Clinical Research Associate

Introductory Resources

• From Biomedical Basic Science to Clinical research, 13-min video.
• Career Transition from a PhD to Clinical research, 1-hour presentation by a PhD.
• Clinical Research Associate Career Pathway, ACRP.
• Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC):
  • CRC – general description, skills…, BU Vault.
  • The life of a CRC, 15-min video.
• Principal Scientific Research Investigator informational interview, CandidCareer video.

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Job Simulations are job-related tasks that can be completed in a few hours, to help you assess how enjoyable and how much of a good fit a specific job could be for you. Intersect Job Simulations have been created by PhDs for PhDs, to support their career transitions into a wide range of careers. To make the most of job simulations, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

• Clinical Trial Coordination Job Simulation.
• Clinical Trial Job Simulation – Fielding Patient Questions.
• Writing for a clinical audience – Job Simulation.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• Look for postdoctoral fellowships in clinical research, like the Real World Evidence – Clinical data Science & Evidence Fellowship with Novo Nordisk.
• Explore and connect with members of the following professional societies and associations:
  • Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).
  • Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA).
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
• Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
• Look for GMS Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what institutions and organizations are currently looking for.
• Study company websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.
• Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.