Junior Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

The junior clinical research associates (CRAs) are accountable for the completion of clinical research as well as administrative tasks in their organizations. They are responsible for providing documentation for clinical research, as well. Junior CRAs supervise clinical tasks to ensure proper performance and completeness, analyze the results of clinical studies, and write reports based on their findings. In addition junior CRAs interact with patients, work with other professionals in the field and monitor the functioning of equipment and ensure that they provide the essential maintenance and cleaning equipment when it is not being used. They collect documentation when needed and oversee distribution of inventory, and use computers for data processing and report generation. Other tasks include analyzing the content of articles as well as performing analyses and extraction of data. In all their tasks junior CRAs must adhere to strict federal and laboratory safety rules, and keep their confidentiality intact and adhere to the standard operating procedures. They must also be able to report their progress to the chief of clinical research within their department.

A bachelor's degree in a similar area is usually the minimum prerequisite for this job; however, further education is sometimes desired or required. Experience in similar roles is a must. Junior CRAs must be well-organized and capable of prioritizing research goals. They should have excellent multitasking and communications skills. They should be able to work on their own with no supervision.

As a Junior Clinical Research Associate (CRA) with 0-3 years of experience in India, the following are the main responsibilities:

• Create, maintain, and review study documents such as protocols, informed consent forms, and case report forms (CRFs).
• Conduct monitoring visits, site initiation visits, and close-out visits to ensure compliance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and applicable regulations.
• Collect and manage clinical trial data, including source document verification, data entry, and query resolution.
• Assist in preparing and submitting regulatory documents, such as ethics committee submissions and regulatory authority notifications.

Major educational qualifications required for Junior Clinical Research Associate (CRA) are:

• For a job at entry level for clinical research, you must have at least an undergraduate level education in the fields of life sciences, nursing biotech, medical sciences or biotech.
• You must also have a certificate or diploma for clinical research obtained from a recognized institute.
• It is recommended to obtain an advanced degree since it will make you eligible for higher-paying positions at the senior level.

Alternative job roles available for a Junior Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is:

• Senior Clinical Research Associate (CRA): As a Senior CRA, you will take on more responsibility, overseeing and coordinating clinical trials, conducting site visits, and ensuring adherence to protocols and regulations.

The role of Junior Clinical Research Associate (CRA) in India is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years. the demand for CRAs in the Indian market is projected to increase significantly. Additionally, a 10-year analysis indicates a positive trend in the job role, with a steady rise in employment opportunities. The increasing number of clinical trials being conducted in India and the country's growing importance in the global pharmaceutical industry contribute to this growth. Overall, the future looks promising for individuals seeking to pursue a career as a Junior CRA in India.