Michael Watkins
About Michael Watkins
Michael Watkins serves as the Vice President of Clinical Operations at Brii Biosciences, where he oversees global clinical research organizations and manages various aspects of drug development. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University and has extensive experience in clinical operations, vendor management, and compliance.
Work at Brii Biosciences
Michael Watkins serves as the Vice President of Clinical Operations at Brii Biosciences, a position he has held since 2019. In this role, he provides oversight of global Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and vendors, managing the entire process from identification to contract closure. He aligns asset partners on a global strategy for product development and offers strategic guidance to development teams. His responsibilities include study planning, financial oversight, vendor management, trial and project management, and ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
Education and Expertise
Michael Watkins has a strong educational background in the life sciences. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the same institution. Additionally, he completed a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship in Cardiology and Respiratory Drug Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1999 to 2001. His academic training provides a solid foundation for his expertise in clinical operations and drug development.
Background
Prior to his current role, Michael Watkins worked at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) as the Director of Clinical Development for 18 years, from 2001 to 2019. His tenure at GSK included significant responsibilities in clinical operations, where he managed various aspects of drug development and collaborated with cross-functional teams. His extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry has equipped him with the skills necessary to oversee complex clinical trials and vendor relationships.
Achievements
In his role, Michael Watkins has implemented and operationalized key performance indicators to monitor the performance of clinical trials and CROs. He trains and coaches clinical teams on critical aspects of clinical trial execution and supports resource planning for cross-functional teams and external service providers. His efforts ensure that clinical trial portfolios are executed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory standards.