Director, Clinical Operations

At Keros, our mission is to deliver significant clinical benefit to a wide range of patients with disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family of proteins. With a focus on developing differentiated product candidates that are designed to alter TGF-β signaling, we aim to target the pathways critical for the growth, repair and maintenance of blood cells and a number of tissues, including bone, skeletal muscle, adipose and heart tissue.

We believe our product candidates have the potential to unlock the full therapeutic benefits of modulating the TGF-β superfamily and provide disease-modifying benefit to patients.

As an operational leader of the cross-functional Clinical Study Sub Team, the Director Clin. Ops. (DCO) will be responsible for the execution strategy of assigned clinical trials to achieve overall program and corporate objectives. The DCO will lead an assigned operational team and have direct reports, e.g. Clinical Trial Leads/Managers, Clinical Trial Associates. The DCO will represent operational perspectives at cross functional teams, to help ensure high quality, trials are well designed and planned with clear objectives, timelines, budgets and deliverables.

The DCO will drive operational excellence through process improvement, sharing best practices, and proactive planning and risk management. The DCO is the primary point of escalation for resolution of trial management operational issues. This role will interact with functional leaders and present to the executive committee etc. as necessary.

• Lead and manage the cross-functional Clinical Study Sub Team to ensure deliverables are met within the established timelines, budget and to the requisite quality and compliance standards.
• Represent clinical operations at appropriate external and internal meetings.
• Key role in determining the clinical vendor strategy for assigned studies, and participate in the evaluation and selection of vendors, develop scope of work, etc.
• Oversee and manage Clinical Trial Leads/Managers, Clinical Trial Associates, and other assigned roles.
• Serve as the escalation point for clinical.
• Contribute to the development of clinical trial processes and procedures by providing executional expertise to ensure efficiency and effectiveness throughout protocol design, delivery and completion.
• Ensure clinical trial protocol(s) go through all internal review and approval processes.
• Guide Clinical Trial Leads/Managers in the development of trial related materials such as training and recruitment materials.
• Contribute to operational study plans such as start‑up, project and site management, communication.
• Actively contribute to feasibility exercises and site/country selection.
• Guide team in managing study risks through risk identification, mitigation planning and proactive operational team communication and creative problem solving.
• Ensure Good Clinical Practice and inspection readiness across studies including complete documentation and trial master file throughout each study.
• Primary contact for the Quality Assurance team, working collaboratively to develop an integrated approach that is implemented across each study. Document plans for corrective actions as part of an audit strategy across vendors, etc. to achieve excellent data quality.
• Contribute to study budget management including forecasting, regular review of accruals, and clinical contract management.
• Actively contribute to the development of innovative solutions to overcome challenges and hurdles within clinical operations and other functions.

• At least 10 years of clinical operations experience with a biotech/pharmaceutical company.
• Phase 2/3 international clinical study leadership experience.
• 5 years or more of people management.
• Experience in neuromuscular or related diseases.
• Vendor oversight and management.
• Understanding of FDA, EMEA, GDPR, ICH and GCP regulations and guidelines.

• Experience in pediatric and/or rare diseases.

• BA/BS in a clinical or scientific discipline.

Potential base pay range: $205,000 - $239,000 USD.

Keros is an inclusive company. We believe that diversity drives innovation. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. As such, Keros takes a holistic approach in mentoring, coaching, and developing all of our Keros team members.

Keros Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.