NigCareers

Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a clinical researcher. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a clinical researcher.

 

Who is a Clinical Researcher?

A clinical researcher is a person who directs clinical trials or studies on the efficacy of new medicines or treatments on humans. They carry out the experiments and analyze the results, sometimes using computer programming tools such as graphical user interface (GUI) tools to collect and analyze data. They ensure that results are properly documented and that the study adheres to relevant ethical guidelines and government regulations.

Many clinical researchers have a bachelor’s degree in medicine or biology, while others go on to earn master’s or doctorate degrees. Clinical researchers must also gain practical laboratory experience before they can conduct their experiments.

 

Clinical Researcher Job Description

Below are the clinical researcher job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The following are some of the duties of a clinical researcher.

• Discuss treatment plans and progress toward goals with patients or family members.
• Communicate with other research team members, such as nurses, social workers, or therapists.
• Examine previous studies on similar topics to identify knowledge gaps that can be filled in future studies.
• Gather data from medical records, interviews with patients and family members, and direct observation of patients in their natural environments.
• Examine current field research to determine best practices for new studies.
• Conduct physical examinations of patients for research purposes under the supervision of a physician.
• Make hypotheses about the connections between environmental factors and health outcomes.
• Collect and analyze data such as patient demographics and test results.
• Write articles for academic journals or present findings at conferences to share research findings with colleagues and the general public.
• Supervise the smooth operation of clinical trials.
• Monitor research participants to ensure that the study’s rules are followed.
• Ensure that all of the supplies and equipment required for a study are available and in good working condition.

 

Qualifications

A clinical researcher should typically have the following qualifications.

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or psychology, is typically required for clinical researchers. Candidates with a related master’s degree, such as a Master of Public Health or a Master of Science in nursing, may be considered by some employers.

A doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy or a Doctor of Medicine, is also common among clinical researchers. These advanced degrees can help candidates qualify for higher-level positions and earn more money.

2. Experience and training: Internships and residencies provide the majority of clinical researchers’ training. A clinical researcher interns under the supervision of a practicing clinical researcher. They gain knowledge of how to conduct research, analyze data, and present their findings.

A residency is a period of supervised clinical practice. A clinical researcher works under the supervision of a practicing clinical researcher during a residency. They gain knowledge of how to conduct research, analyze data, and present their findings.

3. Licenses and certifications: Clinical researchers are typically not required to obtain certifications to be hired by their employers. Some schools, however, offer certifications that can help you become a more competitive candidate for open positions.

 

Essential Skills

To be successful, clinical researchers must possess the following abilities.

1. Understanding of research design: To ensure that their research is effective and meets the needs of their employer, clinical researchers must understand research design. They must understand how to design an ethical study that meets the needs of the client while also providing accurate data. Understanding the various types of research designs, such as randomized control trials, case studies, and observational studies, is one example.
2. Excellent knowledge of data analysis: After collecting data, clinical researchers must analyze it to draw scientific conclusions. They can use analytical skills to read and understand data, allowing them to assess the trial’s safety and efficacy. When developing a new medicine, for example, clinical researchers use data to determine how effective the medicine is at treating an illness.
3. Ability to communicate effectively: Throughout the research process, clinical researchers communicate with a wide range of people, including patients, medical professionals, other researchers, and managers. They must be able to communicate information both verbally and in writing. This includes explaining complex medical terminology to laypeople as well as communicating research findings to medical professionals.
4. Excellent writing skills: Clinical researchers create detailed reports to document the outcomes of trials. They may also write articles for scientific journals and use their writing skills to create clear, compelling written content.
5. Ethics: Clinical researchers must adhere to ethical standards in their work. They must be aware of the regulations and laws that apply to their work and be able to apply them correctly. They must also be honest with their employers and coworkers, and they must be able to make ethical decisions in difficult situations.
6. Collaboration: To complete their work, clinical researchers frequently collaborate with other professionals, such as medical professionals. To complete their work, they may also collaborate with other clinical researchers. This job necessitates excellent collaboration skills to ensure that everyone involved in the project understands their role and collaborates to complete the project.
7. Keen Attention to Detail: When reviewing data and analyzing results, clinical researchers must be able to pay close attention to detail. This is because they may need to identify any inconsistencies in the data or determine why some test subjects responded differently than others. Being able to detect these details can assist clinical researchers in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their research.
8. Data Management Abilities: Clinical researchers analyze and interpret clinical trial results using data management skills. They also use these skills to keep track of trial participants’ demographic information, medical histories, and treatment regimens. This information is required for the accurate recording and reporting of trial results. When writing reports on their research findings, clinical researchers also use data management skills.
9. Project Management Abilities: Clinical researchers frequently collaborate with a group of other professionals to complete their projects. Clinical researchers with strong project management skills can effectively lead teams and manage tasks. Time management, task delegation, and the ability to meet deadlines are all part of this skill set. It also entails knowing how to prioritize tasks and resources so that everyone on the team understands what needs to be done and when.
10. Excellent organizational skills: The ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities is referred to as an organization. Clinical researchers frequently have multiple responsibilities, such as analyzing data, preparing reports, and attending meetings with colleagues or clients. Clinical researchers with strong organizational skills can stay on task and complete their work more efficiently. Clinical researchers must also be detail-oriented to accurately record research data and thoroughly review results.
11. Clinical Trial Management Experience: The ability to plan, execute, and track clinical trials is required for clinical trial management. This includes budget management, meeting scheduling with sponsors, supervising research teams, and ensuring that all protocols are followed. Clinical trial managers ensure that data is collected accurately and on time so that researchers can effectively interpret results.
12. Protocol Development Abilities: Protocol development is the process by which clinical researchers design a study plan. Protocols detail how the study will be carried out, what data will be collected and analyzed, and what conclusions can be drawn from the findings. Clinical researchers with strong protocol development skills can design studies that are thorough, accurate, and informative.
13. Ability to Solve Problems Effectively: The ability to identify and resolve issues is referred to as problem-solving. When clinical researchers face challenges in their work, such as when a study does not produce the desired results or when equipment malfunctions, they frequently use problem-solving skills. Clinical researchers can improve their research methods and outcomes by being able to identify and address problems.
14. Excellent Analytical Skills: Clinical researchers use their analytical skills to interpret data and assess treatment success. They examine any potential flaws in the study design or execution as they analyze research results. This necessitates clinical researchers to identify patterns in data and determine whether or not they support the original hypothesis. For example, if a clinical trial demonstrates that a new drug is effective in treating an illness, the researcher must be able to explain why.
15. Ability to manage time effectively: Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks to meet deadlines. Time management skills are essential as a clinical researcher because they allow you to complete projects on time and meet your employer’s expectations. It also enables you to effectively manage your workload so that you can focus on completing one task at a time.

 

How to Become a Clinical Researcher

The following are some steps you can take to become a clinical researcher:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field: The majority of clinical researcher positions require a bachelor’s degree in a health science-related field. Biological sciences, biomedical sciences, health sciences, medical technology, life science, and clinical research are some degrees to consider if you want to work as a clinical researcher.

Consider taking courses in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physiology, biostatistics, and other bioscience subdisciplines while pursuing an undergraduate degree. You could also study pharmacy or medicine.

2. Accumulate experience: Most employers seeking entry-level candidates for clinical research positions prefer candidates with prior clinical research experience. Part-time jobs in a laboratory or clinic can help you gain experience. Consider internships at universities, medical schools, or hospitals.

You can also find fellowships that are looking for research assistance or volunteer for duties and tasks related to clinical trials. Finally, look into clinical research coordinator or assistant positions in clinical research organizations or pharmaceutical companies.

3. Think about getting a master’s degree in a health-related field: Consider getting a master’s degree in a health science-related field if you want to work in a supervisory or management position one day. Many master’s degree programs are available online, providing greater flexibility for clinical researchers who work full-time.

A candidate with a master’s degree may have better job prospects, and leading pharmaceutical companies or clinical research organizations may prefer to hire such candidates. Consider participating in clinical research projects to gain experience during this time.

4. Consider certification: After gaining some clinical research experience, you may wish to pursue certification as a Certified Clinical Researcher (CCRA) from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.

Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating that they work independently of the investigating staff researching on behalf of a sponsor, such as a pharmaceutical company or university department, and that they perform all essential CCRA duties.

Monitoring studies based on a clinical trial monitoring plan, ensuring complete reporting, and reviewing the accuracy of site records are just a few of the responsibilities. Clinical researchers must participate in continuing education to maintain active certification status, though the amount of education required varies depending on the certifying organization.

 

Where to Work as a Clinical Researcher

Clinical researchers work in medical facilities, clinics, and private laboratories. They may also work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as government agencies. Clinical researchers usually work regular business hours, but they may be required to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or conduct research on hospitalized patients. Working with sick patients and their families can be stressful, and clinical researchers must be able to handle the pressure. They must also be self-motivated and able to work independently to keep up with the latest developments in their field.

 

Clinical Researcher Salary Scale

In the United States, the average annual salary for a clinical researcher is $83,833 or $42.99 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at $51,639 per year, with the most experienced workers earning up to $122,569 per year.

In the United Kingdom, the average clinical researcher’s salary is £40,927 per year or £20.99 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at £34,628 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to £55,000 per year.

In Canada, the average annual salary for a clinical researcher is $64,426 or $33.04 per hour. Entry-level salaries start at $52,443, with the most experienced workers earning up to $84,813 per year.

In Ireland, the average salary for a clinical researcher is €41,500 per year or €21.28 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level positions start at €38,146 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to €50,920 per year.

In Australia, the average clinical researcher’s salary is $92,977 per year or $47.68 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at $85,363 per year, with the most experienced workers earning up to $153,054 per year.

In Germany, the average gross salary for a clinical researcher is €87.059 or €42  per hour.

In Nigeria, a clinical researcher typically earns around 360,000 NGN per month.

Health and Safety

Tags: Clinical Researcher, Clinical Researcher Job Description, Clinical Researcher Qualifications, Clinical Researcher Salary, Clinical Researcher Skills, How to Become a Clinical Researcher, Job Description, Who is a Clinical Researcher