinical Trial Managers, Clinical Project Managers, and monitoring teams.
• Identify operational risks, implement mitigation strategies, and drive process improvements.
• Support inspection readiness, CAPAs, KPI tracking, audit activities, SOP development, and proposal initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Healthcare, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or clinical research environments.
• Hands-on experience in clinical operations, clinical trial management, site monitoring, or regulatory operations.
• 6+ years of clinical operations leadership or project management experience.
• Previous experience as a CRA, CTM, Monitoring Manager, or Site Monitoring SME.
• CRO experience with direct client-facing responsibilities and sponsor interaction.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, GCP, ICH guidelines, and clinical development processes.
• Experience leading large-scale clinical programs and cross-functional teams.
• Oncology experience preferred.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $145,000 - $170,000 annually
• Full Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and additional company-sponsored benefits.