Your clinical research job questions, answered
Yes, the UK and the global market continue to grow, creating ample clinical research jobs. The pandemic and huge investment the industry has received means it’s never been a better time to join this rewarding profession. 88% of employers say they experienced skill shortages during 2021. So now is the time to apply for your next opportunity. For more information, check out our Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide.
This profession explores how safe and effective novel treatments, medications, medical devices, and diagnostic techniques are when administered to patients. This is actioned by running clinical trials, where researchers monitor patients’ progress and measure the efficacy and benefits of a new drug.
Clinical research jobs require a graduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant scientific field. This can include fields as diverse as biochemistry, pharmacology, nursing, epidemiology, physiology, and chemistry. While you could secure an admin role without a qualification, this does not guarantee employment in clinical research.
Clinical research employers want to hire employees that possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both written and verbal), problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to motivate others and adopt to change. If you want to develop your skills in any of these areas, check out the Hays My Learning platform.
This will depend on what is most important to you. A contract will offer better pay and the flexibility to define their schedule around other commitments. However a permanent job gives you access to additional benefits like sick pay, holiday, bonus incentive, and pension contributions.