5 Career Progression in the Clinical Research Industry

Career progression in the Clinical Research industry looks different for everyone depending on their interests, education, and goals. Some require a bit more travel and hours than others. Generally speaking, the industry side pays more while the site side is more morally rewarding. Many people choose to work for sponsors because they have a great work-life balance. Some people are even willing to take a pay cut to move from the industry to the sponsor side for a better work-life balance and minimize volatility that comes with mass industry lay-offs.

Here are some career progressions that people tend to follow. Keep in mind that these vary based on your goals, education, and opportunities available to you. Note that you may be able to skip some steps based on your skill set.

1. Data Coordinator -> Research Assistant -> CRC I or study Coordinator -> CRC II -> Research Manager -> Director

• Typically, landing an entry-level job at the site level does not require any kind of degree, but it helps if you have a degree in STEM. Many people I know work at the site level without a degree, but have an abundance of knowledge from their years of experience.
• I believe a combination of a degree and site-level knowledge will open up many doors for you. A strong foundation in clinical research comes from working at the site level because you get to face the participants and perform the clinical trial. This requires understanding the protocol, regulatory requirements, understanding patient safety, and much more. This knowledge comes in handy when progressing your career anywhere in the industry.

2. CRC I -> CRC II -> Sr. CRC -> In-House CRA -> CRA I -> CRA II -> Sr. CRA -> CTM -> Sr. CTM

• With at least a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to progress from a CRC role at the site to a CRA role in the industry. Once you have successfully entered a role in the industry, moving up will become easier based on your merit.
• Note that a CRA role typically requires lots of travel, but usually also comes with better pay than a CRC.

3. CTA -> SSU -> CRA I -> CRA II -> Sr. CRA -> CTM -> Sr. CTM

• If you can break into a CRO, an entry-level CTA position is the best way to start in the industry and skip the site level altogether. Typically, a CTA role does require a STEM degree, so please keep that in mind.
• Most clinical research entry roles are highly competitive, so make sure you can stand out. If you have no experience in clinical research and are applying for a CTA position, you will be competing with candidates who have site-level CRC positions wanting to break into the industry.

4. CRC -> CRC II -> Regulatory Affairs Specialist -> Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist -> Protocol Manager -> Director, Clinical Research

• If you want to explore other roles outside of the typical CRC to CRA, you can pursue a role as a regulatory affairs specialist. Some other roles you can also pursue are project manager, quality assurance specialist, clinical data manager, and site manager.

5. CRC -> CRA -> Study Start-Up Research Specialist -> Global Regulatory Affairs Associate -> Regulatory Specialist Manager

• Some of these roles are available at the sponsor and the CRO side. Typically, working for a smaller CRO might give you a better opportunity to learn as you might get to wear different hats. That also comes with a better work-life balance.
• You can also take a non-traditional path and work for an IRB in the regulatory area or work in clinical research consulting.

There are many options, so explore different sites (a private company or an academic setting), CROs (small or big), and sponsors. Choose what’s best for you.