What is the Job all about?
As the name suggest Clinical researchers are involved in research and run clinical trials on the safety and dosage of new drugs and investigate diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It is imperative to test the safety, side effects and treatment procedure of drugs before releasing new drugs in the market. Clinical trials are needed to determine the exact dose and route of administration of any medication. These trials are conducted by pharmaceutical companies, drug testing laboratories and contract research organizations. The Food & Drug Administration Authority take serious cognizance of the Research done before giving clearance for the drugs to be marketed.
Clinical research scientists conduct clinical investigations and research to diagnose a disease and treatment required for it. Clinical research is an applied form of research in which effects, efficacy, risk and benefits of a medical product are studied. Clinical research scientists conduct clinical investigations and research to diagnose a disease and treatment required for it.
They are involved in the following types of activities:
- Bio-availability management
- Bio-equivalence studies
- Developing trial protocol
- Phase II-IV trials Trial Monitoring
- Data management
- Central laboratories
- Biotech, chemistry and biology
- Bio-IT solutions
- CR training
Indian pharmaceutical industry is ever evolving and is 3rdin position for volume of drugs produced all over the world. It is imperative to test the safety, side effects and treatment procedure of drugs before releasing new drugs in the market. Clinical trials are needed to determine the exact dose and route of administration of any medication. These trials are conducted by pharmaceutical companies, drug testing laboratories and contract research organizations.
Can I go for it?
A career in clinical research is challenging and very fulfilling. After a few years of experience, clinical research scientists can even go to top level management positions. However a Master degree oreven a Ph.D would be a very useful qualification to have.
Is there a future in this field?
There is phenomenal growth in the pharmaceutical industry – what with new diseases cropping up and current diseases wanting better result oriented drugs experts predict that more than 50,000 jobs will be created in coming years.
So there is tremendous scope to grow in this field
• Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA)
• Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
• Senior CRA • Clinical Team Leader
• Project Manager • Senior Project Manager
• Manager Medical & Regulatory
• Manager –Safety / Patents
• Manager Quality Assurance
• Clinical Research Coordinators (CRC) / Study Coordinators
• Principal Investigators / Co-Investigators
• Medical Monitors
Where do I start?
in Goa
After the 10 + 2 level, for Bio Tech you can join:
Xavier’s College, Mapusa,
Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Panaji.
Carmel College for Girls in Nuvem – Salcete.
Goa University, offers a M.Sc. in Bio-technology – this program specialises in n Marine Sciences (Research facilities in NIO-Goa).
Higher qualification in clinical research includes Diploma, M. Pharma, M.Sc. and MBA. Admission to post graduate and diploma courses require qualification in entrance exams followed by interview.
Outside Goa:
Sikkim Manipal University Sikkim
Indian Institute of Clinical Research (ICRI) New Delhi
Public Health Foundation of India Bangalore
Clinical Research Education and Management Academy (CREMA)
Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
Christian Medical College, Vellore
Employment Avenues:
Clinical research scientists are employed in
Pharmaceutical Companies
Clinical CROs (Contract Research Organizations)
SMOs (Site Management Organizations)
Data Management CROs
IT Companies in Healthcare / Clinical Domain
EDC Service Providers
Central Laboratories
Some of the job profiles are:
• Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA)
• Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
• Senior CRA • Clinical Team Leader
• Project Manager • Senior Project Manager
• Manager Medical & Regulatory
• Manager –Safety / Patents
• Manager Quality Assurance
• Clinical Research Coordinators (CRC) / Study Coordinators
• Principal Investigators / Co-Investigators
• Medical Monitors
Monies
Clinical Researcher around Rs. 20,000/-p.m.
Medical Writer, Sr. Clinical Research Associates. Clinical DATA Co-ordinator around Rs 30,000/-p.m.
Please do not be satisfied with just acquiring a Degree/Diploma – try and enhance your CV by doing online learning programs (with a certificate) of programs relevant to your choice of career. Your chances of employment will be much better than just a plain degree/diploma.
Please check this website under other details for places you can learn online. Also try and develop your confidence by doing a public speaking training program with people like Toast Masters International.
For government jobs: please check : http://www.employment-newspaper.com/