Clinical Research - Getting your foot in the door (entry-level positions to consider)

[@pingtai9631]

I agreed with you Mario that clinical research is a small world. Once they find you cheat,you will be over.

[@hazysunshineELF]

I would love videos on in-house CRA role, and how to do good telephone contact (+reports) with sites :)

[@MarioDeSouza]

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't know how qualified I am to talk about the in-house CRA role but I may try. I can certainly speak to writing good telephone contact reports and I'll plan to put out a future video on that topic.

[@Prepped2Trek]

"The one question that you should never ask" - So, it's common sense that the CEO of any company will make the most money so that is a given. In today's economy, with rent for a 1 bedroom in my city being at $1600 and the average cost of a home for purchase is $400K, a LOT of people are totally focused on the money.

[@MarioDeSouza]

If it’s abundantly clear your only intention is what money the job pays with no mention whatsoever of the skills you bring to the job, you’ll never be hired so it’s a moot point. The way to phrase the question is, “I’m really interested in X job for Y reasons and can I get insight into what my salary potential may be and could those skills be used in other ways that may better enhance my career.” The way not to ask the question is, “I need money so who makes the most?”

[@kandid_li]

Thank you for this great info. I’ve just learned about this field and plan to apply to some of these entry level titles. I have clinical admin experience , and reading some of the job descriptions were a bit intimidating, but I’m glad you said a lot of it will be learned on the job. Are there any certifications you recommend for entry level job seekers that are beneficial to have at the Coordinator or trial associate levels? Thanks again!

[@maistunkuda9649]

How is it going Kandid?

[@liman8]

Hello Mario, I appreciate your time sharing your knowledge with the world. I have background in healthcare for several years in human and information. many certificate with Project management, Scrum. etc. What will be the good way to get into entry level in Clinical Research? And do you have a one on one coaching session? Thanks

[@MarioDeSouza]

Hi Dan, it sounds like you have some healthcare and PM experience but not clinical research experience. A few options would make sense with your background. The easiest position to get would likely be a Clinical Trial Associate (CTA). From there you can move into study management. You can also try for assistant study manager (you may be limited without clinical research experience), in-house CRA or clinical research coordinator. You may also be explore entry level data coordinator/management positions or even the tech side of clinical research (employers like Veeva, Medidata and may other IT systems that are used routinely in clinical research). Any of those would help you develop good clinical research knowledge and then you can navigate your caeer from there. I experimented with 1-on-1 sessions for a bit but people proved to be too flaky so I had to stop. I know Jasmyn Adams, another CRA on KZbin, offers an entire package (though I'm not sure what she charges). For me, it just wasn't worth my time as people scheduled and didn't follow up. Plus, I just had gum surgery and I need to keep the talking to a minimum for the next two weeks or so.

[@liman8]

@@MarioDeSouza Oh wow, such an informative moment. I truly appreciate your response as well the insight and advice you provided for me. I’ll definitely start working on that. Would you suggest to keep applying for those on LinkedIn or do you have other source for job opportunities for those roles mentioned above? Thank you so much!

[@MarioDeSouza]

@@liman8: Definitely apply on LinkedIn as that'll be the best source. Feel free to send your resume to at [e-mail] and I can see if there's a job you're a good fit for that I'm aware of.

[@nehakulkarni9370]

Hi,I have done my clinical trail course Can you please refer me entry level job site’s

[@MarioDeSouza]

Your best bet for job site's are LinkedIn and Indeed.

[@chintanbarot265]

Hello Mario, I just started my Monitor jobs straight from senior CRC position and I am struggling with how to manage my emails and how to organize your day and how to prepare before you go for visit and how to write a report after visit. I am in research field for 4 years at site level but this is my first time as being a CRA so could you please make a video on this that really helps.

[@HalaHala-ec5hf]

What about data manager or data coordinator..is it an entry level job?

[@MarioDeSouza]

Data coordinator at a site is usually an entry level role. Data Manager (at a CRO/pharma company) would not be entry level.

[@Mercy2Mee]

Hi there, I’d love some guidance on how to get my foot into clinical research coming from social behavioral research with a masters in public health.

[@MarioDeSouza]

Your best bet is to start as a clinical research coordinator to learn about clinical research. From there you can decide what you want to do in the future.

[@msog8488]

Thank you for sharing your views. Are there clinical research entry roles that are home based ? I’m happy to build my career from the ground up but I’ve got a baby and not able to travel as much right now and for another 2-3 years. Are there mum friendly roles ?

[@MarioDeSouza]

Yes, the majority of positions don't require any travel or have very little travel (maybe to a conference once a year). The best position to look up at the entry level is Clinical Trial Associate. That is likely to be home based and not have any travel.

[@msog8488]

@@MarioDeSouza great. Thank you

[@youngarm100]

Please Can you give example of gap trainings you can recommend for those interested without experience?

[@disisnups]

Hi Mario, thanks for such informative videos. Good job that you are sharing your knowledge to the world through youtube. I have subscribed already. I want to ask a question, How to introduce yourself as a fresher for CRA job, where already there is mentioned that 3 years of experience is required as a CRA? Please answer as I am having interview in 2 days.

[@MarioDeSouza]

I'd be honest about your relevant experience that qualifies you to be a CRA at the company you're interviewing at. If they like you, they'll hire you. Most of the time places can downgrade a job if needed (for example, you interview for Sr. CRA but the company feels you're a better fit for CRA II then they'll just hire you to that position instead).

[@mariofranco3541]

Hi Mario! I have a few questions for you, how can I contact you directly?

[@MarioDeSouza]

Hi Mario, you can email me at [e-mail]. I'm quite behind on work this week so may be a bit slow to respond.