Affiliate Clinical Consultant

Overview:

An Affiliate Clinical Consultant in FDA Regulatory & Product Development Consulting serves as an expert advisor for organizations, government institutions and NGOs involved in the development, testing, and approval of healthcare products (such as drugs, biologics, or medical devices). This affiliate role focuses on ensuring that clinical trials, product development, and regulatory processes align with FDA guidelines, industry standards, and best practices. The consultant provides strategic advice and technical expertise to help navigate the regulatory landscape and streamline product approval processes. Applicants must be able to provide high-quality clinical, scientific, and regulatory support to biologics, drugs and device manufacturers, government and non-government organizations, and academic investigators at all stages of clinical development.  

Responsibilities:

1. Regulatory Strategy and Guidance:
   • Advise on the regulatory requirements for product development, ensuring alignment with FDA guidelines and policies.
   • Guide organizations in preparing regulatory submissions to the FDA, including Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, New Drug Applications (NDA), 510(k) submissions for medical devices, and Biologics License Applications (BLA).
   • Provide expertise in the meeting of FDA regulatory expectations at all stages (Phase 1 – 3) of a products Clinical development, including the  FDA approval process.
   • Advise on potentially available regulatory pathways to expedite a client’s route to approval (accelerated approval, fast-track and breakthrough therapy designation, etc.)
2. Clinical Trials Design, Implementation and Analysis:
   • Collaborate with clinical teams to design and implement clinical trials that meet FDA requirements for safety, efficacy, and data integrity. Advise clients on potential uses of adaptive trial designs to improve efficiency of clinical trials.
   • Provide input on trial protocol content, safety considerations, statistical methods of data analysis, and “approvable” endpoints to ensure trials align with regulatory standards.
   • Advise on the development of clinical trial documentation, including informed consent forms, patient recruitment strategies, and trial monitoring procedures.
3. Product Development and Innovation:
   • Work with cross-functional teams to help integrate clinical insights into the product development process, from initial concept through commercialization.
   • Provide feedback on product labeling, packaging, and claims to ensure compliance with FDA regulations.
   • Advise on the development of risk management strategies, including post-market surveillance and reporting of adverse events.
4. FDA Inspection Preparation and Audits:
   • Support companies in preparing for FDA inspections and audits, including the preparation of required documentation and ensuring that clinical data is in compliance.
   • Assist in responding to FDA observations, questions, and requests for additional data during the approval process.
   • Help ensure that the company’s Quality Management Systems (QMS) and clinical operations meet FDA’s Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
5. Regulatory Submissions and Reports:
   • Help prepare and review key regulatory documents required for progress in product development up to and including product approval, including INDs, clinical study reports, annual reports, Type A - D Meeting Information Packages and NDA/BLAs.
   • Ensure all submissions are accurate, complete, and submitted within required timeframes.
6. Clinical Data Analysis and Interpretation:
   • Advise on the interpretation and presentation of clinical trial data to demonstrate product efficacy and safety.
   • Assist in the development of clinical sections of regulatory submissions, ensuring data is presented in a way that aligns with FDA expectations.
7. Risk Management and Compliance:
   • Provide guidance on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and product development.
   • Advise on FDA-compliant strategies for adverse event reporting, labeling, and post-market monitoring.
8. Training and Education:
   • Educate internal teams (such as clinical researchers, regulatory affairs professionals, and product managers) on FDA requirements, regulatory changes, and industry best practices.
   • Develop training materials on navigating FDA regulations, clinical trial designs, and the approval process.
9. Ongoing Regulatory Monitoring:
   • Keep clients updated on changes in FDA regulations, guidance documents, and industry standards.
   • Advise on the implications of new FDA policies and help clients adapt their product development strategies accordingly.

Qualifications:

• Education: A clinical background (e.g., MD, DO, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent) is required, along with advanced knowledge in regulatory affairs, clinical research, or related fields.
• Experience: At least 10 years of experience in clinical practice or clinical trials, with a deep understanding of FDA regulatory processes, clinical trial design, and product development.
• FDA Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of FDA regulations, guidelines (including GxP, GCP, GLP), and submission processes. Support includes the preparation, review and management of CBER, CDER and CDRH regulatory applications.
• Consulting Experience: Prior experience providing consulting services in FDA regulatory affairs, clinical trials, or product development is highly beneficial.

Desired Skills:

• Regulatory Expertise: Expertise in FDA product approval pathways (drugs, biologics, medical devices).
• Clinical Trial Design: Ability to design and evaluate clinical trials, including trial protocols, endpoints, and data collection strategies.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for preparing regulatory documents and presenting information to clients.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage timelines, resources, and cross-functional teams.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex regulatory and clinical development issues.
• Risk Management: Expertise in developing and implementing risk management plans for clinical trials and product development.

Work Environment:

• This is a contract role, offering flexible scheduling and remote work opportunities.
• The affiliate may work across various companies or with a specific client, depending on the contract terms.
• Occasional travel may be required for in-person consultations, audits, or inspections.

Compensation:

• Compensation is hourly, with rates depending on expertise and experience. This can vary based on the complexity of the product or regulatory challenge.

Specialties:

We are seeking clinicians / clinical scientists in various specialties. Please see a list of medical disciplines of interest below.

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Immunology
• Oncology
• Orthopedic
• Gastroenterology
• Genetics
• Endocrinology
• Rare Diseases
• Pediatrics
• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology