The Clinical Research Lead (CRL) is a strategic, field-based scientific leader responsible for driving the execution of Lilly clinical trials through exceptional investigator engagement and site performance management
Accountable for the full spectrum of investigator engagement from identification and qualification through enrollment, and support database lock, and study closeout
Serve as a clinical trial scientific ambassador, ensuring investigators deeply understand protocol intent, scientific rationale, and patient eligibility requirements
Develop and sustain strategic, high-trust relationships with investigators that span trials and therapeutic areas
Influence enrollment by co-creating tailored recruitment strategies aligned with site capabilities, patient population realities, and study objectives
Proactively find opportunities to reach new patients, accelerate enrollment and increase impact at priority sites, including for example, novel site models, community-based research initiatives etc
Capture and elevate critical insights from sites to optimize feasibility, protocol design, and study conduct
Lead site-level strategy and risk planning to ensure strong and predictable enrollment and data delivery
Leverage performance metrics to anticipate issues, intervene decisively, and maintain momentum toward clinical milestones
Drive inspection readiness as a continuous discipline across sites
Collaborate across functions and with vendor partners to resolve operational barriers, ensuring delivery with speed and quality
Provide oversight and quality assurance for vendor monitoring, escalating risks proactively
Act as a key liaison between field teams, vendors, and investigators, ensuring alignment, shared purpose, and continuous knowledge transfer

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; strong preference for scientific, clinical, or health-related fields
Minimum 5 years of experience in clinical research or pharmaceutical industry with experience directly interacting with or working with HCPs and clinical sites
Minimum 2 years of relevant clinical or deep therapeutic area experience in Oncology
Excellent understanding of GCP, clinical development and operations, and trial lifecycle
Demonstrated understanding of the therapeutic landscape and standards of care, with the ability to apply this knowledge to decision-making
Proven ability to build credibility and influence HCP community through scientific acumen and relationship strength
Strategic approach with demonstrated success in delivering results in complex, fast-paced environments
Data-driven decision-making skills; ability to interpret and act on performance and operational metrics
English fluency and proficiency in local language(s) as needed

Benefits

eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k)
pension
vacation benefits
eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts)
life insurance and death benefits
certain time off and leave of absence benefits
well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

clinical researchGCPclinical developmenttrial lifecycledata-driven decision-makingperformance metricsOncologyprotocol designinvestigator engagementsite performance management

Soft Skills

strategic approachrelationship buildinginfluencecredibilitycommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingadaptabilityleadershiptrust building