The job role involves writing the procedures and protocols needed to test new medicines on humans in a safe environment. The detail in the documentation is extremely important, as all eventualities need to be focused on and have procedures have written for them, this covers everything from medicine storage temperatures to the types of people needed for the trial.
Once procedures are written and the trial has started the research assistant will monitor the procedures to make sure they are being followed and the collection of data to see that it is accurate in it's reporting.
What do I need for clinical research career
Most companies would require a person with either a degree in the medical field or certification as a Clinical Research Assistant. Certification like that which can be obtained at a vocational school like Unitek College (www.unitekcollege.com/Clinical_Research_Course_Home/?source= ) .
As an individual you will be expected to be confident, able to work well under pressure and as part of a team while possessing leadership skills is also important. Attention to detail and accuracy is a must within a clinical research role as the information you are supplying affects the whole process of a study being carried out successfully. Self-motivation and the ability to work off your own initiative are another integral part of being able to carry out a clinical research role effectively.
What future progression can I expect?
Working as a clinical research assistant offers the possibility of increased responsibility as you gain experience. There is ample opportunity to work in different countries monitoring more than one trial at a time. Over time you can always gain further accreditation by studying for qualifications in the clinical research field.
The clinical research salary you can expect when starting out in a clinical research career varies greatly from company to company and country to country, it all depends on the working environment and the amount of responsibility that is given within an advertised job profile.
As a clinical research assistant you will primarily be working for pharmaceutical companies and hospitals although there could be possibilities to work at medical research organizations. For more information go to Unitek College: (www.unitekcollege.com/Clinical_Research_Course_Home/?source=articlesender )