(Senior) Director Clinical Operations

ProQR Therapeutics is a NASDAQ-listed biotechnology company headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands with an office in and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

At ProQR, we are on a mission to edit RNA, treat disease and change lives. A team of 180+ enthusiastic ProQRians from all walks of life and more than 30 different nationalities is committed to pioneering transformative RNA therapies to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve.

Our proprietary Axiomer™ RNA editing technology platform enables the editing of specific single nucleotides in RNA using the cells own editing machinery. Axiomer RNA editing technology harnesses ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA), a protein which is present in all human cells, to repair G-to-A mutations, modulate protein, and enable protective mutation functions. Axiomer could potentially yield a new class of innovative medicines and treat currently untreatable diseases. By harnessing the power of RNA editing, we aim to create a world where genetics inform your health - but never limit it.

We are currently looking for a (Senior) Director Clinical Operations (full-time) to build and lead our clinical operations capability. This is a unique opportunity to design and scale the function, challenge conventional thinking, and bring bold, innovative approaches to clinical development trials from our proprietary Axiomer® RNA editing platform.

Location: Leiden (NL).

About the role:

As (Senior) Director Clinical Operations, you will combine strategic leadership with hands-on execution. You will be responsible for designing, building, and leading the clinical operations function, while directly overseeing early-phase clinical trials.

This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment, where priorities may shift and ambiguity is part of the journey. You are comfortable rolling up your sleeves while also stepping back to shape long-term strategy.

You will play a key role in cross-functional teams, contributing to clinical development strategies and ensuring high-quality execution aligned with GCP/ICH and global regulatory standards.

What you will do:

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of clinical trials, including first-in-human studies

• Build and scale the clinical operations function, including team development and resourcing

• Oversee CROs and vendors, ensuring high-quality and efficient trial delivery

• Drive patient-centric trial design and recruitment strategies

• Manage timelines, budgets, risks, and stakeholder communication

• Establish and improve processes, tools, and systems to enhance operational excellence

• Collaborate cross-functionally with regulatory, CMC, and preclinical teams

• Act as a hands-on leader, while shaping the long-term strategic direction of the function

What we are looking for:

Experience

• 10+ years in clinical operations, including early-phase clinical trials

• Strong knowledge of GCP, ICH, and global regulatory requirements

• Experience in biotech environments

• Proven experience managing CROs and external vendors

Leadership & mindset

• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities can shift

• Hands-on and pragmatic, yet able to zoom out and think strategically

• Creative and able to think beyond conventional approaches

• Comfortable exploring new, unpaved territory

• Proactive and solution-oriented

• Balances structure with flexibility in an evolving organization

Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management

• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities

• Ability to prioritize effectively across multiple initiatives

• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

ProQR as an employer

As an employer, we value a diverse workforce in which people are encouraged to develop themselves both personally and professionally. We believe that when people are happy, energized and supported by an environment in which they can thrive, they can achieve extraordinary things.

We are committed to ensuring that no employee, candidate, or job applicant receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status. At ProQR we want to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and contributions in all forms are recognized and valued.

We offer an exciting and innovative working environment in a very committed organization, with the following benefits:

• 8% holiday allowance

• 30 vacation days

• An annual performance bonus

• Stock options

• A premium-free pension plan

• A commuting allowance

• A subsidized staff restaurant

• Unlimited (un)healthy snacks and drinks

• Employee events (boot camp, Coffee and Collaboration Café and other social events)

We are looking for people who are inspired by our mission to edit RNA, treat disease and change lives. Are you up for the challenge?

Submit your application via the Apply button below. Please contact Silvia Catellani via recruitment@proqr.com if you have any questions.

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