Start-up Associate

Job Overview:
Site Navigators play a critical role in the comprehensive coordination of site-level activities throughout the start-up phase of a clinical study and potentially through closeout activities as required. Serving as the dedicated point of contact for investigative sites, this role ensures smooth progression from feasibility and initial outreach through to site activation, extending through the maintenance phase of the study as required. A crucial component in meeting the requirements of the Site Navigator role is ensuring regulatory compliance, robust site management, optimal site support and training, and effective collaboration between the sponsor, CRO, and clinical site staff.
Summary of Responsibilities:
•Oversight of site level tasks associated with efficient site activation in accordance with ICH/GCP guidelines, local regulations, SOPs and project requirements, including collaboration with project leadership and local monitors to collaboratively achieve project milestones while also ensuring Study Participant rights, wellbeing and safety are protected
•Identifying potential research sites that align with the study's criteria and assessing their capabilities and resources
•Conduct initial site outreach, i.e., site engagement, collection of Confidentiality Agreement, and collection of feasibility survey
•Apply independent judgment and discretion in managing site-level activities, resolving issues, and making decisions that support study timelines and compliance requirements.
•Remote Pre-Study Visits and follow up documentation, including visit preparation, trip report completion, and other documentation as required to support site selection in line with sponsor, protocol, local and country regulations and requirements
•Support customization and translation of informed consent forms and patient-facing materials.
•Collect, track and perform a quality review of all essential documents required for effective and compliant study site activation from site outreach, submissions, greenlight and until site activation. Maintenance and ongoing awareness of site regulatory compliance, supporting annual IRB/Independent Ethics Committee (IEC) renewals, PI changes, and document expirations will be performed as applicable in compliance with local requirements.
•Actively participate in study team meetings to support study progress, develop and implement action plans for site level risks, underperforming sites, or issues impacting project milestones and escalate issues in a timely manner
•Support the CRA team in preparing for site initiation visits (SIVs) by coordinating with vendors, supplies teams, and study leads to ensure timely distribution of clinical study supplies, accesses and documents per study team guidance
•Responsible for submissions to and liaise with applicable IRB/IEC, Third Bodies (if applicable), and Regulatory Authorities by collaborating with Global Regulatory Submissions Lead (GRSL)
•Perform initial contract and budget negotiations with the sites, as well as amended where applicable.
•Ensure high quality documents are filed in applicable systems in accordance with SOPs and project requirements and that the Trial Master File (TMF) is updated and audit ready at all times.
•Track the progress of the start-up process and ensure that the research site meets all requirements and deadlines.
•Ensure Fortrea is audit ready by completing accurate, timely, and consistent system compliance on an ongoing basis
•Serve as primary contact for investigative sites and ensure timely delivery in alignment with scope of work/study budget
•Perform remote visits as required by the monitoring plan including remote monitoring that may require SDV/SDR after successful completion of the MEA SDR/SDV training.
•Perform Case Report Form (CRF) review and data validation against source documentation according to protocol and guidelines as applicable in combination with monitoring for site protocol deviations, Serious Adverse Event (SAE) reporting, and all other duties as needed or assigned throughout the course of the study.
•Perform country and site ICF review/customization, per local requirements
•All other duties as needed or assigned
Qualifications (Minimum Required):
•University/College degree (life science preferred), or certification in a related allied health profession from an appropriate accredited institution (e.g., nursing certification, medical or laboratory technology) or 2-3 years' work experience in clinical research, including a working knowledge of the ICH/GCP guidelines and RA, IRB/IEC regulations.
•Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience in lieu of educational requirements.
•In lieu of the above requirement, candidates with a High School Diploma or equivalent AND a minimum of 5 years' work experience in clinical research, including a strong working knowledge of the ICH/GCP guidelines and RA, IRB/IEC regulations will be considered.
•Fluent in local official language and in English, both written and verbal.
Experience (Minimum Required):
•At least one year of experience in a related field, (e.g., medical, clinical, pharmaceutical, laboratory research, data analysis, data management or technical writing). One year of clinical research is preferred
•Basic knowledge of ICH/GCP, RA, IRB/IEC, and other applicable regulations/guidelines; familiarity with investigator start-up documents and contract/budgets negotiation process; previous interaction with operational project teams and investigative sites is preferred.
•Demonstrated understanding of research protocol requirements
•Effective communication with various stakeholders, including site staff, CRO personnel, and regulatory authorities.
•Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously, ensuring that all requirements are met in a timely manner.
•Understanding of relevant regulations and guidelines related to clinical trials and research.
•Ability to identify and resolve potential issues that may arise during the start-up process.
•Ability to negotiate contracts and budgets effectively with research sites.
In this role, employees will leverage their prior experience and skillset to develop additional competencies that will drive their Site Navigator career growth. These will be based on business needs and internal training, without altering the fundamental nature or grade of the role.