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.
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.
Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here
Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global clinical research organization (CRO) dedicated to providing innovative clinical development solutions to the life sciences industry. With over 30 years of clinical research experience, Fortrea has evolved from Covance and Labcorp into a pureplay CRO built for biotech, biopharma, medical device and diagnostic innovators.
Fortrea collaborates with both emerging and established companies to deliver agile, fit-for-purpose full service (FSO), functional service (FSP) and hybrid solutions. Fortrea provides comprehensive Phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology, and consulting services, backed by deep experience in more than 20 therapeutic areas.
Operating in approximately 100 countries, our diverse and talented team brings scientific rigor, operational excellence, and a strong investigator site network to every trial. By combining the best of our legacy experience with forward-thinking innovation, Fortrea brings predictability to clinical trial execution and helps transform aspirations into outcomes.
Together, exceptional is possible.
Learn more at Fortrea.com
