Senior Clinical Research Associate

This position combines many tasks and responsibilities from both clinical research associate (CRA) and project manager (PM).

The Society of Clinical Research Associates, (SoCRA) defines a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) as someone who "functions as an administrator, coordinator, consultant, educator, or researcher" in clinical trial management. SoCRA offers certification and continuing education programs for members and non-members.

The Association for Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) delineates two separate definitions, clinical research coordinator and clinic research associate. A clinical research associate here is defined as "a monitor, an auditor, or a project director", and is employed" by the sponsor, or by a contract research organization (CRO)". A CRA in this case operates independently from the study site. ACRP also offers certification and continuing education programs for its members and non-members.

The Drug Information Association (DIA) is an organization in which health professionals exchange and share information on the discovery, development, evaluation, and utilization of health care medicines and technologies. The DIA provides opportunities for continuing education to professionals.

The CRA Registry is an organization with whom auditors, monitors, data reviewers and study coordinators can register their resumes for potential employers such as CROs, Pharmaceutical sponsors, and Medical Device companies.

Clinical trial management (research studies) is a stringently regulated process in which human subjects (volunteers) participate in research study.

There are several organizations that monitor the participation and the safety of human subjects in drug studies, as well as regulate the conduct of research studies, worldwide. The International Conference on Harmonisation is one organization in which regulatory authorities from Europe, Japan and the United States join with experts from the pharmaceutical industry to discuss scientific and technical aspects of product registration. In the United States, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the drug research and development process. Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are regional, state, or local agencies that ensure the safety of human subjects.

An investigational new drug (IND) , a new health product, or a new treatment for an existing product must undergo strict studies and tests before it is made available to the public.

During these studies, human subjects are monitored by specific procedures that are outlined in the study's protocol (design). Data is collected and analyzed, based upon the protocol. Safety (how safe a study drug or a mechanical device is for human subjects) and efficacy (how well the drug or the device is in the treatment) are monitored closely.

There are typically four phases during a drug's development, during which safety and efficacy is constantly monitored. The following are simplified definitions:

Some of the responsibilities of a CRA include:

Some of the responsibilities of a PM include:

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