Job Description

The Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Trainee will participate in a structured training program within Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO) Portugal, aimed at developing core competencies in clinical trial site management, monitoring support, and clinical operations.

Under close supervision of the CRA Manager and assigned experienced CRAs, the CRA Trainee will support clinical trial activities in compliance with ICH‑GCP, local regulatory requirements, policies and procedures, and study‑specific documents.

This role is designed to provide hands‑on exposure to the operational execution of clinical trials, preparing the trainee for a future CRA role.

Key Responsibilities:

Support CRAs in on-site and remote monitoring activities, including validation, initiation, ongoing and trial close-out activities, in accordance with ICH‑GCP, the company procedures and Local laws and regulations.

Learning & Development

Actively engage in on‑the‑job training to build knowledge of clinical trial phases, monitoring processes, regulatory and operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Biology, or related field (preferred)

Skills & Knowledge

• Basic understanding of:

  • Clinical research and clinical trial phases

  • ICH‑GCP and applicable clinical research guidelines (preferred)

• Strong IT skills, including:

  • Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

o Ability to adapt to clinical IT systems and use of AI tools.

Languages

• Fluent in Portuguese

• Fluent in English (verbal and written)

Behavioral Competencies

• Positive and growth‑oriented mindset

• Proactive and solution‑oriented approach

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Goal‑oriented and well‑organized

Ability to work effectively in a team‑based environment.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel domestically approximately 30–40% of working time, as required for training and site support.

Required Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Biological Sciences, Clinical Research, Clinical Site Management, Clinical Trials, Data Analytics, Database Management, Data Entry, Data Visualization, Document Management, Health Economics, Immunochemistry, Medical Care, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Neurology, Office Applications, Pharmacology, Process Improvements, Project Management, Reporting and Analysis, Technical Support, Technical Training, Workload Prioritization

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

04/7/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.