We recruit for Clinical Research jobs for top global CROs, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across the UK and Europe. Placing candidates into roles at all levels, including Clinical Research Associates, Nurse Advisors and Clinical Study Managers.
Find out more about a career in Clinical Research below, take a look at our jobs or speak with our specialist consultant Nicky Cura for an informal chat: 01625 541 047 / nicky@carrotpharma.co.uk
Clinical Research refers to all research and testing processes carried out on humans to determine the safety and effectiveness of treatments intended for human use. Clinical Research improves the knowledge of diseases, developing diagnostic methods and new treatments or medical devices to ensure better patient care.
Clinical Operations refers to the team or department that is responsible for the delivery of the clinical trials. It is their task to design, plan and physically run the four phases.
Pharmaceutical companies may conduct these clinical trials on site, or they may have an agreed partnership with an external Contract Research Organisation (CRO), who will conduct the trials on their behalf.
If you would like to find out more about our current Clinical Research and Clinical Operations opportunities, contact our team on 01625 541 047 or via nicky@carrotpharma.co.uk.
Clinical Research roles most commonly operate within pharmaceutical companies or contract research organisations (conducting clinical research on behalf of pharmaceutical companies). They can also work closely with hospital departments focussing on collecting information about drugs.
If you have a background within life sciences then a career in Clinical Research/Operations could be an exciting and rewarding opportunity for you. You’ll be working on one of the most important aspects of the drug development cycle and such responsibilities typically come with an excellent pay package.
Working within Clinical Operations opens the door for a career across the whole breadth of the clinical research network. Working within clinical trials means you’ll meet a whole host of industry experts, which could result in opportunities for you further down the line.
Starting in a junior level role, you’ll most likely find yourself quickly moving up the ranks until you reach Clinical Director / Clinical Operations Lead level. Here, you’ll be responsible for the overall running of a trial.
To get a job as clinical research associate you will be required to have an undergraduate degree and/or postgraduate qualification in medical sciences, life sciences or nursing. Relevant subjects include:
Although a PhD isn’t always necessary to attaining a job in Clinical research, it can sometimes be advantageous and employers may view this as relevant work experience and you may able to progress into higher paying roles quicker. Starting salaries for Clinical Research Associates, for example, tend to range between £25,000 and £30,000 PA. After a few years of experience, Senior Clinical Research Associates can earn upwards of £35,000 to £50,000 plus.
In terms of experience, other than a PhD, it can be beneficial to have undertaken some work within a hospital, pharmaceutical company or CRO during university through a year in industry or short/summer placement. Without this, though, it is possible to get into a lower level role and progress further.
Find out more about how to progress your Clinical Operations career here.
