Associate Director, Clinical Trial Operations

About the role

The Associate Director, Clinical Trial Operations partners with the Executive Director of Clinical Operations and cross‑functional teams to plan, execute, and deliver clinical trials for Nkarta’s off‑the‑shelf NK cell therapies. The role ensures studies meet corporate objectives, timelines, budgets, and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Manage overall study deliverables, overseeing all phases from planning and site selection to monitoring, data review, and closeout.
• Maintain study timelines, identify risks, and implement mitigation and contingency plans to protect quality, budget, and schedule.
• Oversee performance and governance of CROs and other third‑party vendors, including contract management and invoice review.
• Develop and approve essential study documents such as protocols, ICFs, CRFs, and study manuals.
• Support investigator recruitment, training, and relationship building with key opinion leaders.

Required profile

• Minimum 4 years of experience managing clinical trials at a sponsor or CRO, preferably in cell therapy, oncology, or complex biologics.
• Thorough knowledge of GCP, ICH, FDA, and global regulatory requirements.
• Strong planning, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (≈20%).

What we offer

• Base salary range $190,000 – $230,000 USD per year, plus discretionary bonus and equity grants.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) plan, flexible spending account, employee stock purchase plan, and employee assistance program.
• Paid vacation, holidays, personal days, parental, pregnancy, and bereavement leave.