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Clinical Research Specialist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewClinical research specialists assist in the design, implementation, and monitoring of clinical studies undertake by a variety of different organizations, depending on the objectives of the individual employer.
The clinical researcher has the responsibility of validating product performance when a drug, procedure, or instrument is tested. They are responsible for preparing clinical data reviews and appropriate data summaries. In commercial institutions they are also required to provide customer support to health care professionals and institutions that are the customers.
Senior clinical research specialists are also responsible for overseeing scientific support to resolve issues with products and they are typically responsible for implementing and maintaining the effectiveness of quality systems. They are required to have a working knowledge of regulations and standards that effect medical testing and quality control.
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Career RequirementsThe basic prerequisite for a career as a clinical research specialist is generally a degree in biological sciences, chemical sciences, or nursing. Other qualifications preferred by employers include certification as a clinical research specialist, as either a clinical research associate (CCRA) or as a senior clinical research associate (SCRA), depending on the precise nature of the position and individual experience.
Clinical research specialists must have a thorough knowledge of FDA regulations pertaining to the conduct of clinical studies and they must apply the knowledge in their work. They must also demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of laboratory practices, instrument principles, and scientific and statistical theories, policies, and procedures for conducting clinical research.
Most positions also require excellent communication skills, computer literacy, and ability to work as a team. Clinical research specialists are frequently required to publish, present, or represent the results of research they undertake. For the most part, they present clinical research findings to would-be investors or potential customers, so an ability to make coherent and compelling presentations is also beneficial.
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Job OutlookHealth care facilities will be looking to cut back on general costs. At the same time, they are constantly looking for cost-effective treatment options and diagnostic procedures to facilitate positive patient outcomes.
The future looks bright for clinical research specialists because the work that they do, testing drugs and researching diagnostic and treatment outcomes, is crucially important to the modern healthcare system. The work is likely to remain crucial and thus the job security of clinical research specialists is high.
Nearly one out of every eight Americans is over 65 years of age and the size of the elderly population looks set to double by 2050, according to the US Census Bureau. As consumers of drugs, the over 65 create an enormous market and clinical researchers may expect to play some role therein.
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Career TrackClinical research specialists usually enter the field as associates, operating under the supervision of senior associates and clinical research directors. Advancement, with appropriate training, experience, and demonstration of skills, can lead to managerial positions.
The chosen track of a clinical research may divide between academic research or commercial research.
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CompensationMost clinical research specialists, associates, and senior associates, earn salaries between approximately $45,000 per year and $70,000 per year. Standard benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, paid vacations, sick leave coverage, tuition reimbursement, and pension plans.
Positions are typically full-time, amounting to approximately forty-hours a week.
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