At Fortrea, we believe in improving lives through the power of science, collaboration, and innovation. As a global CRO partner, we support mission-driven sponsors in bringing new therapies to the patients who need them.
We’re now hiring a Study Start-Up Lead to join a sponsor‑dedicated team and drive the successful planning and activation of clinical trials. If you are passionate about accelerating study timelines, using data to guide decisions, and mentoring study start-up teams — this role offers you the opportunity to create a real impact.
Why join Fortrea?Work in a collaborative, global environment with experts passionate about improving clinical research.
Influence data-driven study start-up strategies for large-scale international programs.
Play a key role in optimizing processes, bringing fresh ideas, and driving continuous improvement.
In this role, you will lead, guide, and empower site activation teams across multiple countries. You will:
Partner closely with Clinical Operations to improve study start-up metrics and implement optimized processes.
Provide leadership, oversight, and mentoring to the FSP Site Start-Up team supporting global clinical programs.
Develop and refine data-driven forecasting models, planning scenarios, and benchmarking tools.
Create country-specific Informed Consent Forms (ICFs) based on master templates and local requirements.
Ensure SSU standards are applied consistently across projects and support ongoing process improvements.
Lead data collection and analysis to influence SSU timelines and strategic decisions.
Use leading industry data sources and tools to support forecasting, site readiness insights, and cycle-time optimization.
Agree on site-level deliverables with internal teams; identify delays early and escalate when needed.
Drive delivery of “Ready to Enroll” status for both sponsor and CRO-supported sites.
Serve as the escalation point for site activation challenges, partnering with Study Managers to resolve issues.
Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (or international equivalent).
4+ years of experience in clinical operations, project management, SSU, or trial optimization.
2+ years directly managing site activation and study start-up processes within a sponsor or CRO.
Proven experience with country-level ICF creation.
Strong proficiency with data models, forecasting tools, and database structures.
Experience working in global site start-up environments strongly preferred.
Ability to explain complex data clearly and support data-driven decision-making.
Expert understanding of factors that drive successful study start-up and site selection strategies.
Ready to make an impact?
Join Fortrea and play a key role in bringing new therapies to patients faster.
Apply today and help shape the future of clinical research.
The base salary range for this role is €38,500 – € 56,000 gross per year, which may vary as per working schedule (full or part-time). The final offer will be determined based on objective and job-related criteria such as experience, qualifications, and scope of responsibilities, in line with our internal job classification framework and the applicable collective labour agreement (CCNL). This role may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as bonus and benefits, in accordance with company policies.
Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (or international equivalent).
- 4+ years of experience in clinical operations, project management, SSU, or trial optimization.
- 2+ years directly managing site activation and study start‑up processes within a sponsor or CRO.
- Proven experience with country‑level Informed Consent Form (ICF) creation.
- Strong proficiency with data models, forecasting tools, and database structures.
- Experience working in global site start‑up environments.
- Ability to explain complex data clearly and support data‑driven decision‑making.
- Expert understanding of factors that drive successful study start‑up and site selection strategies.
What We Do
Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global provider of clinical development and patient access solutions to the life sciences industry. We partner with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients in need. Fortrea provides phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology, differentiated technology-enabled trial solutions and post-approval services. Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigor, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network. Our talented and diverse team working in more than 90 countries is scaled to deliver focused and agile solutions to customers globally. Learn more about how Fortrea is becoming a transformative force from pipeline to patient at Fortrea.com.
