Who We Are

Emerald Clinical Trials is a global leader in clinical research, partnering with over 160 biotech companies and 15 of the world’s top 20pharmaceutical firms. Headquartered in Singapore, we combine scientific excellence with operational expertise to deliver end-to-end clinical trial solutions across all phases, offering Phase I-IV and real-world studies.

With over 25 years of experience and a world-renowned focus in renal research, Emerald Clinical has helped drive medical breakthroughs through deep scientific insight, flawless execution, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Global Expertise. Local Insight. Real Impact.

Emerald Clinical is where science, speed, and strategy come together to transform healthcare. For over 25 years, we have led the way in clinical research, combining global reach with deep Asia-Pacific expertise and unparalleled local insight to deliver smarter trials and stronger outcomes.

Our 800+ employees that span across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas are embedded in communities worldwide. We drive faster recruitment, deeper patient engagement, and meaningful results that move medicine forward.

About the Role

The Associate Director / Director, Early Phase Strategy will play a key role in shaping and growing Emerald’s Early Phase strategy capability, partnering with Business Development, Proposal Management, Operations, and senior leadership to develop winning and operationally executable clinical trial solutions.

Reporting to the Vice President, Early Phase, this role will provide strategic leadership across the Early Phase opportunity lifecycle, from initial RFP assessment through study award.

The role will serve as an Early Phase subject matter expert, leading the evaluation, design, and positioning of Phase I–IIa clinical trial strategies. The successful candidate will bring a combination of Early Phase operations knowledge, project delivery expertise, commercial understanding, and strategic judgement to translate client objectives into feasible, competitive, and differentiated solutions that support successful study delivery.

This role will initially operate as a senior strategic individual contributor, with the opportunity to develop and lead an Early Phase Strategy function as Emerald’s portfolio expands.

Responsibilities

Early Phase Strategy & Opportunity Leadership

• Own the Early Phase strategic assessment of new business opportunities from RFP receipt through award.

• Partner with Proposal Management to triage Early Phase opportunities and provide bid/no-bid recommendations.

• Develop comprehensive Early Phase study strategies, including:

  • Country and site selection approach

  • Investigator/site engagement strategy

  • Patient recruitment considerations

  • Study timelines and operational assumptions

  • Resource model and delivery approach

  • Identification and mitigation of operational risks

• Engage with Early Phase sites, investigators, and internal experts to validate feasibility and strengthen proposals.

• Provide strategic recommendations to the VP Early Phase, Business Development, and leadership teams.

Proposal & Commercial Strategy

• Lead the Early Phase operational strategy component of RFP responses.

• Partner with Proposal teams to develop high-quality client proposals.

• Review proposal budgets, timelines, assumptions, and delivery models to ensure alignment with strategy.

• Provide input into pricing strategy and commercial positioning.

• Support preparation and delivery of bid defence meetings and client presentations.

Client & Industry Engagement

• Act as an Early Phase SME in client meetings and strategic discussions.

• Support sponsor conversations relating to study design, operational feasibility, recruitment strategy, and delivery approach.

• Build strong relationships with investigators, Early Phase sites, and industry partners.

• Represent Emerald at conferences, industry events, and client engagements as required.

Early Phase Capability Development

• Build and maintain Early Phase strategy tools and resources, including:

  • Early Phase databases

  • Site and investigator intelligence

  • Capability materials

  • Proposal content libraries

  • Market intelligence

• Partner with Business Development and Marketing to strengthen Emerald’s Early Phase positioning.

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, tools, and ways of working.

Leadership & Future Growth

• Establish scalable Early Phase strategy processes and governance.

• Mentor and develop future Early Phase Strategy team members as the function grows.

• Support the evolution of Emerald’s Early Phase strategy capability.

About You

• 8+ years experience within a CRO, biotech, pharmaceutical, or Early Phase clinical research environment.

• Experience across the full opportunity lifecycle, from initial client engagement and RFP assessment through to study award, including Phase I to Phase IIa clinical programs.

• Proven experience supporting and/or delivering Early Phase studies, with strong knowledge of Australia/New Zealand Early Phase capabilities; experience across additional global regions is advantageous.

• Demonstrated ability to develop clinical trial strategies that balance scientific objectives, operational feasibility, patient/site considerations, timelines, and commercial requirements.

• Strong understanding of Early Phase operations, project delivery models, and the practical execution requirements required to successfully deliver complex clinical studies.

• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to challenge assumptions and influence senior-level decisions.

• Expertise in operational risk assessment, scenario planning, feasibility evaluation, and development of compelling strategic narratives.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritise a portfolio of opportunities with competing timelines, stakeholder requirements, and business priorities.

• Experience partnering with Business Development, Proposal, Operations, Project Management, and functional teams to develop client-focused solutions.

Desired Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong operational judgement.

• Commercially aware and delivery-focused.

• Confident engaging with sponsors, investigators, and senior stakeholders.

• Comfortable balancing scientific, operational, and commercial priorities.

• Motivated by building new capabilities and driving growth.
  

Why Join Us?

At our core, Emerald Clinical Trials is committed to transforming clinical research by putting people first—both patients and our employees. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a global network of passionate professionals working together to deliver better research and outcomes for millions worldwide.

Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Purpose-Driven Work: You’ll contribute to clinical trials that genuinely improve lives, with a focus on therapies in renal, cardiometabolic, and oncology.

• Global Reach, Local Expertise: Our teams connect with local communities, building trust and meaningful engagement for every trial.

• Collaboration and Innovation: Work in a culture that values diverse perspectives and creative solutions to solve global health challenges.

What We Offer

We understand that great work happens when people feel valued and supported. That’s why we provide:

• Competitive Compensation: A tailored salary and benefits package to reflect your skills and experience.

• Flexibility: Enjoy hybrid or remote working arrangements, depending on your location and role.

• Career Growth: Access to a wealth of learning opportunities and a global network of scientific leaders to help you grow and develop in your role.

• Employee Wellbeing: Participate in programs and initiatives designed to promote work-life balance, health, and team connection, including global engagement surveys, recognition programs, and team-building events.

• Global Opportunities: Be part of a company with international reach, offering you exposure to diverse projects and clients.

Interested? Apply now and help us achieve our mission to improve the health of millions worldwide.

• We are an equal-opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.