Job Profile: Clinical Trial Manager

The Federal Drug Administration approves or denies a new drug based on clinical trials’ findings. Clinical trial managers are the ones responsible for the planning and execution of these trials over many weeks, months, or even years.

Clinical trial management is a biological sciences career that requires extensive education and training. You typically start your journey by earning an undergraduate degree in biology or a similar subject. Many clinical trial managers then go on to earn a master’s degree.

In this guide, we explore the job profile and educational requirements for a clinical trial manager.

As the job title implies, clinical trial managers oversee the day-to-day operations of running a complex clinical trial. As a clinical trial professional, you manage research teams and support staff to develop project goals and deadlines. You also collaborate with senior managers amd scientists concerning a trial’s progress.

Private drug manufacturers employ the largest percentage of clinical trial managers. You spend most of your day in the laboratory or an office. Some jobs require travel.

Clinical trial managers’ day-to-day responsibilities include managing lab operations. Their work ensures that a clinical trial produces accurate data, even if that data shows the drug has no effect on a condition or creates harmful side effects. As a result, clinical trial managers must put patient well-being above their employer’s profits.

The following tasks describe a few day-to-day responsibilities:

To become a clinical trial manager, you must first earn a high school or GED diploma. Then, you can enroll in a bachelor’s program, such as biology or a similar life sciences degree. This four-year degree takes about four years to complete with full-time enrollment.

Completing an internship during your undergraduate education can help you prepare for a career in clinical trial management. This experience may lead to a recommendation letter or reference you can include in a job application.

Some clinical trial managers earn a master’s degree to become more competitive or to advance their careers. Below are the four education requirements to become a clinical trial manager.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that natural science managers, a field including clinical trial managers, earn a median salary of more than three times what the typical American makes ($46,310). Even the lowest 10% of earners make much more than this figure.

Top-paying states for clinical trial managers include Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California. Keep in mind that these states’ cost of living exceeds the national average.

The need for clinical trial managers is projected to grow as much as 5% between 2022-2032, according to the BLS. This projected growth is faster than the average of all other occupations, which sit at 3%.

Earning good grades, completing an internship, and networking with potential employers well before you graduate can help you become a competitive applicant for this role.

The best clinical trial managers have advanced communication, analytical, and leadership skills. You should also feel passionate about the pharmaceutical industry and be comfortable working in a lab setting. You should also expect challenges, setbacks, and sometimes unpredictable work environments.

Consider the pros and cons of working as a clinical trial manager before enrolling in college. You can also ask friends, family, and coworkers for their input.