Senior Clinical Research Associate - Job Opportunity at IQVIA

Remote, Ireland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 12, 2025
Remote
EUR 55,000 - 75,000 per year based on senior-level experience requirements, oncology specialization premium, and Ireland's competitive clinical research market. IQVIA's market position as a leading CRO typically offers compensation at or above market rates.

Benefits

Opportunity to contribute to creating a healthier world through meaningful oncology research that directly impacts patient outcomes
Career development focused on continuous learning and professional growth in a rapidly evolving clinical research landscape
Exposure to cutting-edge oncology studies providing specialized expertise in one of the most innovative therapeutic areas
Professional development through comprehensive protocol training and regulatory knowledge enhancement

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive site monitoring operations including selection, initiation, monitoring, and close-out visits, ensuring adherence to contracted scope and Good Clinical Practice standards while maintaining the highest quality of clinical trial execution
Drive strategic subject recruitment initiatives by collaborating with sites to adapt and track recruitment plans, directly impacting study timelines and enhancing project predictability for critical oncology research
Deliver specialized protocol training to assigned sites and establish robust communication frameworks to proactively manage project expectations and resolve complex study-related issues
Conduct rigorous quality assessments of study site practices to ensure protocol compliance and regulatory adherence, with authority to escalate quality issues and implement corrective actions
Provide comprehensive study management oversight by tracking regulatory submissions, monitoring enrollment progress, managing CRF completion cycles, and facilitating data query resolution throughout the study lifecycle
Ensure regulatory compliance and documentation integrity by maintaining Trial Master Files and verifying Investigator Site Files meet GCP and local regulatory requirements
Generate critical study documentation including detailed monitoring visit reports, follow-up correspondence, and action plans that support regulatory submissions and audit readiness
Foster cross-functional collaboration with study team members to optimize project execution and deliver strategic support for complex oncology research initiatives

Requirements

Education

Life science degree educated or equivalent industry experience

Experience

Experience of independent on-site monitoring (2 years +) on Oncology studies

Required Skills

In depth knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines Flexibility to travel to sites as required
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The clinical research industry is experiencing unprecedented growth in oncology trials, driven by breakthrough immunotherapies, precision medicine approaches, and novel combination therapies. This surge creates high demand for experienced CRAs with oncology specialization, as pharmaceutical companies race to bring life-saving treatments to market. Digital transformation in clinical trials is revolutionizing monitoring practices, with remote monitoring, electronic data capture, and risk-based monitoring becoming standard. CRAs must now blend traditional site management skills with technological proficiency to manage hybrid monitoring models effectively. Regulatory harmonization across global markets is increasing complexity for clinical trials, requiring CRAs to navigate evolving guidelines from FDA, EMA, and other regulatory bodies while ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The shift toward patient-centric trial designs and decentralized clinical trials is reshaping the CRA role, requiring greater focus on patient engagement, site diversity, and innovative recruitment strategies to meet increasingly aggressive enrollment targets.

Role Significance

Typically manages 8-12 active sites simultaneously as part of a larger study team of 15-25 professionals including project managers, data managers, biostatisticians, and regulatory specialists, with dotted-line relationships to site coordinators and principal investigators.
This is a senior-level position requiring independent decision-making authority and strategic oversight of multiple study sites. The role involves mentoring capabilities and the ability to manage complex oncology protocols with minimal supervision while serving as a key liaison between sponsors and investigative sites.

Key Projects

Phase II and Phase III oncology trials for novel cancer therapeutics including immunotherapy combinations and targeted therapy studies Global registration-enabling studies supporting regulatory submissions to FDA, EMA, and other international regulatory agencies Investigator-sponsored trials and expanded access programs for breakthrough oncology treatments Complex multi-indication studies requiring sophisticated protocol amendments and adaptive trial designs

Success Factors

Deep therapeutic area expertise in oncology combined with comprehensive understanding of cancer patient populations, treatment protocols, and the unique challenges of conducting research with seriously ill patients requiring empathetic yet professional site relationships. Exceptional organizational and project management capabilities to simultaneously oversee multiple complex studies while maintaining meticulous attention to regulatory detail and data quality standards that directly impact patient safety and regulatory approvals. Strong relationship-building and communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders including principal investigators, site coordinators, patients, and internal cross-functional teams while navigating sensitive medical and ethical considerations. Adaptability and technological proficiency to leverage emerging clinical trial technologies, remote monitoring platforms, and data management systems while maintaining traditional monitoring excellence and regulatory compliance. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to proactively identify and resolve study challenges, optimize recruitment strategies, and contribute to overall study success in the competitive oncology research landscape.

Market Demand

Very High - The combination of oncology expertise and senior-level monitoring experience represents one of the most sought-after skill sets in clinical research, with demand significantly outpacing supply in the European market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

GCP and ICH guideline expertise represents the fundamental regulatory foundation for all clinical research activities and directly impacts patient safety, data integrity, and regulatory approval success. Mastery of these guidelines is non-negotiable for senior-level monitoring roles. Independent oncology monitoring experience is absolutely essential given the complex nature of cancer trials, specialized patient populations, and sophisticated protocol requirements that differentiate oncology research from other therapeutic areas. Site relationship management and communication skills are critical for success as CRAs serve as the primary interface between sponsors and investigative sites, requiring the ability to build trust, resolve conflicts, and maintain productive long-term partnerships. Documentation and regulatory compliance capabilities are fundamental to ensuring audit readiness, supporting regulatory submissions, and maintaining the data integrity that forms the basis for drug approvals and patient access to new treatments.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced data management and electronic systems proficiency will become increasingly valuable as clinical trials continue to digitize and adopt more sophisticated data capture and monitoring technologies. Project management certification and methodologies provide competitive advantages for career advancement into management roles and improve effectiveness in coordinating complex multi-site studies. Therapeutic area expertise beyond oncology offers versatility and career mobility within IQVIA's diverse portfolio of clinical development programs across multiple therapeutic areas. Foreign language capabilities, particularly European languages, enhance value in managing international studies and supporting IQVIA's global operations expansion. Leadership and mentoring skills position professionals for advancement into senior management roles and increase effectiveness in cross-functional team environments.

Unique Aspects

This position offers the distinctive opportunity to work within IQVIA's cFSP (sponsor-dedicated) model, providing deeper integration with sponsor organizations and more strategic involvement in drug development decisions compared to traditional CRO relationships.
The role combines Ireland-based remote work flexibility with occasional UK travel, offering an optimal balance of work-life integration while maintaining essential face-to-face site relationships critical for effective clinical monitoring.
Specialization in oncology within the world's largest CRO provides unparalleled exposure to breakthrough cancer therapies and access to the most sophisticated clinical development programs in the industry's most dynamic therapeutic area.
The position offers direct contribution to potentially life-saving cancer treatments while working with top-tier pharmaceutical sponsors and leading cancer research institutions across Ireland and the UK.
IQVIA's market leadership and extensive therapeutic area expertise provide exceptional professional development opportunities and career advancement potential within the global clinical research industry.

Career Growth

Progression to management roles typically occurs within 2-4 years for high-performing senior CRAs, with therapeutic area specialization and leadership capabilities accelerating advancement opportunities in the high-demand oncology sector.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Clinical Research Associate with team leadership responsibilities overseeing junior CRAs and serving as study lead for complex global trials Clinical Trial Manager or Clinical Project Manager roles involving full study oversight, budget management, and cross-functional team leadership Therapeutic Area Lead positions focusing on oncology portfolio management and strategic therapeutic area development Clinical Operations Director roles involving regional oversight of multiple studies and operational strategy development Regulatory Affairs or Medical Affairs positions leveraging clinical operations expertise in specialized therapeutic areas

Company Overview

IQVIA

IQVIA stands as the world's largest clinical research organization and healthcare data analytics company, formed through the merger of IMS Health and Quintiles. The company serves virtually every major pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device company globally, managing some of the industry's most critical and complex clinical development programs.

IQVIA maintains the #1 market position globally in clinical research services with over $14 billion in annual revenue and operations in more than 100 countries. The company's dominant market position provides employees with exposure to the most innovative and high-profile clinical development programs in the industry.
Ireland serves as a key strategic hub for IQVIA's European operations, benefiting from the country's strong life sciences ecosystem, favorable regulatory environment, and proximity to both US and European markets. The Dublin office supports major global studies and serves as a regional center of excellence for oncology research.
IQVIA fosters a performance-driven culture emphasizing scientific excellence, innovation, and professional development. The company's scale provides extensive career mobility, exposure to cutting-edge therapeutic areas, and access to industry-leading training and development programs, though the environment can be demanding with high performance expectations.
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