Clinical research associate: Job description A clinical research associate (CRA) runs clinical trials to test drugs for their effectiveness, risks and benefits to ensure they are safe to allow on to the market. They may work on new as well as existing drugs and are usually employed by either a pharmaceutical company or a contract research organisation (CRO) which works on behalf of pharmaceutical companies. The CRA 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. Typical work activities Tasks carried out by a CRA vary depending on the employer but will typically include:
Pharmacologist: Job description Pharmacologists investigate how drugs interact with biological systems, undertaking in vitro research (using cells or animal tissues) or in vivo research (using whole animals) to predict what effect the drug might have in humans. Pharmacologists aim to understand how drugs work so they can be used effectively and safely. They also conduct research to aid drug discovery and development. Their work involves a high level of collaboration with other scientists. Areas of specialism include: neuropharmacology; cardiovascular pharmacology; in vivo pharmacology; psychopharmacology; veterinary pharmacology. Although pharmacologists are involved in clinical trials, clinical pharmacologists are practising doctors who have specialised in clinical pharmacology. Closely related fields include toxicology, biochemistry and DMPK (drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics). Typical work activities
Edinburgh Clinical Toxicology - Edinburgh Clinical Toxicology Clinical Care The clinical service treats over 1700 in-patients every year and is involved in the care of many other patients in the hospital's emergency department and critical care units. The unit is staffed by four consultant clinical toxicologists and one emergency medicine consultant with an interest in toxicology; two consultant clinical pharmacologists provide additional cover over weekends. Two specialist toxicology nurses lead a group of nurses with a special interest in the field. National Poisons Advice The NPIS Edinburgh unit takes part in the national National Poisons Information Service for health care providers in the UK. Research The University's PTT group performs an array of pre-clinical and clinical research. Awards Visitors Edinburgh Clinical Toxicology regularly welcomes visitors to our unit, for days, weeks or months.
Clinical research associate: job description Clinical research associates (CRAs) organise and administer clinical trials of new or current drugs in order to assess the benefits and risks of using them. What does a clinical research associate do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills Clinical research associates help to organise and monitor the different phases of clinical trials of drugs. Key responsibilities include: writing drug trial methodologies (procedures) identifying and briefing appropriate trial investigators (clinicians) setting up and disbanding trial study centres designing trial materials and supplying study centres with sufficient quantities providing clinicians with instructions on how to conduct the trials collecting and authenticating data collection forms (commonly known as case report forms) monitoring progress throughout the duration of the trial writing reports Typical employers of clinical research associates Qualifications and training required Key skills for clinical research associates
Pharmacologist Job Information Page Content Pharmacologist Hours37-40 per weekStarting salary£25,000 + per year Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs and other chemical substances on cells, animals, humans and the environment. As a pharmacologist you would carry out research to discover and develop new drugs and medicines, and to make sure they are used safely. If you are good at science and maths, and you can be creative and innovative, this could be the job for you. To get into this career, you will need a degree in science. WorkDesc The work As a pharmacologist you would work in a research team of scientists and other staff. clinical pharmacology (the effects of medicine on people in clinical trials)neuropharmacology (the effects of drugs on the nervous system). Your work would include: Some of your duties may involve animal research. You would share the results of your work with colleagues, for example by contributing to meetings and conferences, and publishing reports. HoursDesc Hours IncomeDesc Income More information
Toxicologist: Job description If you have a methodical, scientific mind and enjoy carrying out experiments, a career in toxicology may be for you... As a toxicologist, you'll look at the impact that toxic materials and radiation has on the environment and human and animal health. You'll plan and carry out laboratory and field studies that help to identify, monitor and evaluate this impact and will also consider the use of future technology. Types of toxicologist You may work in different areas of toxicology, which include: academic/university; clinical; ecotoxicology; forensic; industrial; occupational; pharmaceutical; regulatory. Responsibilities The tasks you carry out will vary depending on your specific area of work but in general, you'll be: If you work in the pharmaceutical industry, one of your most important tasks will be making sure any potential new drugs are safe to test on humans. Salary Starting salaries for graduate toxicologists in private sector industry range from £22,000 to £27,000. Working hours Skills
CRA in a CRO Why did you decide on a career as a CRA? When did you make this decision? I did a PhD which was a great experience, but I wanted to get out of the lab and still be in touch with my scientific background. Did you have any experience when you became a CRA? No. I got a position as a Clinical Research Assistant (Trainee CRA) and progressed through the role from there. How did you gain experience to get into clinical research? As a trainee, I co-monitored and was trained on the job by Covance to be a CRA. What do you think are the most important skills for someone in your role to have? Organisation skills! Tell us about your day-to-day routine Out at hospital sites approx. 2 days per week training hospital staff, monitoring data to be collected for the trial, monitoring pharmacy to ensure drug accountability and allocation is correct. Why do you enjoy your role? You meet many different people and have the chance to work in and out of the office which makes for a varied week.
Pharmacologist: job description Pharmacologists undertake scientific investigation and analysis of drugs, chemicals and other substances to discover how they affect biological systems, and to assess how they can be used safely. What does a pharmacologist do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills Pharmacologists work as part of a scientific research team that is responsible for screening compounds, drug development and undertaking controlled experiments and clinical trials in laboratories. Specific responsibilities include: designing experiments devising and testing hypotheses analysing and interpreting data (often using sophisticated computer applications) laboratory and staff management studying relevant literature writing reports and papers collaborating with and sharing expertise and research findings with associated staff Pharmacologists commonly specialise in a particular field of research such as toxicology, neuroscience or pharmacokinetics. Typical employers of pharmacologists
Toxicologist: job description Toxicologists use analytical and scientific techniques to identify toxins such as chemicals, biological substances and radiation, and to assess the potential risks and harmful effects posed by them. What does a toxicologist do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills The majority of toxicologists’ work is laboratory-based: designing, planning and undertaking controlled experiments and trials; devising and testing hypotheses; using appropriate analytical techniques to identify and quantify toxins; and analysing and interpreting data. Other responsibilities include: giving evidence in court carrying out field studies studying relevant literature writing reports, reviews and papers producing risk analyses collaborating and sharing expertise and research findings with scientific and technical staff supervising staff managing laboratories Most opportunities for promotion arise in consultancy or staff or project management. Typical employers Qualifications and training required
Membership of ICR For over 30 years, The Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) has provided high quality training, networking and support to the clinical research community. Receive recognition for your qualifications and experience in clinical research by becoming a member of The Institute of Clinical Research. Membership is completely portable even if your employer reimburses your subscription. Designatory letters RICR, MICR, FICR. A discount of 25% (in brackets, above) applies to all ICR members employed by an academic institution, a national health service, e.g. NB: Please verify company policy before making payment if you intend to claim your membership fee from your employer, as full or part refunds are not possible.
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