Careers in Clinical Research

Are you considering getting into Clinical Research?  Overseeing clinical trials requires good scientific understanding of the cutting edge technology. It could be challenging to make the move from academia and bench work to clinical research, however it is possible.

Clinical research is highly regulated, complex and expensive, therefore it is essential that the candidate applying for a position in clinical research meets the following requirements

• demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize
• superb attention to details
• strong communications and interpersonal skills
• willingness to travel
• ability to multitask and work under pressure

Before applying for a position, one should become familiar with Clinical Good Practices (CGP). To help you get the foot in the door, start networking at the events organized by the organizations listed below:

1. Clinical Research Professionals of BC – monthly meetings in Vancouver: http://www.crpbc.org/
2. On-Line clinical research training tools offered through UBC (free for students and faculty): http://research.ubc.ca/ethics/online-tutorials-training
3. Tri-Council Policy – on-line human subjects training http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/english/tutorial/
4. ACRP – professional organization http://www.acrpnet.org/BecomeaMember
5. SOCRA – global professional organization: http://www.socra.org/html/membersh.htm
6. Health Canada’s Consolidated GCP Guideline: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodpharma/applic-demande/guide-ld/ich/efficac/e6-eng.php

Student Biotechnology Network thanks Ms. Cindy Trytten, Ms. Colleen Fitzgerald and Dr. Peter Hnik for their contributions to this article.