Job Description: Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
The Clinical Research Associate (CRA) plays a crucial role in conducting medical research within the healthcare and medicine industry. As a CRA, you will be responsible for monitoring and managing clinical trial projects to ensure compliance with protocols, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Your primary goal will be to ensure the safety, integrity, and quality of the clinical trials, while adhering to established timelines and objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Conduct comprehensive monitoring of clinical trials, including site initiation, routine monitoring, and close-out visits, to ensure compliance with study protocols, applicable regulations, and GCP guidelines.
2. Verify and review study documentation, including informed consent forms, case report forms, and regulatory documents, to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
3. Maintain accurate and up-to-date study files, ensuring that all essential documents are appropriately filed and archived.
4. Identify and resolve any discrepancies or deviations from the protocols, regulations, or GCP guidelines, by liaising with investigators, site staff, and project stakeholders.
5. Assess the safety and welfare of study participants through regular review of adverse events, serious adverse events, and protocol deviations, ensuring appropriate reporting and follow-up.
6. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medical monitors, data management, and regulatory affairs, to facilitate the smooth execution of clinical trials.
7. Develop and maintain effective relationships with investigators, study coordinators, and site personnel, providing ongoing support and training as necessary.
8. Participate in the selection and qualification of investigational sites, coordinating site initiation activities, including investigator meetings, training, and initiation visits.
9. Contribute to the development and review of study protocols, clinical study reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other study-related documents.
10. Stay updated with current regulations, industry standards, and best practices within clinical research, ensuring compliance and implementing any necessary changes.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in life sciences, pharmacy, nursing, or a related field.
2. Minimum of [X] years of experience as a Clinical Research Associate, preferably within the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.
3. In-depth knowledge of clinical research principles, regulations, and GCP guidelines.
4. Proficiency in monitoring and managing clinical trials, including site initiation, routine monitoring, and close-out activities.
5. Strong understanding of the drug development process and clinical trial phases.
6. Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
7. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring compliance with study protocols and regulatory requirements.
8. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally with investigators, site staff, and cross-functional teams.
9. Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, with the capacity to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner.
10. Proficiency in using electronic data capture (EDC) systems and other clinical trial management tools.
11. Familiarity with medical terminology and the ability to interpret medical records and study documentation.
12. Willingness to travel, as necessary, to conduct site visits and attend investigator meetings.
Note: This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for the Clinical Research Associate (CRA) role. Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to support the organization's clinical research activities.