Senior Medical Director, Rheumatology - US Remote Based
Raising CRO standards for innovation and delivery to help bring life-changing treatments to patients faster. Fortrea is seeking a dedicated US remote basedMedical Director or Senior Medical Director with deep expertise in Rheumatology along with background in innovative therapies, including cell and gene therapy. The incumbent will provide medical leadership and oversight across all phases of development, including early-phase innovation and late-phase global programs. Responsible for supporting the development activities of proposed and ongoing projects in their area of expertise, as well as medical monitoring to assigned clinical studies.
The (Senior) Medical Director will serve as a key medical representative in client interactions, business‑development discussions, and proposal presentations. The role will further foster and enhance relationships with global clinical operations teams and provide leadership as the Leading Physician for Phase I–IV clinical trials).
We are particularly interested in candidates who have led or supported rheumatology clinical programs and who are comfortable serving as the study physician, providing medical monitoring oversight (e.g., safety review, contribution to protocol development, including study design, endpoints and eligibility criteria) and working collaboratively with other project team members. In addition to strong scientific leadership, the role is expected to be highly client-facing with an increased business development component - requiring regular engagement at executive level, and the confidence and polish to represent Fortrea with senior client leaders, external partners, and other key stakeholders.
High level Medical TA and Clinical Trial Subject Matter Expertise (SME) contributions (may be Regional or Global).
SME Cross-functional, scientific & technical contributions and interactions with Clients Medical teams, Project teams, Key Opinion Leaders and at Principal Investigator/Site levels.
Partner with clients and internal teams to support business development - shaping clinical/medical strategy for proposals, bid defences, and client discussions.
Provide oversight of medical monitoring activities to ensure timelines and quality of medical deliverables and assigns physician resources as required.
According to the scope of work, may serve as Global Lead, Regional or Program Project Physician across multiple indications.
Provide subject matter and drug development expertise and is a key contributor to the medical strategy and execution of the study/program for the client.
Provides input, review and revision of protocols, case report forms, training materials, project specific tools, analysis plans design, clinical trial reports and new drug applications.
Prepares materials for and actively participates in investigator meetings and assists at site initiation visits.
Provides medical/scientific expertise to project team.
And any other duties as required or assigned.
YOU NEED TO BRING…
Qualifications (Minimum Required and preferred):
MD Degree
Board Certification in Internal Medicine
Specialization in Rheumatology and broader therapeutic experience in autoimmune diseases (AID)
Preferred: Specific expertise in cell and gene therapy in autoimmune diseases (AID)
3+ years of substantial knowledge of drug development and extensive clinical research experience within the pharmaceutical/CRO industry (or as a clinical trial investigator)
Preferred: Industry experience inclusive of clinical trials medical monitoring experience or other relevant clinical development/trial experience at a CRO, pharmaceutical company, regulatory agency
Strong scientific communication and client‑facing capabilities, including presenting scientific expertise, supporting proposals, and strengthening external partnerships
English language skills: Full professional proficiency
Work Environment
Remote position based in USA
Occasional national and international travel required, including attendance at sponsor meetings, investigator meetings, and relevant scientific or industry conferences.
Physical Requirements
Frequently stationary for 6-8 hours per day.
Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Occasional crouching, stooping, with frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck.
Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf.
Light to moderate lifting and carrying (or otherwise moves) objects including luggage and laptop computer with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs.
Regular and consistent attendance.
Varied hours may be required.
Pay Range: USD $240,000-$340,000
Benefits: All job offers will be based on a candidate’s skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. Regular, full-time or part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(K), Paid time off (PTO) or Flexible time off (FTO), Company bonus where applicable.
Application Deadline: 10/01/26
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Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.
Fortrea is a leading global contract research organization (CRO) specializing in clinical development solutions for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies. With over 19,000 employees operating in more than 90 countries, Fortrea provides comprehensive services across clinical development, patient access, and technology spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas. The company serves over 90% of the world's top 20 pharmaceutical companies, helping to advance drug and medical device development globally. Fortrea combines decades of experience in clinical development with a commitment to scientific precision and innovation.
