Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate Director Clinical Trials

at BioNTech

ðŸĒ About BioNTech

BioNTech is a pioneering biotechnology company that gained global recognition for developing the first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with Pfizer. The company is at the forefront of individualized cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines, offering a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge mRNA technology. Working at BioNTech means contributing to revolutionary medical breakthroughs in a fast-paced, innovative German biotech environment.

About This Role

As Associate Director Clinical Trials at BioNTech, you would lead and oversee clinical trial operations for oncology or infectious disease programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and driving trial execution. This role is impactful because you'd directly contribute to advancing novel mRNA therapies from research to patients, managing cross-functional teams and strategic trial planning in a company known for rapid clinical development.

ðŸ’Ą A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing clinical trial data and safety reports from ongoing oncology studies, leading cross-functional meetings with medical, regulatory, and data management teams to address trial issues, and strategizing with CRO partners on site performance and patient recruitment. You'd likely spend time preparing for health authority interactions and ensuring trial documentation meets BioNTech's rigorous standards for innovative therapy development.

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Interview Prep

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ðŸŽŊ Who BioNTech Is Looking For

  • 8+ years of clinical operations experience in oncology or infectious disease trials, preferably with Phase II/III trial leadership in a biotech/pharma setting
  • Proven track record managing complex global clinical trials with strong knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, and EU/US regulatory requirements
  • Experience with mRNA-based therapies or innovative biotechnologies, with ability to adapt to BioNTech's fast-paced development environment
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing CROs and cross-functional teams in a matrix organization, ideally in a German or European context

📝 Tips for Applying to BioNTech

1

Highlight specific experience with mRNA technology, individualized therapies, or oncology/infectious disease trials - BioNTech values technical expertise in these areas

2

Emphasize any experience with rapid clinical development timelines similar to BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine program approach

3

Demonstrate knowledge of German/European regulatory environment and experience working with EU health authorities

4

Showcase experience with innovative trial designs (adaptive, platform, or biomarker-driven trials) relevant to BioNTech's pipeline

5

Quantify your impact on previous trials (e.g., 'reduced trial timelines by X%', 'managed budget of ₮Y', 'oversaw Z investigational sites')

✉ïļ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with clinical trial management in oncology or infectious diseases, particularly any mRNA or novel technology experience', 'Examples of successfully leading trials through regulatory submissions in Europe, especially Germany/EMA interactions', "How you've managed complex, fast-paced clinical programs and adapted to changing priorities in biotech environments", 'Your leadership approach in matrix organizations and experience collaborating with R&D teams on innovative therapies']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → BioNTech's current clinical pipeline beyond COVID-19 vaccines, focusing on their oncology programs and individualized neoantigen therapies
  • → The company's partnerships (particularly with Pfizer) and how they structure clinical development collaborations
  • → Recent publications or presentations about BioNTech's clinical trial designs and regulatory strategy
  • → German/European clinical trial regulations and how they differ from other regions, especially for innovative therapies

💎 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience managing a clinical trial from protocol development through to regulatory submission in Europe
2 How would you handle a major protocol amendment in an ongoing oncology trial while maintaining timelines?
3 What's your approach to managing relationships with CROs and investigators in a global trial setting?
4 How familiar are you with mRNA technology and its unique clinical development considerations?
5 Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced biotech environment
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⚠ïļ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only traditional pharmaceutical experience without demonstrating adaptability to biotech's faster pace and innovation focus
  • Failing to show specific knowledge of mRNA technology or BioNTech's unique approach to individualized therapies
  • Presenting generic clinical operations experience without highlighting oncology/infectious disease specialization relevant to BioNTech's pipeline

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to BioNTech!

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