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Seeking opportunities to begin a career as a Clinical Research Associate.
Hello my rockstar community! I hope everyone is doing well on this lovely Thursday.
Having been focused in nonprofit corporate relations (pharma/biotech sponsor relations) for the past 8 years, I am currently looking for my next adventure outside of nonprofit. I have a degree in Molecular Biology and strong skills in partner/project management. I've recently been learning about the terrific career opportunity of Clinical Research Associates at a contract research organization and could use some advice. I've heard tale of "Trainee CRA" programs and the like, but have not found any that had open application forms (just mentions on their website). Does anyone have any insight on in-house training programs at CROs without requirements of clinical experience?
I would love to go back to school, but as a single-salary household, that would make things quite tricky... So I'm hoping there are paid opportunities to get going...
Anyone have any insights on getting the foot in the door as a CRA?
I'd also take any good jokes ;)
Thank you!
Justine
14
11/10/23 at 3:54PM UTC
Are you located in Montreal at all? There is a great Clinical Research Community and I know there are a lot opportunities there. I would look at the MNI, Merck, and ICON. I would say that if you can get in at a research unit work on a trial or two then you will get poached in about 6 months. I have seen it happen all the time.
Kiki Sperr
67
11/13/23 at 6:42PM UTC
Unfortunately, I am not in Montreal, but in NYC. But I appreciate the leads on companies, and the idea of getting in on the research unit to then get pulled into a CRA role. Thank you for your advice, Justine!
Kate Hopkins
333
11/04/23 at 1:24PM UTC
That's a great area to get into - lots of potential for growth. I would check out the main trade associations - here's two:
https://www.acrohealth.org/
https://acrpnet.org/
ACRP has a whole section on getting started in clinical research:
https://acrpnet.org/career-center/getting-started-in-clinical-research/
See if you can attend a networking event/conference.
Talk with anyone and everyone at the pharma/biotech companies you previously worked with at your nonprofit to see if they can put you in contact with the people who manage the research in their firms.
Apply for clinical research positions (research coordinator, etc) at an academic medical center or a healthcare provider that does sponsored clinical research.
Good luck!
Kiki Sperr
67
11/06/23 at 4:16PM UTC
Kate! Thank you so much for all this information and direction. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and help! All this is terrific :) and I especially love the idea of attending a networking event - hadn't thought of that!
