Director, Clinical Projects

At Alcon we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly champion progress and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here youll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse talented people to join Alcon. As a Director Clinical Projects you will serve as a scientific and strategic leader within the Clinical Research & Development Center of Excellence (CoE) driving innovation and excellence in vision science optometry/ophthalmology to advance the companys pipeline. This individual will act as the subject matter expert (SME) and primary point of contact for vision science-related strategy and execution across priority programs intraocular extraocular device technology platforms surgical diagnostics serving as a bridge between foundational optics/basic science research and clinical implementation. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in visual performance science optics and translational research with strong leadership and collaboration skills. They will play a pivotal role in shaping clinical development strategies defining novel endpoints and translating bench-based innovations into clinically meaningful outcomes that drive product differentiation and patient impact across the various technology platforms in Alcon R&D.

This position would be on-site in Fort Worth Texas (or Johns Creek Ga and Lake Forest CA) and a typical day would include:

• Serve as the primary vision science SME supporting top-priority projects and core development teams within Clinical R&D.
• Provide expert input on study design endpoint selection and data interpretation to ensure clinical programs reflect the latest scientific understanding of vision performance and optical function.
• Stay abreast of emerging research and technologies in vision science maintaining a thought-leadership position in the field.
• Lead cross-functional workstreams as needed that integrate clinical preclinical regulatory and technical teams to achieve key program milestones and deliverables related to vision science.
• Partner closely with program leads biostatistics regulatory affairs and product development teams to ensure the scientific integrity and translational relevance of all clinical activities.
• Drive alignment between R&D Medical Affairs and Commercial functions on scientific narratives clinical positioning and evidence generation strategy.
• Develop and validate novel clinical endpoints and measures of visual performance that bridge laboratory discoveries with real-world clinical outcomes.
• Champion translational approaches that connect bench optics data to clinically measurable endpoints ensuring meaningful application in clinical trial design.
• Partner with data science and clinical operations to implement innovative methodologies imaging technologies and psychophysical testing paradigms.
• Lead and mentor a team of 23 vision science experts fostering collaboration innovation and professional growth.
• Promote cross-pollination of best practices methodologies and scientific insights across technology platforms including contact lenses intraocular lenses diagnostics and emerging optical systems.
• Build organizational capability in vision science ensuring consistent scientific rigor and strategic alignment across programs.
• Serve as a key liaison between basic optics R&D teams and clinical operational teams ensuring seamless translation of upstream research into clinical execution downstream.
• Translate complex optical and vision performance data into actionable insights that guide clinical study design and product strategy.
• Ensure continuity and communication across early-stage research and late-stage development activities.
• Provide scientific/vision science leadership and technical evaluation for external innovation opportunities including partnerships licensing and acquisition assessments.
• Represent the company at key scientific meetings advisory boards and collaborative forums within the vision science and ophthalmology communities.
• Contribute to due diligence processes offering expert assessments of clinical data endpoints and translational potential of external technologies.

What Youll Bring To Alcon:

• Bachelors Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school 18 yrs; Assoc.14 yrs; M.S.7 yrs; PhD6 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read write understand and communicate in English
• 10 Years of Relevant Experience
• 6 Years of Demonstrated Leadership

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. O.D. M.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Vision Science Ophthalmology Optics Biomedical Engineering or related field.
• Proven experience translating preclinical or bench-based findings into clinical applications or endpoints.

How You Can Thrive at Alcon:

• Join Alcons mission to provide outstanding innovative products and solutions to improve sight improve lives and grow your career!
• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health life retirement flexible time off and much more!
• Travel Requirements: up to 10%
• Relocation - Yes
• Sponsorship - Yes

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Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment hiring training promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race color religion gender national origin age sexual orientation gender identity marital or veteran status disability or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position please send an email to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.