CRA Jobs Analysis: Role, Salary, Entry Level, And Work Experience

Table of Contents

Cra jobs are working opportunities opened at the Clinical Research Associates (CRAs). They ensure the safety and efficacy of new medications.

If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty of bringing drugs to the market, stick around for a detailed journey into the life of a CRA.

CRAs help test new drugs on people to see if they’re safe and effective. They visit hospitals and clinics where the testing happens, like a medical Sherlock Holmes!

** Keeping tabs on details:** They make sure everything is done correctly, following strict rules to protect the people taking the drugs. Think of them as the organized Watson to the doctor’s Sherlock.

** Working with teams:** CRAs collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other researchers to ensure the study runs smoothly. They’re like the friendly bridge between all the medical minds.

** Reporting results:** Once the testing is done, CRAs gather all the information and write reports to share with scientists and doctors. They’re basically the translators of medical findings.

Let dive into your role being an employee at CRA, including the work details, salary and benefits, while maintaining a perfect work balance.

Role Overview

Picture this – you, as a CRA, are the Sherlock Holmes of the medical world, conducting clinical trials to unravel the mysteries of new drugs.

It’s not just about effectiveness; it’s about diving into the risks and benefits, making sure these medications are safe for the folks who need them.

What You’ll Be Doing

From crafting trial protocols and designing data collection forms to cozying up with ethics committees, your days are a medley of responsibilities.

You’ll be the maestro orchestrating regulatory approvals, scouting ideal trial sites, and initiating, monitoring, and finally closing down trials.

Ever wondered who sets up those clinical trial sites? That’s right – you! Ensuring each site is armed with the necessary trial materials, including the investigational medicinal product (IMP), is all part of the gig.

And let’s not forget the detective work – verifying that the data matches patient clinical notes, a.k.a. source data/document verification.

How Much You’ll Be Making

Starting salaries dance around £26,000 to £34,000. Climb up the CRA ladder, and as a senior CRA (or CRA II), you could be looking at £35,000 to £50,000.

Managers or directors? Well, they’re playing in the £55,000+ league. Don’t forget the perks – car allowance, bonuses, and pensions sweeten the deal.

Your Work-Life Balance

While you’ll be mostly Monday-to-Friday, full-time warrior, some evenings may be on the cards. Weekend or shift work? Uncommon but not impossible.

Here’s the scoop – part-time and career breaks are doable, and short-term contracts might make you feel like a contract-hopping pro.

Expect a mix of desk-bound days and on-site adventures. You’ll be jetting off to trial sites, setting up shop, and monitoring trials every four to six weeks. International travel?

It’s in the cards. And guess what? Some work-from-home opportunities might come knocking, too.

Qualifications Needed

To dive into this world, you’ll need a degree in life sciences, medical sciences, or nursing. Think anatomy, biochemistry, or pharmacology – you get the drift.

A postgraduate qualification isn’t a must, but it’s like having an ace up your sleeve. And hey, a clean driving license is your golden ticket for the road trips between sites.

Skills You’ll Need

The skills you’ll need include but are not limited to– excellent communication, motivation, and a knack for building relationships. It’s not just about number-crunching; you need a keen eye for detail, project management finesse, and a dash of flexibility.

Good clinical practice (GCP) is your legal companion on this journey.

Work experience

Want to skip the queue? Relevant experience is your golden ticket. Whether it’s scientific research, clinical data work, or nursing – every bit counts.

Some lucky graduates might land a gig without experience, but let’s face it, having a slice of the real-world pie makes you a hot cake in this field.

Internships during your undergrad days? Consider them golden. They not only sprinkle real-world experience on your resume but also open doors to potential job offers.

Where You’ll Work

Pharma hubs are mostly down south, but fear not – field-based positions are scattered across the UK. Some roles might be a stone’s throw away, while others could be a road trip. Self-employment or freelancing?

Possible, but only after you’ve clocked in some serious experience, made a few friends, and have clients knocking on your door.

Career Advancement

Think of your journey as a climb up a ladder. You might start as a junior CRA, eventually becoming a senior CRA, possibly even a clinical team manager or project manager.

With experience, you could dive into director roles. If you’re with a contract research organization, you’re like a clinical nomad – hopping between different therapeutic areas and phases of research.

What’s Next

Training mostly happens on the job, but some companies offer structured programs. External courses from the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) can level up your game.

Postgraduate certificates or diplomas? They’re your secret weapons for climbing higher on the career ladder.

How to apply for CRA Jobs Entry Level

Is it “Clinical Research Associate” (CRA) you’re eyeing? Those roles play a crucial part in ensuring clinical trials run smoothly and ethically.

If so, “entry level” means you’re ready to take your first steps in this dynamic field.

To find openings, you can explore dedicated job boards like “ClinicalTrials.gov”, “IQVIA Careers”, or even general platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn.

Becoming a CRA isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Everyone has their unique path, and while a bachelor’s degree, preferably in science, is often a common prerequisite, there are exceptions.

Some individuals with industry experience and a 2-year college degree have cracked the code. However, the landscape is evolving, and a 4-year college degree is becoming increasingly crucial.

Just imagine going into an interview armed with the knowledge of clinical research industry lingo. Learning the acronyms and understanding the different groups at play can set you apart.

Dive into free resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) certificates in Human Subjects Protection and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. Not only will you gain knowledge, but you’ll also earn certificates to boost your result.

You can consider an in-house position within a clinical research company. Start as a Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA), Clinical Research Assistant (CRA), or an Administrative Assistant (AA).

Once you’re in, internal opportunities may open doors to transition into a CRA Level 1 position. Living near a Sponsor or CRO office is often a prerequisite for in-house roles.

Another avenue? Become a Study Coordinator (SC) or Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC).

This path doesn’t always demand proximity to a Sponsor or CRO office. Qualified CRCs can be hired and later undergo in-house training to become CRAs.

Networking with CRAs during your CRC role might even lead to referrals when you’re ready to make the leap.

For both routes, the key is submitting your application to a Sponsor or CRO. Major CROs like Quintiles, Covance, PRA, PPD, Parexel, Inventiv, and INC Research often use online application forms. Recruiters suggest applying online, searching for CRA Level 1 positions, and submitting an updated resume every six months.

Remember, keywords like “entry level”, “associate”, or “junior” can help narrow down your search.

2. Signing In

Depending on where you’re looking, signing in might be needed to apply for jobs or create your profile. It’s totally normal, and most platforms make it easy! Just follow the prompts and choose a secure password.

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to the website’s helpdesk. They’re there to make your job search journey smoother.

List of CRA Work from home jobs

• Customer service representative
• Data entry clerk
• Virtual assistant
• Content writer
• Social media manager
• Web developer
• Software developer
• Graphic designer
• Marketing manager
• Sales representative

FAQs about CRA Jobs

General:

What is a CRA?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) monitors clinical trials to ensure they are conducted safely and ethically according to regulations. They act as a liaison between researchers, sponsors, and study sites.

What skills and qualifications do I need?

Most CRAs have a bachelor’s degree in a life science field like biology, chemistry, or nursing. Strong attention to detail, communication, organizational, and data analysis skills are crucial.

What does a typical day look like?

Your day can vary depending on the trial phase, but you might visit study sites, review medical records, monitor participant safety, document observations, and communicate with the research team.

Where do CRAs work?

You could work for pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), hospitals, or academic institutions. Some travel is often involved to visit study sites.

Is there career advancement?

Yes! There are various paths, including senior CRA roles, project management, or clinical research management.

Salary and Benefits:

How much do CRAs earn?

Starting salaries typically range from $65,000 to $80,000, increasing with experience and specialized skills. Bonuses and benefits are often offered

How much do CRAs earn?

Starting salaries typically range from $65,000 to $80,000, increasing with experience and specialized skills. Bonuses and benefits are often offered.

What are the benefits?

Many companies offer health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and educational assistance.

Work-Life Balance:

Do CRAs travel a lot?

Travel requirements vary depending on the project and company. Some jobs involve frequent travel, while others offer more home-based work.

Can CRAs work from home?

Some employers, especially with larger trials, offer remote work options, especially for data analysis and reporting tasks.

What are the hours like?

The work can be demanding, with occasional evening or weekend hours, especially during critical study phases. However, many companies offer flexible scheduling options.