CRO & CSO

Clinical research and contract sales organisations
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are increasingly using specialist outsourcing companies to provide the expertise and resources needed to conduct each of the complex elements required to develop new medicines. Services range from pre-clinical, manufacturing, clinical research, regulatory through to commercial solutions such as sales teams.

Opportunities in clinical outsourcing
Significant growth in the pharmaceutical outsourcing sector means that there is greater demand for qualified and experienced individuals, but also a need to nurture new talent to resource future growth.

Contract Research Organisations (CROs) offer product development services to pharmaceutical companies through designing and conducting clinical trials in phases I through IV. Opportunities are plenty and range from clinical research associates to project managers, statisticians, and data managers. 

These positions generally require a scientific background and relevant experience, however there are some opportunities for graduates to take part in development programmes, alongside established clinical professionals, such as nurses, who are looking to change career. Once qualified as a clinical research associate (CRA), opportunities in CROs are diverse. There are positions in project management, proposals, feasibility, business development, access to patients and contracts.

Contract sales organisations (CSOs) provide sales teams, medical education services and nurse advisors to help maximise the success of customer brands. There are a variety of opportunities for graduates including medical sales representatives, hospital representatives and nurse advisers. These positions normally require a university qualification in nursing or life sciences.

Benefits of working for an outsourcing organisation
Clinical outsourcing is instrumental in progressing industry standards, to deliver better and safer medicines to patients, faster. CROs and CSOs contribute through their initiatives designed to improve cost and time efficiency, progress safety standards and also through investment in new technologies.

One of the key reasons that clinical professionals choose to work for an outsourcing company is diversity. In an outsourcing company, people have the opportunity to work on a wide spectrum of projects, ensuring that they are challenged and motivated to take on new goals, more responsibilities and broader interests.

When choosing an employer, pay attention to the training opportunities. While many skills can be learnt through on-the-job learning, structured and online training programmes will promote and accelerate further development. It is also worth noting other benefits such as flexible hours and home working that may help you to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

How to succeed
As the pharmaceutical industry steps up to new challenges and a changing commercial environment, they will increasingly rely on clinical outsourcing organisations for their experience and expertise in both product development and commercialisation. Opportunities in outsourcing will continue to grow.

Key attributes that differentiate applicants, in addition to a solid scientific background, are people skills, commitment and a passion for progressing healthcare, helping to find new medicines and improving health outcomes for patients.

The Author:
The copy has been compiled by Quintiles.