Preparing ethics application and ensuring practice of research ethics along the entire research process as well as communication with the ethics review board. Managing the research budget, ensuring the quality of the research are also expected from clinical research coordinators. They keep the communication between the principal investigator, stakeholders/clients and university/hospital/sponsors. They coordinate, organize, keep records, and monitor project plans, timeline and deliverables. Organizing knowledge translation activities including webinars and conference presentations are also their jobs.
To obtain this position, one may require an M.Sc. degree or equivalent and 2-5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. PhD maybe preferred sometime. Usually, it requires about 2-3 years of experience as research assistant or similar extent of experience in research settings. Knowledge of FDA regulatory requirements is required. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within a particular field. Ability to communicate with stakeholders from different field are required. Must be skilled on Microsoft Office. Often may require skills of certain software such as SPSS, NVivo, STATA, COVIDENCE, and databases such as REDCap, MS access etc. Tri-council ethic training and strong knowledge and experience with research ethics are required. Ability to supervise others as well as follow instructions from PI and supervisors are required. Typically reports to a supervisor or PI.
Average Hourly
$38.95
Range Hourly
$21.05 – $55.59
Average Yearly
$75,951
Range Yearly
$41,048 – $108,406
Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers (4165)
Clinical research associate
Clinical research program manager
Clinical trials co-ordinator
Health policy research analyst
Health research officer
Health services research officer
Health services researcher
Master’s degree usually required
PhD might be preferred some time
Average hourly |
Range hourly |
Average yearly |
Range yearly |
$28.17 |
$18.87 - $33.50 |
$54,925 |
$36,797 - $65,318 |
Medium
Employment outlook is good to fair in most provinces. More information are available here.
Depends on employment area i.e., government, pharmaceuticals, research management, or clinical research. However, each path likely to need more education and experience.
2-5 years of related experience
There are different certificate programs available in different institutes. However, majority of them are online, they teach basic clinical research skills, research ethics and they cannot guarantee jobs after completion. Program examples:
Clinical Research Certificate Program at Michener Institute (Online, no practicum)
Clinical Research Certificate at University of Toronto (On campus and practicum included)
Clinical Trials Management at University of Waterloo (Diploma: online courses and practicum on campus; Certificate: online only, no practicum)
Clinical Research, Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance at Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences (AAPS) (Online and on campus, no practicum)
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; Excellent managing capacity and communication ability; multitasking skills; Leadership quality; team player; customer service skills; an ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines; open to learning and development; willing to accept new challenges and assignments; positive attitude; ability to work independently; analytical skills; report writing skills
Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP) certificate can be obtained by a successful application and by passing a CCRP examination. However, this is an optional certification.
Two possible ways:
Obtain Clinical Research Assistant position at first then grow from there.
Obtain an MSc. or PhD degree on Health Sciences/Community Health Sciences/Public Health (MPH)/Psychology then go for such position.