We can't lie, it's pretty hard to move into a clinical research job without experience, but there are a few things that the most determined people should definitely try.  

Join the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR)

For over 30 years, the ICR has provided high quality training, networking and support to the clinical research community. It's a not-for-profit organisation, guided by a Board of Directors who are elected by the membership, and has become the largest professional research body in Europe and India. You're kept up to speed with the latest news and developments, receive discounted rates for training courses and conferences, as well as networking opportunities, discounted professional indemnity insurance and publications and ebooks.

The Institute's programme of learning activities are designed to be relevant to all aspects of clinical research, and includes open and in-house courses, as well as online e-Learning training. They run all sorts of courses for people who want to move into clinical research and completing one shows that you're determined and focused enough to join the industry.

Shadow a Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

Offer to shadow a CRA on a voluntary basis for a few months. If you don't have contacts in the industry finding someone who's willing to be shadowed will certainly be more challenging, but not impossible. Use your network - get out there and speak to people; if you don't have a network, then build one - demonstrate how resourceful you can be.

Be flexible

To begin with you must be prepared to work for a low salary and even change location. The market's so competitive, a change of location may be necessary to secure the job you want, even if it's only for a year or so.

Follow your application up

There's a chance to recover a poor application or mediocre CV with a follow up phone call. It's also an opportunity to showcase your fantastic communication skills and personality, and really get your recruiter excited about you.

To help give you an idea of the sort of thing a Clinical Research Associate does, we've asked one of our associates, a Principle CRA, to describe her average day, to help you decide whether or not this job's for you. 

A Day in the Life of a Principle Clinical Research Associate

8am

On my way to London to train and monitor a new Study Site Coordinator (SSC) and Sub Investigator (SI). It's up to me to make sure that study continues as usual

10am

Pick up food and drink supplies in preparation for the day ahead. I meet with the new SSC and wait whilst a patient for another study was seen, filed away notes, checked my emails and check the last report for ongoing issues.

11am

The new SI joins us and I watch whilst they enter two patients' visits to make sure everything's ok. I teach them to answer queries and change data. I monitor at the same time and review the schedule of events for the next exit visit.

11.45am

Monitored the hospital pharmacy.

12.15am

Back down to the monitoring room to help the new guys.

13.00pm

A bit of spare time so I review data entry status and queries at other sites in the same study and respond to emails.

14.00pm

Together with the new guys we review the site file, protocol, adverse events, patient compliance and drug returns.

14.30-16.30

Travelling back home, checking emails and making phone calls.

16.30-18.00pm

Arrive home and write my report for the day.

If you'd like to talk through anything here in more detail, we're happy to help. Call the clinical team on 01628 581 240 for a proper chat.