Career Prospects

The various career options available while pursuing the field of Clinical Research are:

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs)    

CRA s plays a very important role in clinical trials by participating in the research program. Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) can progress to become Clinical Research Managers (CRMs). Their role is usually within the clinical or medical departments of a Company or in a Contract Research Organization.

Monitors    

Research Professionals - monitoring and overseeing the conduct of the clinical trials in order to meet international/national guidelines as also national regulatory requirements. The monitor is the principal communication link between the sponsor and the investigator and is appointed by the sponsor. They will assess the compliance of investigators to the protocol of study.

Investigators    

Investigators are the ones who are directly responsible for recruitment and treatment of patients in a Hospital setting and are usually medically qualified personnel.

Site Co-ordinators    

Site Co-ordinators play a role in a hospital setting, by co-ordinating the study with the Chief Investigator of one center with activities of other centers in multicentric studies.

Data Managers:    

Data Managers collect Clinical Trials data and process them using specialized software. The function of Data Management and Biostatistics is an emerging area with large prospects in India.

Regulatory Managers    

Most Companies and CROs have competent personnel in regulations to oversee the function of submitting regulatory documentation for clinical trial permission and later for marketing permission. Regulatory bodies like the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) of USA and the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) have very competent people occupying these positions.

Auditors and Inspectors    

Candidates with experience in Clinical Trial monitoring also look towards auditing as a career option as there are very few competent auditors in India today.

Career Prospects

Doctors qualified in Clinical Research can augment their income by participating in Clinical Trials as Clinical Research Investigators.
Pharmacy and Science Graduates can look forward to rewarding careers as Clinical Research Associates, Clinical Research Coordinators, Clinical Research Auditors, Business Development Managers and Project Managers etc.
Entry-level remunerations are expected to range from Rs. 35,000 - Rs. 50,000 per month, depending on basic qualifications and experience.

At 30 years one could be a Director-Operations/Regulatory Affairs, earning a salary of Rs.1 lakh per month.