Clinical Research Associate Job Description

A Clinical Research Associate

A clinical research associate is responsible for organizing and overseeing clinical studies to contribute to the medical community. Their duties include contacting individuals to participate in trials, reviewing medical histories of each participant before approval and writing reports to determine the overall success of a new drug, procedure or medical device. Clinical Research associates work for research facilities and agencies to coordinate clinical trials.

They work with other clinical research professionals to test new drugs, procedures and biotechnology that could benefit modern medical practices and patient ailments. They are supposed to analyze the potential risks of the trial and consult with other professionals to come up with a safety protocol. A clinical research associate needs experience to prove their expertise.

A clinical research associate should have a lot of experience in clinical data work, clinical laboratory work, nursing, academic or pharmaceutical research. They may have experience working as clinical trials administrators. A clinical research associate should have experience with medical research software.

Clinical Research Associate and Clinical Research Coordinators have different responsibilities and are more senior in their positions. The process of reviewing applications for clinical trials is overseen by Clinical Research Co-ordinations who have the authority to approve or deny applicants based on their qualifications. They set ethical standards for the trial to promote safety.

Clinical Research associates help the coordinators look through applications and contact qualified applicants to confirm their availability. During the trial, associates record participants reactions to drugs and help the trial team conduct on-site tests to add to the reports later on. A Clinical Research Associate checks their email and voicemail to make sure they get responses from approved participants for upcoming trials.

The Role of Clinical Research Associates in Clinical Trials

A clinical research associate works at both clinical sites and sponsor locations. The site visits are done to ensure proper progress and record keeping on the part of the clinical site. The stage of the trial that a CRA is supervising is the most important factor in determining their daily responsibilities.

The breakdown below is a breakdown of the typical responsibilities of a CRA. Every clinical study must be done in a location that is well-equipped. The CRA plays a critical role in selecting a site for a study and may even be asked to suggest sites based on his or her previous experience.

The sites that self-select may be evaluated by the CRAs. A feasibility survey is required to narrow down a pool of potential study sites. The site that has been selected must be set up to conduct the study in a way that is compliant with the sponsor's requirements.

The clinical research associate conducts site visits at regular intervals to ensure that protocols are followed and data is collected. In-person site visits and virtual visits can be conducted by the CRAs. In recent years, the use of remote visit technology has allowed for the review of paperwork online and the reserve of in-person visits for personal interactions.

The study is going on with good clinical practices at all times, and the CRA ensures that. The specific practices are available. Developing and maintaining positive relationships is an essential part of the job.

Postgraduate Research Experience in Pharmaceutical Industry

A postgraduate qualification can be useful when applying for a job. There are a few Masters degree and diploma courses that include clinical research. It is worth checking postgraduate study routes with potential employers if you want to gain entry and promotion to a relevant PhD.

Postgraduate study is usually for people with an upper second class honours degree. Some organizations run training programs to help new graduates get into research. The schemes combine classroom teaching with practical experience.

The employer may offer a full-time post to the trainees after they have completed their training period. Career progression involves moving up to jobs that involve the design and management of trials. Experience can be built up by working for a variety of pharmaceutical companies.

Master's Degree in Clinical Research

Candidates for clinical research associate positions need a bachelor's degree in a health-related field. If you're interested in a position as a clinical research associate, you may want to consider degrees in biological sciences, health sciences, medical technology, life science or clinical research. Employers prefer people with experience in the field of clinical research to be their entry-level candidates.

If you want to get experience, look for part-time jobs in a laboratory or internship. You can find fellowships that are looking for help with research. If you think you want to be a supervisor, you should consider a master's degree.