Skills and Careers in Clinical Research
Let’s start with the basics:
What is Clinical research?
It is the study of human health and illness. In this manner one can learn to prevent, diagnose and treat illness/diseases. This medical research describes many different elements of scientific research. A person who practices in these trials is usually called a clinical research volunteer.
This field of research is generally divided into two types:
1) Observational studies:
These trials do investigate drugs or their effects on diseases/ illness in humans. Examiners participate in the observation of trial participants by monitoring their health over a period of time and collecting relevant data.
2) Interventional studies:
These studies provide the scientific validity of the efficiency and health of an innovative drug in the context of a disease/ illness. These clinical or interventional studies are mandatory steps in turning a new molecule into an innovative drug or other newly discovered device for observation.
Apart from these studies; epidemiology, physiology and pathophysiology, medical services, education, outcomes and mental health studies, may possibly come under the umbrella of clinical research
Let us talk more about the clinical research courses, careers and skills required for the same.
The main components of the clinical research are:
1) Research and distribution of drugs.
2) Manufacture and management of medicines
3) Determination of the appropriate dose of drugs for various diseases.
4) To study the effects of the drugs on the body.
5) Advance research-related areas such as data management, analysis, bio-statistics and epidemiology.
As CR coordinators, these professionals are required to carry out clinical studies on selected human samples.
Thus, they need to acquire precise skills-set such as:
1) To be an attentive observer with an eye for details.
2) Productive influencing and communication skills.
3) Treat participants rightfully and with respect.
4) Get well-informed consent before beginning the operation.
5) Observe key elements and record any method changes.
6) Clear documentation of the entire process.
7) Coordination with doctors and senior team members
8) Understand and follow the rules of clinical trials in the workplace.
9) Ability to multitask and think on your own.
10) Ability to motivate others.
India has become a successful country in clinical research training in recent years and will undoubtedly one day become its main center. The billion dollar industry has a growing need for skilled specialists, which is why the need for clinical research specialists in this area is growing rapidly.
Qualifications:
To become a CRA, you must have a postgraduate or master’s degree in any of the following areas:
1) Clinical Research
2) Microbiology
3) Genetics
4) Pharmacology
5) Immunology
6) Anatomy
7) Toxicology
8) Physiology
Given here is the required technical know-how, because finding a job without a degree is a major challenge in the job procedure.
Initial experience in clinical trials, such as a PhD in clinical research or a related field, is a great asset. Earning a CRA certification also helps you apply for managerial positions.
It offers exciting career opportunities with plenty of room for professional growth. Below are the various career opportunities a person has after completing a clinical research course. To get a job like one of the following, you must have at least basic clinical research education and skills.
According to the skills mentioned above typical career opportunities in CR are as follows:-
1) Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
2) Clinical Research Investigator/ Physician
3) Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)
4) Clinical Research Managers (CRM)
5) Clinical Data Manager
6) Clinical Research Data Specialist
7) Pharmacovigilance Manager
8) Bio-statisticians
A clinical researcher may work in different positions in an association depending on his experience and knowledge. Inexperienced employees or newcomers can start as a clinical research representative and then move on to a CRA position.
Clinical Researchers are also expected to have knowledge and skills of ICH-GCP guidelines, standard SOPs, complete CTM documentation.
The daily activities and responsibilities of a clinical investigator can vary from company to company, especially in the private sector.
What is the salary and demand for clinical research?
1) According to Pay scale, the average CRA salary in India is 3-4 lakhs.
2) Fresher’s can expect up to 2-3 lakhs on average.
3) Well- Experienced ones can expect on about 6-7 lakhs
CR wages are very competitive and depend on a number of variables including job title, experience level, employer, and location.
In the current scenario, clinical research is one of the most emerging and in-demand scientific fields that requires very dedicated and determined professional.
Therefore, clinical research is an attractive career opportunity for outstanding and talented graduates in the natural sciences – especially those with degrees in sciences, bio-medicine, nursing or pharmacy.
Hence, advance and take the next step in your CR training as there are various opportunities that would enhance your career as a Clinical Researcher.
