Associate Director, Clinical Sciences

The Associate Director, Clinical Sciences at Scholar Rock plays a crucial role in the Clinical Development Group, focusing on strategizing and overseeing the development of clinical projects, particularly in neuromuscular diseases. This position requires expertise in clinical study design, conducting thorough literature reviews, and providing support for all phases of clinical studies. The Associate Director will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure informed decision-making and effective execution of clinical trials.

To qualify for the Associate Director, Clinical Sciences position at Scholar Rock, candidates should have an advanced degree in Life Sciences (MD, PhD, Pharm D, or MS) and a strong background in neuromuscular diseases. Additionally, at least three years of clinical development experience in the biopharmaceutical industry is essential. Candidates should exhibit strong critical thinking skills, excellent communication abilities, and experience in building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

The Associate Director, Clinical Sciences significantly contributes to Scholar Rock’s mission by leading the strategic planning and decision-making processes for clinical projects. By applying their expertise, they aid the development of innovative therapies, such as apitegromab for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, ensuring that our clinical development efforts align with the unmet needs in the medical field. Their contributions are pivotal in helping the company drive advanced treatment possibilities.

Yes, the Associate Director, Clinical Sciences position at Scholar Rock is designed to be remote, allowing candidates to work flexibly from their preferred location while engaging with a dynamic and collaborative team. This flexibility helps foster a healthy work-life balance in a vibrant and productive environment.

In the role of Associate Director, Clinical Sciences at Scholar Rock, you will manage a range of clinical projects, particularly focusing on investigational products for conditions like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Responsibilities include designing clinical studies, overseeing their execution, ensuring data integrity, and reporting findings. You will also contribute to the strategic direction of ongoing and upcoming projects in the pipeline.

Success as an Associate Director, Clinical Sciences at Scholar Rock hinges on several essential skills, including strong critical thinking, exceptional communication, and the ability to synthesize complex information. An aptitude for collaboration within cross-functional teams, management of clinical trial operations, and an understanding of biostatistics and pharmacology are also key to performing effectively in this role.

At Scholar Rock, the work culture is anchored in collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity. The company celebrates diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. As an Associate Director, Clinical Sciences, you will find a supportive community that values innovation and encourages team members to contribute ideas toward advancing transformative therapies.

When answering this question, highlight your ability to organize tasks and set priorities based on project goals. Discuss how you utilize project management tools to monitor progress, track timelines, and ensure effective communication with team members and stakeholders, demonstrating your proactive approach to problem-solving and project execution.

In your response, elaborate on specific experiences where you participated in designing clinical studies. Emphasize your knowledge of innovative trial designs, methodologies used, and how you adapted protocols to meet regulatory requirements or address challenges. This shows your expertise in facilitating successful study initiation and execution.

Outline your methods for staying updated, such as attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, reading scientific journals, and engaging with professional networks. This showcases your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth within the clinical sciences field.

Highlight your interpersonal skills and the importance you place on open communication and mutual respect. Discuss how you prioritize regular engagement with external advisors, leveraging their expertise to enhance project outcomes and foster long-term collaborations that can benefit clinical development initiatives.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to effectively communicate a real-life scenario where you faced a significant challenge. Explain the context, what was at stake, the rationale behind your actions, and the positive outcome achieved. This approach demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

Mention specific experiences with preparing for regulatory submissions and your understanding of the process, including compliance with guidelines and interaction with regulatory agencies. Share success stories that highlight your contributions to securing approvals or navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Discuss your meticulous approach to gathering, verifying, and synthesizing scientific data, which helps create presentations that resonate with the audience. Highlight your experience in distilling complex information into clear, actionable messages and tailoring content to align with the goals of the presentation.

Identify key performance indicators and metrics relevant to clinical studies, such as efficacy measures, safety profiles, and statistical significance. Explain how you leverage these metrics when analyzing results to draw meaningful conclusions and how they inform subsequent decisions in the development process.

Emphasize your commitment to open dialogue, allowing team members to express their insights respectfully. Discuss how you facilitate brainstorming sessions to explore differences in perspective and drive the team towards consensus while maintaining focus on achieving common project goals.

Articulate your passion for advancing innovative therapies that address high unmet medical needs, emphasizing your interest in Scholar Rock's focus on transformative growth factor-targeted treatments. Discuss how working in this collaborative environment aligns with your professional values and personal motivation to impact patients' lives positively.