Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

Location: Home-based Italy (preferred big and well-connected cities)
Work mode: Ability to manage required travel of up to 75% on a regular basis
Contract: Permanent

Job summary:
The Clinical Research Associate I (CRA I) will perform monitoring and site management activities for Phase I-IV clinical research projects to assess the progress of clinical projects at assigned investigative/physician sites (either on site or remotely) and to ensure clinical projects are conducted, recorded, and reported in accordance with the protocol, Company and Sponsor standard operating procedures (SOPs), ICH-GCP and/or all applicable local and federal regulatory requirements. Requires guidance and oversight, while developing an understanding of the drug development and commercialization process.

Job responsabilities:

➤ Performs site qualification, site initiation, interim monitoring, site management activities and close-out visits (performed on-site or remotely) ensuring regulatory, ICH-GCP and/or Good Pharmacoepidemiological Practices (GPP) and protocol compliance. Uses judgment and experience to evaluate overall performance of site and site staff and to provide recommendations regarding site-specific actions; immediately communicates/escalates serious issues to the project team and with guidance develops action plans. Maintains a working knowledge of ICH/GCP Guidelines or other applicable guidance, relevant regulations, and company SOPs/processes.

➤ Verifies the process of obtaining informed consent has been adequately performed and documented for each subject/patient, as required/appropriate. Demonstrates diligence in protecting the confidentiality of each subject/patient. Assesses factors that might affect subject/patient’s safety and clinical data integrity at an investigator/physician site such as protocol deviation/violations and pharmacovigilance issues.

➤ For the Clinical Monitoring/Site Management Plan (CMP/SMP):

• Assesses site processes.
• Conducts Source Document Review of appropriate site source documents and medical records.
• Verifies required clinical data entered in the case report form (CRF) is accurate and complete.
• Applies query resolution techniques remotely and on site, and provides guidance to site staff as necessary, driving query resolution to closure within agreed timelines.
• Utilizes available hardware and software to support the effective conduct of the clinical project data review and capture.
• Verifies site compliance with electronic data capture requirements.

➤ May perform investigational product (IP) inventory, reconciliation and reviews storage and security. Verifies the IP has been dispensed and administered to subjects/patients according to the protocol. Verifies issues or risks associated with blinded or randomized information related to IP. Applies knowledge of GCP/local regulations and organizational procedures to ensure IP is appropriately (re)labelled, imported and released/returned. 

➤ Routinely reviews the Investigator Site File (ISF) for accuracy, timeliness and completeness. Reconciles contents of the ISF with the Trial Master File (TMF). Ensures the investigator/physician site is aware of the requirement of archiving essential documents in accordance with local guidelines and regulations.

➤ Documents activities via confirmation letters, follow-up letters, trip reports, communication logs, and other required project documents as per SOPs and Clinical Monitoring Plan/Site Management Plan. Supports subject/patient recruitment, retention and awareness strategies. Enters data into tracking systems as required to track all observations, ongoing status and assigned action items to resolution. 

➤ For assigned activities, understands project scope, budgets, and timelines; manages site-level activities / communication to ensure project objectives, deliverables and timelines are met. Must be able to quickly adapt, with the oversight of the Lead CRA, to changing priorities to achieve goals / targets. 

➤ May act as primary liaison with project site personnel, or in collaboration with another CRA or Central Monitoring Associate (CMA). Ensures all assigned sites and project-specific site team members are trained and compliant with applicable requirements. 

➤ Prepares for and attends Investigator Meetings and/or sponsor face to face meetings. Participates in global clinical monitoring/project staff meetings (inclusive of Sponsor representation, as applicable) and attends clinical training sessions according to the project specific requirements. 

➤ Provides guidance at the site and project level towards audit readiness standards and supports preparation for audit and required follow-up actions.

➤ For Real World Late Phase, the CRA I will use the business card title of Site Management Associate I. Additional responsibilities include:

• Site support throughout the study lifecycle from site identification through close-out.
• Knowledge of local requirements for real world late phase study designs.
• Chart Abstraction activities and data collection.
• Collaboration with Sponsor affiliates, medical science liaisons and local country staff.

What we’re looking for:

➤ CRA certification according to Ministerial Decree 15 Nov 2011.
➤ Bachelor’s degree or RN in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
➤ Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice/ICH Guidelines and other applicable regulatory requirements.
➤ Must demonstrate good computer skills and be able to embrace new technologies.
➤ Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.