Clinical research careers contribute to the development of safe and effective treatments and therapies for patients. The responsibilities may vary based on the organization, therapeutic area, and specific study requirements, but they all share the common goal of advancing medical science and improving healthcare outcomes.
Progressing in clinical research jobs involves a combination of experience, education, certifications, and networking. All of these are fairly essential for career growth, although the specific path and opportunities may vary depending on your interests, the organization you work for, and the area you specialize in.
In this guide, we explore some of the many careers in clinical research, from entering the profession to potential progression opportunities.
Clinical research career paths
Clinical research careers can follow a range of routes. Here are ten clinical research jobs you can go into, along with their responsibilities.
1. Clinical research coordinator (CRC) An entry-level role, CRCs assist with patient recruitment, obtaining informed consent, data collection, and ensuring protocol adherence. They coordinate study visits, maintain documentation, and communicate with investigators.
2. Clinical research associate (CRA) Entry-level clinical research associate jobs involve monitoring clinical trial sites, verifying data, ensuring regulatory compliance and study protocols, and assessing the safety and wellbeing of study subjects.
3. Clinical trial manager Clinical trial managers oversee all operations of a clinical trial, from study initiation to close-out. They manage budgets, timelines, and teams of CRAs, ensuring that trials are executed successfully.
4. Clinical project manager Clinical project managers manage and oversee multiple trials within a program. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage resources, and ensure that each phase of a project aligns with organizational goals.
5. Regulatory affairs specialist Regulatory affairs specialists are largely responsible for the administrative side of compliance. They compile, submit, and maintain regulatory documents for approval. You’ll have to stay informed on changing regulations and liaise with regulatory agencies, ensuring that all policies are adhered to.
6. Data manager Data managers manage clinical trial data, overseeing data collection, cleaning, and database management. They ensure data quality and see to it that all standards are followed, working closely with biostatisticians.
7. Clinical research scientist Clinical research scientists design study protocols, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. They also write study reports and publish findings in scientific journals.
8. Medical monitor Medical monitors oversee patient and subject safety during the trial, review adverse events, and make recommendations for study adjustments or halts based on medical knowledge.
9. Clinical quality assurance auditor Auditors conduct regular inspections and audits to adhere to regulations and quality standards. They identify non-compliance issues and recommend corrective actions.
10. Clinical research consultant Consultants provide expert guidance on various aspects of clinical research, including study design, regulatory strategies, and data analysis. They work independently or with organizations to solve complex problems.
Clinical research progression opportunities
To advance in clinical research careers, you can further your education by pursuing advanced degrees. These might include a Master’s in Clinical Research or an MBA. You could also obtain certifications relevant to your role, like the Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) or Project Management Professional (PMP).
Networking can also help you to get ahead by building rewarding relationships, connecting with peers and mentors in the industry and learning from more senior professionals. This could involve attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and asking to shadow leaders.
Here’s more detail on clinical research progression, and areas the above ten roles can move into.
1. Senior CRC or Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Clinical research coordinators (CRCs) can progress to a senior CRC or clinical research associate (CRA). Responsibilities include more independent study management, training junior coordinators, and handling complex trials.
2. Senior CRA or clinical trial manager Clinical research associates (CRAs) can progress to a senior CRA or clinical trial manager position. The duties of senior clinical research associate jobs are focused on starting to mentor junior CRAs. Clinical trial managers take on even more responsibility by overseeing an entire team of CRAs.
3. Clinical project manager or senior clinical trial manager Clinical trial managers can progress to clinical project manager roles, which involve managing the entire project portfolio. Senior clinical trial managers then demonstrate their capabilities by handling significantly more complex trials.
4. Director of clinical operations Clinical project managers can look to become directors of clinical operations. Directors play a pivotal role in overseeing the management and execution of clinical research programs within an organization, including teams of project managers and CRAs.
5. Regulatory affairs manager or director Over time, regulatory affairs specialists might be able to take up a manager position, which would involve handling larger portfolios of products. Eventually, you could become a director, overseeing an entire regulatory department.
6. Senior data manager or clinical data scientist Data managers often move into senior roles, which means managing larger datasets. You could then set your sights on becoming a data scientist, specializing in data analysis.
7. Senior research scientist or director of clinical research With experience, clinical research scientists can aim to become senior scientists. You would take on more significant research projects, possibly with the goal of becoming a director. This would mean running an entire research department.
8. Chief medical officer (CMO) Medical monitors can progress to chief medical officers (CMOs), who are responsible for all medical aspects of clinical research within an organization.
9. Senior auditor or quality assurance manager Later in their careers, clinical quality assurance auditors might become senior auditors, overseeing an audit team. You could then take up a quality assurance manager position, managing the entire quality assurance program.
10. Clinical research consultant As a consultant, your options for progression are slightly different. Rather than looking to move into a different role, the goal is usually to build a larger client base and gain expertise in specific therapeutic areas. Your earnings and reputation can then grow as you become an expert in the field.
Progressing your career with R&D Partners clinical research staffing agency
R&D Partners are dedicated to helping you excel in the rewarding field of clinical research. As experienced clinical research job recruiters, we understand that a rewarding career in this industry can shape the future of healthcare, making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Whether you’re looking for entry-level clinical research associate jobs or senior leadership roles, our goal is to provide you with insights, strategies, and guidance to chart your path to success in this ever-evolving industry. As partners to many leading life science organizations on the east and west coast, we can bring you exclusive career opportunities not available anywhere else.
Contact our friendly team to discuss your career options, or browse our current opportunities in clinical research careers.
