Director Clinical Affairs (based in Sunnyvale, CA)

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.
As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.
Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.
Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.
Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.

Primary Function of Position

The purpose of the Director, Clinical Affairs is to oversee and manage all aspects of clinical operations for Pre and Post Market studies and to guide, develop, and execute long-range clinical trial strategies for Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) and Post Market studies in the US and provide strategic guidance for global clinical evidence strategies for Intuitive’s Clinical programs.

As a key cross-functional constituent, this employee will work in a global matrix with teams across R&D, New and sustaining product development, Clinical Development engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Regulatory Compliance, Post-Market Surveillance, Global Access Value Economics (GAVE), Global Public Affairs (GPA), and Medical officers to optimize clinical evidence strategies to meet business objectives.

This position will be responsible for developing and coordinating various strategic and tactical clinical evidence-generation activities to support regulatory clearance for new products and new indications. For clinical operations, this position will be responsible for the planning, implementation, execution, and management of clinical studies by overseeing day-to-day operations and directly managing and working with outside Clinical Research Organizations (CROs), clinical sites and their teams, and third-party vendors. You will thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment, while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient.

Essential Job Duties (Role and Responsibilities)

• Play a lead role in the development of the company's clinical and scientific strategies for clinical studies for pre-market submission in the US IDE studies and Post-Market Studies.
• Responsible for providing strategic guidance to global clinical evidence strategy for selected clinical programs.
• Direct leadership and management of clinical research infrastructure, including but not limited to development of clinical research protocols, case report forms, informed consent forms, management of trial master files, study-site assistance with IRB process and documentation preparation, study monitoring and investigator requirements, recruitment, and contracts preparation in conjunction with the clinical research team.
• Direct leadership and management of clinical research workflows, including data collection, data management, data analysis, interpretation of clinical data and clinical study reports, in conjunction with the clinical research team.
• Directly or indirectly supervise clinical research staff, including consultants and third parties. Builds strong, trusting, and cooperative relationships with others across multiple projects.
• Direct the operational aspects of company sponsored (and related) clinical research and regularly reports on progress and status including initiating and leading team meetings.
• Direct the development of clinical research strategy, timelines, milestones, project plans/deliverables, budget and resource allocations.
• Oversee the timely capture, reporting, and evaluation of adverse events
• Responsible for cross-functional collaboration with various key functions within the organization to shape the external environment through interactions with notified bodies, regulatory agencies, and external working groups.
• Drive the development and implementation of pre-market submission and Post-Market clinical research strategies to meet business goals and objectives. Responsible for setting effective goals that are meaningful to the department and impactful to the organization.
• Ensure compliance with corporate (e.g., SOP's) and regulatory requirements (e.g., GCP and US and OUS guidelines)
• Provides solutions and efficiencies for departmental process improvements and standard operating procedures.
• As a functional manager, this role is responsible for effectively coaching and guiding team members in their internal/external communication and support direct reports in consistently achieving their goals and objectives while reinforcing a culture of inclusion and diversity.
• Effectively distills complexity and provides clear and actionable direction and information.

Required Skills and Experience

• strategies for IDE and other premarket/post-market studies is required.
• Proven track record of leadership by example and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent ability to interact with physicians and other professionals inside and outside the company.
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative, strategic thinker with excellent project management skills and ability to prioritize and plan.
• Prior experience in medical robotics, surgical devices, and operating rooms is highly preferred.
• Results-driven attitude & a resolve to win; must be self-directed and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an emphasis on leadership, relationship development, and influence management.
• Superior verbal/written communication and presentation skills, team building, and interpersonal skills to work across multiple constituents.
• Must be able to travel up to 30-40%, including frequent travel to HQ in Sunnyvale

Required Education and Training

• Advanced degrees such as M.D, MS or PhD in the scientific/bioengineering field with 8-12 years of experience in clinical affairs/research project management is preferred, and at least 3-5 years of management experience.
• Possess knowledge of Good Clinical Practice and 21 CFR medical device regulations, ISO 14155, Med Dev/MDR regulations, and other international regulations.
• Strong understanding and background in clinical trials, study design, and formal ICH/GCP knowledge and training.

Working Conditions:

None

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

EEO and AA Policy

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target salary ranges are listed.