CLINICAL RESEARCH CAREER OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA

Standard

It is common knowledge that clinical trials are required for all drugs and devices to make sure that they are effective and safe to use. This scenario is generating lot of job opportunities in this rapidly growing industry. Despite strict regulations implemented recently, India is growing as a hub for clinical research leading to demand for professionals in this area. In coming few years there will be huge demand for professionals in this industry and thereby creating it an amazing career choice that contains a large growth possibility.

It is to be noted that clinical research industry is set to become the next big career option in India. A huge population combined with the significant workforce and the cost-benefits has started to impact the Major Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research Organisation to setup clinical research facilities in India. Best example for this is Novartis recent decision to shift all their outsourcing activities to Hyderabad. On the other hand, the frequency of a broad range of diseases, India is being considered as the perfect location for clinical research.

Now we look at the various career options in this rapidly growing industry

In the clinical research field the research professionals deal with the drug discovery and development. The opportunities are extensive and you can select from entry level position to high level position in this specific criterion.

CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATORS (CRC)

Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) is an entry level job in clinical research industry. CRCs work with or with in supervision of Principle Investigator (PI) who is responsible for all clinical research activities at site.

Some major responsibilities of CRCs

• Coordinates with Principal Investigators (PI), and other clinical research departments to assist and make sure that all clinical research activities are conducted in compliance with regulatory authorities and sponsor policies.
• Helps the PI in development of materials and resources essential to properly train professional engaged in clinical trial.
• Responsible for maintaining records related to the enrolled clinical trial participants and completion of essential site documents

In order to become clinical research coordinator one should have bachelor’s degree in life sciences and good understanding about clinical research process and GCP-Guidelines.

CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

If you have obtained a bachelor or master degree in life science or related area and you have some clinical research experience then you are qualified for clinical research associate position. Additional diploma and post graduate diploma in clinical research will be added advantage for individuals who don’t have experience.

CRAs major job responsibility is to monitor allocated clinical research sites and make sure all activities are going according GCP and sponsor guidelines. Depending upon their performance and company polices, CRA may be promoted as senior CRA and further team lead and then manager.

Not only clinical research domain, the entire clinical development arena offers various career options. Now we look at the various career opportunities in clinical development area.

CLINICAL RESEARCH PHYSICIAN

Generally individuals completed MBBS or MD is eligible to become a clinical trial physicians. Clinical trial physician develop and also apply different plans for starting the clinical trials of pharmaceutical products. As a clinical research physician one should work with various professional teams to be able to broaden the understanding of the various aspects like pharmacological effect, regulatory specification etc. of the research drug under study. The Clinical Research Physician is the key person to design the clinical study protocol as well as the complete clinical development plan per se. Currently the clinical research physician is being seen as a key member for ‘remote and risk based monitoring’ of clinical trial data and ‘data surveillance’.

REGULATORY AFFAIRS ASSOCIATE

If you have good understanding about various regulatory authorities and their requirements to perform clinical trials and if you are not interested to work on core clinical trial operational processes this is correct job for you. Regulatory Affairs Associate prepares and submits documents required for performing clinical research to regulatory authorities and also they are in regular touch with regulatory agencies to get feedback from them and also solve queries if they have any.

BIOSTATISTICIAN

To be able to eligible for this position one should have bachelor or masters degree in biostatistics.  Following are some of the major job responsibilities of biostatisticians in clinical research industry.

Provide statistical input for clinical trial designs

Developing statistical analysis plans for analysis of clinical trials

Developing tables and other charts which show clinical trials data easily understand manner.

Interpreting final clinical trial data

Preparing statistical reports of clinical trial

 Clinical Data Management

If you are interested in data management and looking for complete desktop job, this is the best job for you. Professionals in clinical data management teams manage quality and reliable data from clinical studies.

MEDICAL SCIENCE LIAISON

Professional in medical science liaison team would communicate with doctors and researcher for increasing the acceptance along with appropriate usage of the company drugs /devices.

Thus clinical research industry has wide variety of career choices and this industry is growing rapidly which leads to generating more and more job opportunities.