Clinical Research Associate

Also known as:

Pharmaceutical Trials Scientist
Scientist, Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials Scientist

Introduction

Clinical research associates carry out research on pharmaceutical or chemical products which are new to the market. They set up trials to decide whether products are safe for general use. Trials may take a number of years. They design the trial, recruit participants, supervise the running and interpret the results.

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Work Activities

Clinical research associates work in the pharmaceutical industry. They carry out clinical trials or tests on the effectiveness and safety of new drugs and medicines. Trials take place over a lengthy period - sometimes it can take years before results are clear.

Research associates decide on the size of the study, the methods to be used in collecting and analysing data, and how to report and publicise eventual findings. They also liaise and co-ordinate with research staff, general practitioners, hospital doctors and other medical professionals. In some companies research associates are involved in the whole process while in others they collect the data after the trial has been set up.

In addition to laboratory based research, trials frequently involve the assistance of willing, healthy volunteers and patients. This helps to confirm the results of initial laboratory tests carried out on animals. Research associates are responsible for ensuring that guidelines governing the use of humans or animals in clinical trials are strictly observed.

Statistical methods are used to analyse and evaluate the large amount of data generated by trials. Computers are also used to support research and analysis.

Research associates may specialise in a particular disease area.

Research associates may be required to travel nationally and internationally.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Clinical research associates need high levels of scientific knowledge and an interest in the reaction of diseases to drugs. The management of trials also requires good supervisory and organisational skills. Patience is important, as is the ability to take a long-term view.

You need to be able to think logically and analytically. You also need to be thorough and possess good information management skills. Report writing skills and an eye for detail are also important.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for clinical research associates vary depending on role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Clinical research associates earn around £19,500 a year, rising to £32,000 - £37,500 a year with experience. Higher salaries are possible, depending on employer and responsibilities.

Most clinical research associates work around 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and some weekend work may be required.

Employers are pharmaceutical companies, health research institutions and universities. There are also contract research organisations, which sometimes employ clinical research associates on a freelance or part-time basis.

Vacancies are posted on the "New Scientist" website and journal and elsewhere.

A high proportion of jobs are based abroad. Knowledge of a foreign language can be useful.

There is a trend towards working at home and travelling to trial centres.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a relevant degree, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

Some employers sponsor adults on MSc postgraduate courses.

• 1% of people in occupations such as clinical research associate are self-employed.
• 9% work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.

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