Associate Clinical Research Associate

Job description

Job Description Associate Clinical Research Associate (ACRA) Based in Malaysia, named one of the Best Companies to Work for in 2019 by HR Asia We were awarded ‘Sponsor of the Year’ in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2025 from Clinical Research Malaysia for the highest number of studies and total study value recorded in the country! We have a proud legacy of turning breakthrough science into medicines and vaccines that save and improve lives around the world. We are focused on discovering new solutions for today and the future! Join the premier biopharmaceutical company that has been in the business for more than 135 years. With support of SrCRA/CRA and/or CRA Manager, acts as primary site contact and site manager throughout all phases of a clinical research study, taking responsibility of allocated sites. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Develops strong site relationships and ensures continuity of site relationships through all phases of the trial. Performs clinical study site management/monitoring activities in compliance with ICH-GCP, Sponsor SOPs, Local Laws & Regulations, Protocol, Site Monitoring Plan and associated documents. Gains an in-depth understanding of the study protocol and related procedures. Coordinates & manages various tasks in collaboration with other sponsor roles to achieve Site Ready. Participates & provides inputs on site selection and validation activities. Performs remote and on-site monitoring & oversight activities using various tools to ensure: Data generated at site are complete, accurate and unbiased. Subjects’ right, safety and well-being are protected. Conducts site visits including but not limited to validation visits, initiation visits, monitoring visits, close-out visits and records clear, comprehensive and accurate visit & non-visit contact reports appropriately in a timely manner. Collects, reviews, and monitors required regulatory documentation for study start-up, study maintenance and study close-out. Communicates with Investigators and site staff on issues related to protocol conduct, recruitment, retention, protocol deviations, regulatory documentation, site audits/inspections and overall site performance. Identifies, assesses and resolves site performance, quality or compliance problems and escalates per defined CRA Escalation Pathway as appropriate in collaboration with CRA Manager, CRM, TA Head and CRD as needed. Works in partnership internally with GCTO country operations, finance, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, legal and regional operations, HQ functional areas and externally with vendors and IRB/IECs and Regulatory Authorities in support of assigned sites. Manages and maintains information and documentation in CTMS, eTMF and various other systems as appropriate and per timelines. Supports audit/inspection activities as needed. Performs co-monitoring where appropriate. Extent of Travel: Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 65%-75% of working time. Expected travelling ~2-3 days/week. Current driver’s license preferred (Must have in certain countries). Competency Expectations: Fluent in Local Languages and English (verbal and written) and excellent communication skills, including the ability to understand and present technical information effectively. Good understanding and working knowledge of clinical research, phases of clinical trials, current GCP/ICH & country clinical research law & guidelines. Good understanding of Global, Country/Regional Clinical Research Guidelines and ability to work within these guidelines. Hands on knowledge of Good Documentation Practices. Developing skills in Site Management including management of site performance and patient recruitment. Developing level of monitoring skill and independent professional judgment. Good IT skills (Use of MS office, use of some clinical IT applications on computer, tablet and mobile devices) and ability to adapt to new IT applications on various devices. Works with high quality and compliance mindset. Capable of managing complex issues, solution-oriented approach. Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement preventative and corrective action. Effective time management, organizational and interpersonal skills, conflict management, problem solving skills. Able to work highly independently across multiple protocols, sites and therapy areas. High sense of accountability / urgency. Ability to set priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a changing environment. Works effectively in a matrix multicultural environment. Ability to establish and maintain culturally sensitive working relationships. Demonstrates commitment to Customer focus. Positive mindset, growth mindset, capable of working independently and being self-driven. Demonstrates and projects professional demeanor and communication consistent with organizational policies and practices. Experience and Educational Requirements: - Associate’s degree, certificate or equivalent in a scientific / healthcare discipline together with at least 3 years of relevant experience in the healthcare field. Or - Bachelor’s degree (or above) in a scientific / healthcare discipline together with at least 6months of relevant experience in the healthcare field. Or - Bachelor’s degree (or above) in a non-scientific/healthcare discipline together with at least2 years of relevant experience in the healthcare field. We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Required Skills: Accountability, Accountability, Administrative Policies, Adverse Event Report, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biopharmaceuticals, Clinical Evaluation Reports, Clinical Research Methods, Clinical Site Management, Clinical Study Management, Clinical Trial Planning, Clinical Trials, Clinical Trials Monitoring, Data Analysis, Early Clinical Development, Finance, Good Clinical Data Management Practice (GCDMP), Investigations Training, IT Change Management, Key Stakeholder Relationships, Pharmacovigilance, Policy Development, Protocol Adherence, Regulatory Affairs Compliance, Regulatory Compliance {+ 1 more} Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 09/9/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.