Top Tips for Bagging a Clinical Trial Job

Clinical trial jobs are extremely varied and sought after, however it can be tricky to know where to start when just stepping into the field. Jobs in this sector of include checking the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of an investigational new drug or medical device on patients, in strict and controlled settings. It’s a highly regulated field due to its importance and therefore often perceived as a difficult career to get in to. Below are some tips on how to enhance your chances of getting a clinical trial job.

Get Qualified

A degree in a field relevant to the role is key when it comes to clinical trial jobs. Employers will be looking out for someone with a strong scientific background, so specialising in human health and anatomy is a good way to get a head start as this relates to working with human subjects. For those without a degree but working in the health industry, you can earn a clinical research certificate. Click here for more information on what sort of things employers might be looking for.

Experience Is Essential

When employers come to scan CV’s they are more likely to stop and consider one that is packed with experience. Whether it’s unpaid or short term, this will show enthusiasm and a more extensive knowledge in the field. It will also prepare you for what’s to come and build your confidence tenfold! If the work was short term then it helps to include how long you stayed in that role, for example “2 weeks”.

Stand Out

You should provide a detailed science CV listing all of your qualifications and experience, but it is not just experience alone that will set you aside from other applicants. When listing your skills you should back up each point, for example, don’t just say you have an “analytical mind”; back it up with an experience of yours that showed this, for example working in an admin role.

Plan Your Path

You should always have a good idea of your end goals. This not only shows ambition but it helps employers to place you in a role that suits you, so you can have the opportunity to thrive and progress in your specialist subject. However if like many you struggle when it comes to this sort of thing, then a little extra help in the form of recruitment agencies is available.

Work Your Way Up

Graduates often start as data monitors or trials assistants before moving on to a higher role such as a clinical research associate, so good organisational and admin skills are important. This will help you find you build on your skills and perhaps even help you to find an area you would most like to specialise in.

Of course now the only thing to do is get out there and put that knowledge into practice!