Education
Most clinical research associate jobs require at least a Bachelor of Sciences or Arts degree with a major in inorganic science or life science fields. Some programs will accept Associates and Bachelors degrees in Nursing or a related medical field.
Experience
Experience collecting and managing data, understanding laboratory experiment procedures, safety practices, and the ability to work unsupervised or in a supervised position is often necessary when filling jobs in clinical research. Depending on the agency or state you are applying to, clinical research associate jobs may require your holding credentials recognized by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Additional Requirements
Specialized jobs in clinical research settings may include additional requirements for biotechnical components, experimental design, data analysis, and computer programs education and/or experience. With clinical research associate jobs, the qualified applicant would need to understand FDA rules and regulations for experimental trial and drug development design.
Responsibilities
Jobs in clinical research involve all aspects of data collection, analysis and development of research findings. Clinical research associate jobs serve as the go between for the clinical scientists and the projects that they work on. The research associate manages the daily operation of each project and provides assistance for the team.
Jobs in clinical research are invaluable in helping develop the research process and clinical research associate jobs demand aspect knowledge of biology, chemistry, and other life sciences.
In pharmaceutical trials, the clinical research associate is the team leader. In clinical research jobs, associates are responsible for managing the experiment as well as the staff.
Where to apply
Private companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and universities employ clinical research associates as project managers and developers.
Certification
Sponsors prefer certified professionals working on their clinical trials. Specifically, employers focus on Certified Clinical Research Associates (CRA). The majority of the clinical trial’s success is based on the CRA’s monitoring ability. A poor monitoring job can cost significant financial loss and a costly delay in getting the product to market. It is especially helpful to hold a certification if you do not have years of on the job training to offer. A certification is an advantage for receiving a higher salary.
The principle role of the Certified Clinical Research Associate is to monitor the progress of a clinical trial from start to finish. Monitoring is more than making certain protocol is followed. Clinical research jobs are for making sure regulations are strictly adhered to. Whether it is local, state, federal, or international standards, a respected clinical research associate is familiar with applicable guidelines and laws. This action protects the company’s reputation and the trial’s results if questioned.
Many organizations offer seminars to prepare you for certification. Several of these have local affiliates where you can attend seminars locally and network with colleagues. A Certified Clinical Research Professional exam applies to everyone applying in the clinical research profession. For example, you could apply for an administrative associate position with a held certificate. An administrative associate assists with regulatory tasks and/or documentation. Networking with colleague’s can help when learning what is expected in clinical research jobs.
Most organizations require a certain number of years training and experience before you can take the certification exam. You might also be asked to provide letters of recommendation before taking the exam. All organizations request proof of your training and experience in the clinical research field. The tests are conveniently scheduled several times throughout the year in certifying for jobs in clinical research.
Guidelines
To help you on your job search, you will need to know the applicable 21 Code of Federal Regulations and the ICH Guidelines. After you study the Good Clinical Practice guidelines and regulations, you need take a practice test to assess your progress. After further study of any areas you did not score well on in the practice test, you should be ready to pass the exam and become a Certified Clinical Research Associate. Clinical research jobs are usually open as in-house personnel or on a contract basis.
Conclusion
Clinical research jobs benefit humanity through trials for improved treatment and possible cures of devastating illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. A recent survey of American workers found that greater fulfillment comes with the ability to assist others enjoy a longer and quality life. Of those surveyed, 86 percent reported being content with their jobs when they felt their work made a difference. Other points discovered to take into account as you search job opportunities in clinical research jobs:
* People with post-graduate report more fulfilment at work than those with less educational experience.
* Full-time workers find more job satisfaction than part-time workers do.
According to results of the research, professional jobs that involve helping people are more rewarding and workers are overall happier than those in other professions are. For more information on finding jobs in clinical research and related topics go to www.clinicalresearchcrossing.com.
