You are applying for a position through Medix, a staffing agency. The actual posting represents a position at one of our clients.

Job Summary

The Senior Medical Director (SMD) serves as a key clinical and strategic leader within a growing research organization. This role combines hands-on oversight of clinical trials with executive-level medical leadership. The SMD will act as Principal Investigator (PI) or Sub-Investigator (Sub-I) across multiple therapeutic areas, providing expert medical and scientific guidance for all studies conducted at the research center. This individual will oversee study execution, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster collaboration with sponsors, CROs, and community partners. The ideal candidate is a research-experienced physician with strong leadership skills, a background in adult chronic disease management, and a passion for advancing innovative therapies. The position also includes mentorship of junior investigators and participation in high-level strategic discussions to guide future organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or Sub-Investigator (Sub-I) for clinical trials conducted at the research center or decentralized sites.
• Ensure all studies are conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Human Subject Protection (HSP) guidelines, and applicable regulations.
• Oversee clinical trial safety, data integrity, and staff accountability.
• Review study protocols to assess feasibility, complexity, and alignment with site capabilities.
• Provide therapeutic area expertise and training for study teams and investigators.
• Participate in the development and review of study recruitment and retention strategies.
• Serve as the senior medical resource for study-related medical decisions, eligibility assessments, and safety reviews.
• Partner with leadership to identify and develop new research programs and therapeutic areas.
• Support business development by fostering relationships with sponsors, CROs, and local healthcare providers.
• Guide operational teams on protocol implementation, data quality, and patient care standards.
• Collaborate with feasibility and site operations teams to align site capacity with study needs.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives related to technology, quality improvement, and site expansion.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Promote a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and professional development.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior investigators and clinical research staff.
• Evaluate team performance, set clear goals, and provide feedback to support growth and accountability.

Qualifications

• MD or DO degree from an accredited U.S. medical school.
• Active medical license and current Board Certification required.
• Minimum of 8 years of clinical practice experience in a U.S. community setting, including work in adult chronic disease management.
• At least 2 years of experience in FDA-regulated clinical research as a Principal Investigator or Sub-Investigator.
• Experience serving as PI on long-term (12+ month) GLP-1 or other metabolic disease studies strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of GCP, FDA, and ICH regulatory guidelines.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex study operations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and clinical trial management systems (CTMS, eSource, etc.).
• Ability to travel for investigator meetings, site visits, and sponsor audits (approx. 10%).

Skills

• Deep understanding of ethical and legal standards governing clinical research.
• Ability to ensure participant safety, informed consent integrity, and adherence to IRB requirements.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Proactive leadership style with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Commitment to high-quality research and patient care.

Additional Requirements

• This is a full-time, on-site position based at a clinical research facility.
• The role involves routine use of standard office and medical equipment.
• May involve exposure to biological samples or potentially hazardous materials, requiring standard safety precautions.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, perform basic clinical assessments, and use computers for data entry and documentation.
• Occasional lifting or moving of items up to 20 lbs.
• Normal vision, hearing, and manual dexterity required for clinical and administrative tasks.

Benefits

• Paid Sick Leave (Medix provides paid sick leave according to state and local sick leave ordinances).
• Health Benefits / Dental / Vision (Medix offers 6 different health plans: 3 Major Medical Plans, 2 Fixed Indemnity Plans (Standard and Preferred), and 1 Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) Plan. Eligibility for health benefits is based on verifying that an average of 30 hours per week during the first 4 weeks of the work assignment has been met. If you meet eligibility requirements and take action to enroll, you will be covered no earlier than 60 days into your assignment, depending on plan selection(s)).
• 401k (Eligible on the first 401k open enrollment date following 6 consecutive months on assignment. 401k Open Enrollment dates are 1/1, 4/1, 7/1, and 10/1).
• Short Term Disability Insurance.
• Term Life Insurance Plan.

^*We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (ULAC), The San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO), and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).

Medix Overview:

With over 20 years of experience connecting organizations with highly qualified professionals, Medix is a leading provider of workforce solutions for clients and candidates across the healthcare, scientific, technology, and government industries. Through our core purpose of positively impacting lives, we’re dedicated to creating opportunities for job seekers at some of the nation's top companies. As an award-winning career partner, Medix is committed to helping talent find fulfilling and meaningful work because our mission is to help you achieve yours.

^*This position is subject to a background check based on its job duties, which may include patient care, working with vulnerable populations, access to financial and confidential information, driving, working with heavy machinery, or working in a warehouse or laboratory environment. Due to these job duties, this position has a significant impact on the business operations and reputation, as well as the safety and well-being of individuals who may be cared for as part of the job position or who may interact with staff or clients.