Associate/Sr. Associate, Observational Research Operations

About Character Biosciences

Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for ophthalmology. Our patient data platform integrates genomics with deep, longitudinal clinical and imaging data, enabling us to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies that improve clinical success.

Our interdisciplinary team spans human genetics, clinical science, data science and engineering, and drug discovery and development. We are advancing two programs for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) into the clinic, with additional discovery-stage programs underway.

Founded in 2018, Character has raised capital from leading investors at the intersection of healthcare and technology, including an oversubscribed $110+ million Series B in 2025 co-led by aMoon and Luma Group, with participation from Bausch + Lomb, Innovation Endeavors, Sanofi Ventures, Catalio Capital Management, S32, KdT Ventures, and Jefferson Life Sciences. We also maintain a multi-target drug discovery collaboration with Bausch + Lomb to develop innovative precision medicines for AMD.

Role: Associate/Sr. Associate, Observational Research Operations

Reports to: Associate Director, Observational Research Operations

Department: Clinical Research

Team: Observational Research

Level: L3

Location: JC Office

The Opportunity

As a member of our Observational Research Operations team, you will play a key role in advancing our AMD & Glaucoma clinical programs. In this role, you’ll own operational workflows that power enrollment and longitudinal follow-up, serve as a point of contact for sites, and help strengthen the systems and processes that keep the study running smoothly at scale. You’ll work closely with cross-functional partners (Clinical, Data Science, Data, Network) to deliver a high-quality participant experience and ensure operational excellence.

This hybrid role is based in Jersey City, NJ, reporting to the Associate Director, Observational Research Operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary operational leader for assigned sites, resolving issues and escalating complex challenges appropriately
• Build, monitor, and report key operational metrics (enrollment, retention, outreach performance, cycle times); surface risks and trends early, and be willing to intervene
• Identify process gaps and recommend/demonstrate improvements to increase enrollment efficiency, reduce errors, and improve patient engagement
• Provide onsite support for scheduling patient calls as needed, and assisting with patient consent and scheduling during periods of overflow and when the team needs additional support.
• Support the quality system across the observational research team - creating procedures, document control, quality control, finalization, archival, training, quality oversight etc
• Support cross-functional planning and execution for study initiatives, including site onboarding, communications, and operational readiness
• Coordinate and QC essential documentation, including regulatory and protocol/consent-related submissions in partnership with internal teams
• Travel to critical sites to support direct enrollment pushes and support our interventional trial pre-screening programs
  
  

Additional Sr. Associate Responsibilities

• Analyze operational metrics across studies (outreach performance, consent/enrollment, cycle times) to identify trends and inform corrective actions
• Troubleshoot patient scheduling, consent, and engagement issues and propose solutions to address issues
• Support junior staff by sharing best practices for patient enrollment, communication, and patient talking points
• Anticipate potential operational challenges and propose mitigation strategies
• Extensive expertise in complex trial processes, technologies, and compliance requirements.
• Oversees multifaceted projects, large initiatives, or programs with significant business impact.
• Diagnoses organizational or technical challenges, designing and implementing innovative solutions.
• Handles highly technical assignments requiring strategic thinking and in-depth process refinement.
  
  

About You

You are detail-oriented, collaborative, and motivated by the challenge of making research studies truly reliable and impactful. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing experience in study operations, you enjoy both tech-driven and hands-on work. You thrive in a dynamic environment, communicate proactively, and bring curiosity, problem-solving, and a continuous improvement mindset to everything you do.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience); advanced degree/certifications a plus
• 4–6 years of progressively responsible clinical research operations experience (biotech/pharma or CRO preferred)
• Strong clinical research domain knowledge; demonstrates ongoing professional development (training, workshops, courses)
• Deep understanding of trial processes, regulations (GCP), and clinical trial systems (CTMS, eTMF, EDC, etc.)
• Independently resolves complex/ambiguous issues, recommends process improvements, and escalates risks appropriately
• Able to juggle high-volume, technical, and sensitive work while improving team efficiency and quality
• Strong communicator and collaborator; can coordinate cross-functionally and provide peer guidance as needed
• Willing to travel up to 25% to high-profile sites based on operational needs
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

The annual pay range for this full-time position is $72,306-$125,000 + equity + benefits.

Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and an accrued paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture.