What does a Clinical Research Assistant do?
Clinical research assistants work in hospitals, laboratories, and other institutions that conduct scientific studies. They identify subjects or clinical trials, collect data, evaluate results, monitor clinical trials, and take notes on activities. They audit research trials and ensure all clinical trial protocols are in compliance. They transfer data from paper formats to a computer, recorder, or scanner in organized spreadsheets with large numbers, curating data directly from clinical research.
Clinical research assistants draft informed consent forms for trials and prepare correspondence, documentation, or presentation materials on research findings. They prepare interview questions, summarize results, perform literature reviews, respond to emails related to the research, attend project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Clinical research assistants also monitor a project budget and check its progress and need a bachelor's degree in science, psychology, or related fields and certification by the state as licensed through the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
- Gather, analyze and interpret data to identify opportunities to improve clinical research.
- Participate in the development of protocols and case report forms as assigned.
- Recruitment of potential investigators, preparation of EC submissions, notifications to regulatory authorities, translation of study-related documentation, organization of meetings and other tasks as instructed by supervisor as assigned.
- Independently perform CRF review, query generation and resolution against established data review guidelines on client data management systems as assigned by management.
- Lead and participate in conferences related to the project and/or its progress. present research findings in the meetings, conferences, and professional societies.
- Provide data analytic support for audits and monitor visits.
- Using established procedures and working under immediate supervision, perform assigned data analytic related tasks.
- Ensure the study staff who will conduct the protocol have received the proper materials and instructions to safely enter patients into the study.
- Perform literature reviews and create bibliographies for reports and papers.
- Bachelor's Degree in business administration, health science, or psychology.
- Strong command of the English language.
- Ability to embrace a fast paced and dynamic environment where daily responsibilities could change frequently.
- Proficient with Microsoft Suite.
- Advanced understanding of HIPAA regulations.
- Excellent decision-making abilities.
Clinical Research Assistant Salaries
Average Base Pay
Clinical Research Assistant Career Path
Learn how to become a Clinical Research Assistant, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Clinical Research Assistant Insights
ICON“You really need to show initiative and communicate interest in career development and training opportunities.”
CNS“High productivity and pay is not good”
Children's Hospital Colorado“I always feel supported and am given opportunites to advance my career within the organization.”
Harris Health System“It was a volunteer I really can not see if there was a cons on the work place”
Syngenta“Your line manager must be engage on you r personal development for you to grow professionally”
Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics“great people to work with and a fun place to work”
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center“One of the best when it comes to pay and benefits”
IQVIA“good work and life balance”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Clinical Research Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Clinical Research Associate
- Clinical Research Specialist
- Professor