Associate Medical Director, Clinical Development

Ascendis Pharma

Associate Medical Director overseeing late-phase clinical trials in endocrinology for Ascendis Pharma. Engaging in study design and data analysis while leading clinical development teams.

Posted 6/14/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $255,000 - $265,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Leverage medical expertise and hands-on clinical experience to promote relevance and rigor of the development program
For clinical trials: design, provide medical oversight, and support site and subject retention
Serve as a Medical Monitor for clinical trials, ensure study integrity, and track accumulating safety and efficacy data
Provide leadership to study teams
Ensure successful completion of trial-related documents (including clinical trial protocols, investigator brochures, medical monitoring plans, site training materials, clinical study reports, health authority responses, standard operating procedures, etc.) with cross-functional team members
Anticipate obstacles within a clinical trial, and implement solutions
Analyze, evaluate, interpret, and report study results
Contribute to drafting and reviewing clinical documents, manuscripts, presentations, and regulatory submissions
Contribute to design of the Clinical Development Plan
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant science, medical information, good clinical practices, and regulatory guidance
Collaborate with—and serve as a clinical research resource for—cross-functional colleagues to optimize product development
Cultivate relationships with investigative sites, clinical consultants, and key opinion leaders to represent the interests of the company
Contribute to corporate strategic and organizational initiatives
Assist with commercial activities as needed
Complete assigned tasks thoroughly, accurately, and on time
Adhere to rigorous ethical standards
Travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for scientific meetings

Requirements

What you’ll need

M.D. degree
Completion of ACGME-accredited residency and fellowship (strongly preferred)
Physician licensure in at least one state (strongly preferred)
Board-certified (strongly preferred), with specialty in endocrinology highly desired
At least 3 years of industry (other relevant experience e.g. post-graduate experience in the clinical and/or academic realms may also be considered on a case-by-case basis).
At least 2 years of experience with clinical trial design and execution
Strong track record of scientific and clinical inquiry
Possess excellent communication skills (written and oral)
Learn quickly, follow complex directions under pressure
Multi-task while remaining organized and attentive to detail
Lead both directly and by example
Work hard, be a trustworthy and collaborative team player
Take initiative and solve complex problems
Demonstrate sound judgement in terms of handling complex, confidential, and regulated information

Benefits

Comp & perks

401(k) plan with company match
Medical, dental, and vision plans
Company-offered Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
Company-provided short and long-term disability benefits
Unique offerings of Pet Insurance and Legal Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Discounts
Professional Development
Health Saving Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various incentive compensation plans
Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Mental Health resources
Paid leave benefits for new parents

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

clinical trial designmedical oversightdata analysisclinical document draftingregulatory submissionsclinical development plan designgood clinical practicessafety and efficacy data trackingstudy integrity monitoringinvestigator brochure preparation

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunication skillsproblem-solvingorganizational skillsattention to detailcollaborationinitiativetrustworthinessability to work under pressuremulti-tasking

Certifications

M.D. degreephysician licensureboard certificationACGME-accredited residencyfellowship