Clinical Research Associate
CurrentAs a clinical research associate (CRA), run clinical trials to test drugs for their effectiveness, risks and benefits to ensure that they are safe for the intended use.I work on new and existing drugs and will typically be involved in all stages of the clinical trial, including identifying an investigational site and setting up, initiating, monitoring and closing down the trial.Clinical trials may be carried out at various stages or phases and include trials on healthy humans, trials on patients with a disease, and studies conducted after the launch of a new drug to monitor safety and side effects.ResponsibilitiesTasks vary depending on your employer and level of experience. However, you'll typically need to:develop and write trial protocols (outlining purpose and methodology)present trial protocols to a steering committeedesign data collection forms, known as case report forms (CRFs)coordinate with the ethics committee, which safeguards the rights, safety and wellbeing of all trial subjectsmanage regulatory authority applications and approvals that oversee the research and marketing of new and existing drugsidentify and assess the suitability of facilities to use as the clinical trial siteidentify/select an investigator who will be responsible for conducting the trial at the trial siteliaise with doctors, consultants or investigators on conducting the trialset up the trial sites - ensuring each centre has the trial materials, including the trial drug often known as the investigational medicinal product (IMP)
