| Clinical Research is an expanding area of work which | | | | Candidates wishing to take on this role must be |
| is gradually generating more and more interest. | | | | prepared to work longer hours when required, |
| Fortunately, this means that there are more | | | | especially when conducting field research. There may |
| opportunities in the field and this is really good news | | | | be a substantial amount of travelling involved to |
| for anyone wishing to pursue a career in this | | | | conduct research with doctors, hospitals and GP |
| particular area. | | | | practices around the country. |
| One of the advantages of this role is that it is varied | | | | In order to enter this profession it is useful to have a |
| and provides a fair amount of interesting | | | | degree in any of the following subjects: Biology, |
| opportunities. A clinical researcher can take on wide | | | | Chemistry, Nursing, Immunology, Pharmacology, |
| range of vacancies and jobs. This is because clinical | | | | dentistry and Medicine. Most clinical research roles ask |
| researchers are sometimes involved in every stage | | | | for knowledge and experience throughout all |
| of a clinical trial. | | | | therapeutic sectors. |
| Some of the typical tasks a clinical research may | | | | Aspiring clinical researchers must be flexible in their |
| take part in include things like protocol writing, | | | | approach to work. This is because they need to be |
| development planning, site selection and | | | | prepared to fill both field and office based roles which |
| management, project management, operations | | | | could potentially be abroad. |
| management, project management and feasibility | | | | Leadership skills are also very important due to the |
| studies. | | | | fact that a Clinical Researcher has to make sure that |
| Starting salaries can range from £18,000 to | | | | people working on a Clinical Research Project are |
| £23,00. However, experience clinical researchers can | | | | working together effectively every step of the way. |
| reach salaries of up to £35,000. Although it is | | | | A typical clinical research team will be made up of a |
| important to note that salaries vary from company | | | | very specific team of talented and experienced |
| to company. Any candidate choosing to take the | | | | individuals. Most teams are made up of |
| freelance route can expert to earn even more after | | | | biostatisticians, data programmers, trial assistants, |
| gaining the necessary experience in the field. | | | | clinical investigators and project leaders. |