Clinical Research Associate – Cell Therapy

The Clinical Research Associate (CRA) has local responsibility for the delivery of studies at allocated sites and is an active participant in the local study team(s). The CRA works in close collaboration with other CRAs and the Local Study Team/Local Study Associate Director (LSAD) to ensure that study commitments are achieved in a timely and efficient manner. The CRA acts as the primary contact with study sites and is responsible for monitoring study conduct to ensure proper delivery of clinical trials. 

This is a field-based position with a strong preference for candidates based in Tennessee 

The CRA is responsible for the preparation, initiation, monitoring, and closure of assigned sites in clinical studies in compliance with AstraZeneca Procedural Documents, international guidelines such as ICH-GCP, and relevant local regulations, ensuring that sites deliver according to study commitments. 

A CRA with longer tenure and experience may take on additional responsibilities, including tasks associated with the Local Study Associate Director (LSAD) role. 

Typical Accountabilities 

• Contributes to the selection of potential investigators.  

• Supports study start-up and regulatory maintenance activities, including Site Qualification Visits (SQVs), collection and review of regulatory documents, and submission activities to EC/IRB and Regulatory Authorities as applicable.  

• Trains, supports, and advises investigators and site staff on study-related matters, including Risk Based Quality Management (RbQM) principles.  

• Confirms site staff have completed required training, including ICH-GCP training, prior to and throughout the study duration. Ensures sites remain inspection ready at all times.  

• Actively participates in Local Study Team (LST) meetings.  

• Contributes to Investigator Meetings as applicable.  

• Initiates, monitors, and closes study sites in compliance with AstraZeneca Procedural Documents. Shares updates on patient recruitment and site performance within the LST.  

• Drives site performance by proactively identifying, resolving, and escalating study-related issues as appropriate.  

• Updates CTMS and other clinical systems within required timelines.  

• Manages study supplies, ISF documentation, investigational product accountability, and study drug reconciliation/destruction activities where applicable.  

• Performs onsite and remote monitoring visits, including remote data review activities, in accordance with study-specific Monitoring Plans.  

• Performs Source Data Review (SDR), Source Data Verification (SDV), and CRF review activities.  

• Conducts Site Quality Risk Assessments and adjusts monitoring intensity accordingly throughout the study.  

• Ensures timely resolution of data queries and collaborates with Data Management to maintain high-quality study data.