Clinical Researcher Career Information
Clinical research is a scientific research that examines the efficiency, effects, risks and benefits of medicinal products. These studies are carried out before the medicines are released in the market. These clinical trials are done at various stages and studies are conducted after the launch of a new medicine so as to ensure safety during large-scale use.
What a Clinical Researcher does
The job of a clinical research associate involves monitoring the administration and progress of a clinical trial on a sponsor’s behalf. As a clinical researcher, you will work for the investigator or a company or an educational institute. You will handle most of the administrative responsibilities of a clinical test and review all the necessary records and data related to the medical products. You can join as a research nurse, trial coordinator, clinical coordinator etc.
The various duties of a clinical researcher associate (the most common entry-level position) are as follows:
• They participate in the implementation, design and monitoring of clinical tests
• They take the responsibility of planning and executing the activities required for performing complex clinical tests and guarantee that standard clinical trials are followed
• They are also involved in the preparation of technical journals, presentations and manuscripts of scientific meetings
• They also study issues related to mental health and wellness
• They are concerned with policies related to service delivery
• It is very important to mention that clinical research is a combination of pharmaceutical practices and research on one hand and medical practice on the other
Job Opportunities:
Pharmaceutical industry, medical writing, clinical research business development, clinical operations, data management, clinical trial auditing etc are some of the field and organizations where clinical research professionals are required.
At present, clinical researchers are much in demand due to the various developments in the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, India is the 2nd largest pharmaceutical market in Asia. Clinical research in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and contract research organizations are always on the lookout for clinical researchers to help study new drugs and equipment. These organizations offer funds to physicians and organizations, which more than cover the cost of conducting the clinical studies. Besides monetary incentives, physicians take part in clinical studies so that they can publish their research studies and become popular in their field.
Career Prospects:
You will be recruited as a clinical research associate and as per your performance and experience; you can climb the professional ladder.
Pursuing a PhD program in clinical research can be the right choice for those who are interested in achieving higher academic ranks and interested in doing serious researches. It is important to note that International Biopharmaceutical Association (IBPA) newsletters deliver up to date information on upcoming events in the biopharmaceutical industry around the world.
Abilities & Traits Required
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Coordination
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Time Management
Qualifications
You need to hold a BSc degree to become a clinical researcher. This particular industry requires science graduates from medicine, biosciences and pharmacy. Certain branches of biosciences like botany, zoology, biochemistry and genetics are best suited for a career in clinical research.
Almost all institutes that offer training in clinical research conduct programs like diploma and post-graduation. Only a few institutes offer PhD programs in clinical research.
There are many clinical research institutes in India. However, it is suggested that you choose the one that is sponsored by the pharmaceutical organizations.
Salary
3 lakhs or more per annum is the average salary for a fresher in this field. However, if you are a master’s degree holder, you can expect double the amount mentioned.