What does a Clinical Research Associate do?

Explore the responsibilities, collaboration, and growth opportunities of a Clinical Research Associate in the clinical research industry

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) play a crucial role in ensuring the success and integrity of clinical trials at Parexel. They serve as the primary point of contact for clinical sites, managing relationships and overseeing the quality of trial execution. CRAs are instrumental in supporting Parexel's mission to advance healthcare and improve patient lives through excellent clinical research.

Browse our open CRA positions or learn more about a day in the life of a CRA.

Q: What are the job responsibilities of a CRA?

A: Clinical Research Associates working at Parexel are responsible for:

• Conducting qualification visits (QV), site initiation visits (SIV), monitoring visits (MV), and termination visits (TV) at assigned clinical sites
• Ensuring the rights and well-being of human subjects are safeguarded
• Developing patient recruitment strategies with clinical sites
• Ensuring compliance with SOPs, protocols, GCP, and applicable regulations
• Evaluating the quality and integrity of reported data
• Monitoring completeness and quality of Regulatory Documentation

Q: Which roles do I collaborate with as a CRA?

A: As a Clinical Research Associate, you will collaborate with various roles, including:

• Clinical site staff
• Project team members
• Clinical research leaders
• Quality assurance teams
• Other CRAs and colleagues

Q: What technologies or tools do CRAs use in their daily work?

A: To deliver excellent clinical trial monitoring, CRAs use:

• Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS)
• Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)
• MS-Office products such as Excel and Word

Q: What training and development opportunities are available for CRAs at Parexel?

A: Parexel offers world-class training catered to individual experience, including:

• On-the-job training
• Regular team meetings for knowledge sharing
• Performance discussions and evaluations
• Opportunities for career growth in various directions (senior CRA, line management, Quality, Project Leadership, etc.)

Q: Will I have to travel as a CRA?

A: Some travel is required as a CRA, but Parexel offers less travel compared to industry peers. The specific amount can vary depending on assigned sites and projects.

Q: Are there opportunities to work across multiple therapeutic areas?

A: Yes, Parexel offers CRAs the opportunity to work within multiple therapeutic areas, allowing for diverse experiences and knowledge expansion.

Q: What career progression is typical for a CRA?

A: A typical career progression for a CRA at Parexel may include:

• Advancing to a more senior level CRA role
• Moving into line management
• Transitioning to Quality or Project Leadership roles
• Exploring various other positions within the organization

Q: What qualifications are required to become a CRA at Parexel?

A: Key qualifications for a CRA position at Parexel include:

• 18+ months of CRA monitoring experience
• Bachelor's or equivalent degree in biological science, pharmacy, or other health-related discipline
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight
• Proficiency in managing multiple tasks and adapting to various scenarios
• Strong computer skills, including familiarity with CTMS and EDMS

At Parexel, we value CRAs who take initiative, seek to improve processes, and are committed to personal and professional growth. Our team-oriented environment and patient-centric approach create a unique and rewarding experience for our CRAs.