The FDA is constantly testing drugs and drug interactions. Clinical Researchers work hard to test drugs and the interactions that could have potentially damaging side effects. When news comes out that a drug might be harmful, that news can be traced back to the investigation pertaining to a clinical trial.
Medical journals print new information every day. The people providing this research and information are Clinical Researchers.
What is a person with a Clinical Researcher’s Job Responsibilities?
A Clinical Researcher is the person who outlines, supervises and follows through with medical clinical trials. They prepare medical reports. They write and manage protocols, case reports and consent forms for clinical trials. Clinical Researchers recruit people to participate in their clinical trials. They make sure that good clinical practice guidelines are being followed. Clinical Researchers are involved before the study, during the study and post-study. They keep an eye on subjects to make sure the rules are being followed. They deal with any issues that may arise during the study. Clinical Researchers prepare their information and findings to be presented to technical and medical journals.
Who are the people in Clinical Research jobs?
Clinical Researchers are problem solvers. They are people who want to make a difference in the world with they work that they do. Clinical Researchers are good with people, as they may work with subjects in their clinical trials on a daily basis. They are well spoken, well written and keep their interactions professional. They are up to date and well versed in current requirements by the medical field.
What Education and Skills are needed to get a Clinical Research Job?
A Mid-level Clinical Research position calls for a Bachelor’s of Science in a course of study related to science or health care (for example, nursing, physician’s assistant, biology, etcetera). They need to have 2-4 years experience monitoring clinical studies and working in the field.
Higher-level Clinical Research positions call for a Bachelor’s of Science in a course of study related to science or health care and 5-10 years experience in a field relating to the pharmaceutical or medical device industry. They need to have applicable experience relating to Clinical Research work.
For a job in Clinical Research, familiarity of FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requirements is preferred.
Who do people with Clinical Research jobs work for?
Clinical researchers may be employed by big companies, such as a hospital. For example, the University of Utah Hospital houses the Huntsman Cancer Institute, which is a hospital intertwined with a cancer research facility.
Clinical Researchers may work for a smaller company that specifies in certain types of clinical research, such as wisdom teeth extraction, pregnancy issues or cancer. The topics of clinical research are vast, which makes for the opportunity to have many different kinds of experiences within the field of work.
Are there any Specializations to have a Clinical Research job?
Because some research clinics are tapered in their field of research, extra training or study may be required to work in narrowly defined research areas.
What Environment do people with Clinical Research jobs work in?
As Clinical Researchers work as part of the medical field, it is important that they work in a clean and sterile environment.
What is the Potential Pay for someone with a Clinical Research job?
A Clinical Researcher has the potential to earn $39,000 - $62,000 a year. A Clinical Research Manager has the potential to make $65,000 - $11,000 a year. There are many factors that come into play, such as location and region of the job, company size, industry, company’s annual revenue, sales and profit and the person’s own background and experience.
