Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

Clinical research associates (CRA) are accountable to assist in the process of conducting clinical research, offering advanced technical assistance in areas such as handling equipment, ordering tests, and presenting results, specific research data to the general public, and various administrative tasks. CRAs must adhere to strict safety and privacy regulations to avoid problems with their subjects and ethical concerns They must also organize themselves and give careful attention to the finer points when conducting research using investigative techniques in healthcare or clinical settings.

Communication skills are essential for this job to build strong relationships with business partners and multitasking abilities are essential to complete documents and maintain research records to be able to refer back later. They can collaborate with other teams to achieve targets within strict deadlines, however, they should be able to work independently with little supervision. CRAs should be adept with computers to record research data and complete applications, documents, and other data that is required and also Microsoft Office applications to write comprehensive reports based on their research findings. They also make use of electronic communications to collect information.

Research associates in clinical research work within offices or lab environments based on the company, and must be able to stand in a position for extended durations of time. They should be skilled in research and know how to utilize equipment and tools for research and also perform maintenance and cleaning services even when they are not using. High school graduation is needed for this job, and previous experience in the field of clinical research is extremely beneficial. Research certificates are also beneficial.

As a Clinical Research Associate CRA with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

• Conducting site visits and monitoring clinical trials to ensure compliance with protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Managing study documentation, including consent forms, case report forms, and site records.
• Collaborating with investigators, study coordinators, and sponsors to ensure smooth study execution and data collection.
• Conducting data review and query resolution to ensure data accuracy and integrity throughout the study.

For a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field such as biology, pharmacology, or clinical research.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the clinical research process, including regulatory guidelines and good clinical practice (GCP) standards.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to meticulously collect, record, and analyze clinical trial data accurately and efficiently.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, investigators, and study participants, ensuring smooth coordination and adherence to protocol requirements.

The role of a Clinical Research Associate CRA in the United Kingdom with 6-9 years of work experience is crucial to ensuring the success of clinical research trials. For professionals in this field looking for alternative career options, here are following roles to consider:

• Clinical Project Manager: A position that involves overseeing and managing multiple clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulations, timelines, and budget.
• Medical Science Liaison MSL: A role that involves building and maintaining relationships with key opinion leaders, providing scientific and medical expertise, and supporting the commercialization of pharmaceutical products.
• Pharmacovigilance Specialist: A position focused on monitoring and evaluating the safety of drugs, managing adverse event reporting, and ensuring compliance with pharmacovigilance regulations.
• Regulatory Affairs Manager: A role that involves ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, preparing and submitting regulatory submissions, and interacting with regulatory authorities.

The job role of a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) in the United Kingdom is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for CRAs has steadily increased due to the expansion of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. This trend is expected to continue, with a positive outlook on the availability of future employment opportunities. According to recent data from Google, the number of job openings for CRAs in the UK is expected to rise in the coming years, reflecting the growing need for professionals in this field.