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Clinician to CRA - UK, FSP - Job Opportunity at Thermo Fisher Scientific

Remote, United Kingdom
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 23, 2025
Remote
£45,000 - £55,000 per year for entry-level clinician-to-CRA transitions, with potential to reach £60,000 - £75,000 within 2-3 years based on performance and additional therapeutic area expertise. Thermo Fisher Scientific typically offers competitive compensation packages above market median for similar roles.

Benefits

Meaningful work contributing to global health outcomes and life-changing therapies
Comprehensive career development resources and pathways for transitioning from clinical practice to clinical research
Access to cutting-edge clinical trial technologies and methodologies across 100+ countries
Opportunity to work within a global network of 100,000+ colleagues with shared values of Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement
Professional development through exposure to diverse clinical research environments and regulatory frameworks
Equal opportunity employment with strong commitment to diversity and inclusion

Key Responsibilities

Lead risk-based monitoring activities applying advanced analytical skills including root cause analysis and critical thinking to identify and resolve site compliance issues, directly impacting patient safety and data integrity
Execute comprehensive clinical trial oversight through source data review, verification, and case report form analysis, ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple therapeutic areas
Manage investigational product accountability through systematic inventory control and documentation, maintaining chain of custody for experimental treatments
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with investigational sites, serving as primary liaison between sponsors, sites, and internal teams to optimize trial execution
Drive site initiation and close-out processes according to ICH-GCP standards, ensuring seamless trial lifecycle management and regulatory readiness
Provide expert consultation on protocol compliance and regulatory requirements, serving as subject matter expert for site staff and internal stakeholders
Generate comprehensive monitoring reports and documentation that inform strategic decision-making and support regulatory submissions
Lead cross-functional collaboration with clinical teams, contributing to process improvements and knowledge sharing initiatives that enhance operational efficiency
Facilitate investigator meetings and site selection processes, directly influencing trial success through strategic site management
Ensure audit and inspection readiness through meticulous documentation and quality assurance processes

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences related field or a Registered Nursing certification or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification

Experience

Comprehensive experience as a clinician in a healthcare environment (comparable to at least 3 years) that provides transferable knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job in a clinical research environment

Required Skills

Ability to work in a team or independently as required Good organizational skills and strong attention to detail, with proven ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and effectively Demonstrated ability to effectively analyze project-specific data/systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency Strong customer focus Flexibility to reprioritize workload to meet changing project timelines Ability to attain and maintain a working knowledge of ICH GCPs and applicable regulations and procedural documents Fluency in English and local languages is required Good computer skills, proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and ability to obtain knowledge and master all clinical trial database systems Self-motivated, positive attitude and good interpersonal skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The clinical research industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased R&D investment in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, with clinical research organizations (CROs) expanding globally to meet demand for outsourced clinical trial services. This growth is particularly strong in oncology, rare diseases, and personalized medicine where specialized monitoring expertise is crucial. Decentralized and hybrid clinical trials are becoming the new standard, accelerating the need for CRAs who can effectively manage both remote and on-site monitoring activities. This shift requires professionals who can leverage digital technologies while maintaining the rigorous oversight standards essential for regulatory compliance. The regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly complex with harmonized international standards, creating demand for CRAs with deep understanding of ICH-GCP guidelines and multi-regional trial management. Brexit has further complicated European clinical research, making UK-based CRAs with international experience particularly valuable. There is a significant talent shortage in clinical research as the industry expands faster than traditional educational pathways can supply qualified professionals. This has created excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals to transition into clinical research roles, with companies actively recruiting nurses, pharmacists, and other clinicians.

Role Significance

CRAs typically work within project teams of 8-15 members including clinical data managers, biostatisticians, regulatory affairs specialists, and medical monitors. They often manage relationships with 3-6 investigational sites simultaneously and coordinate with multiple internal and external stakeholders across different time zones.
This is a mid-level individual contributor role with significant autonomy and decision-making authority. While not in a formal management position, CRAs serve as subject matter experts and primary points of contact for clinical sites, requiring independent judgment on complex compliance and safety issues that directly impact trial outcomes and patient welfare.

Key Projects

Phase II and III clinical trials in therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular disease, and central nervous system disorders where Thermo Fisher Scientific has established expertise Multi-regional clinical studies spanning Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific requiring coordination across different regulatory environments and cultural contexts Risk-based monitoring initiatives implementing advanced analytics and technology solutions to optimize site oversight while maintaining data quality and patient safety Regulatory inspection preparation and audit support activities that are critical for product approval and commercial success

Success Factors

Deep understanding of clinical practice combined with regulatory knowledge creates unique value in identifying practical solutions to complex compliance challenges while maintaining scientific rigor Strong relationship management skills are essential for building trust with investigational sites and internal teams, as CRAs must influence without direct authority to ensure protocol compliance Analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities are crucial for conducting effective root cause analysis and implementing preventive measures that improve trial quality and efficiency Adaptability and continuous learning mindset are vital given the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape and increasing adoption of new technologies in clinical research Cultural competency and communication skills become increasingly important as clinical trials become more globalized and diverse

Market Demand

Very High - The clinical research industry is experiencing a critical shortage of qualified CRAs, particularly those with clinical backgrounds who can transition into research roles. The demand significantly exceeds supply, creating excellent job security and advancement opportunities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

ICH-GCP knowledge and regulatory compliance expertise are absolutely essential as they form the foundation of all clinical research activities and are subject to regular regulatory inspections that can impact product approvals worth billions of dollars Risk-based monitoring and analytical thinking capabilities are crucial for modern clinical research where CRAs must efficiently identify and address the most critical issues while managing increasing site portfolios and complex protocols Technology proficiency and data management skills are becoming increasingly important as clinical trials become more digitized and CRAs must effectively utilize electronic data capture systems, clinical trial management systems, and emerging technologies Communication and relationship management abilities are critical for success as CRAs must effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders including physicians, site coordinators, sponsors, and regulatory authorities across different cultures and time zones

Beneficial Skills

Therapeutic area expertise in high-growth areas such as oncology, rare diseases, or cell and gene therapy can significantly accelerate career advancement and increase market value Project management and leadership skills become increasingly valuable for progression to senior roles and are highly transferable across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries Foreign language capabilities, particularly European languages, provide competitive advantages for international clinical trials and career mobility within global organizations Quality management and Six Sigma methodologies are increasingly valued as the industry focuses on operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives

Unique Aspects

This role offers a rare opportunity to transition from clinical practice to clinical research within one of the world's most respected life sciences companies, providing comprehensive training and support for career changers
The FSP (Functional Service Partnership) model provides exposure to strategic client relationships and deeper therapeutic area expertise compared to traditional CRO roles, enhancing professional development opportunities
Working with Thermo Fisher Scientific's PPD division provides access to cutting-edge clinical trial technologies and methodologies, including advanced data analytics and risk-based monitoring tools that represent the future of clinical research
The global scope of operations offers potential for international assignments and cross-cultural experience that is increasingly valuable in the globalized clinical research industry
The company's integrated approach combining clinical research services with laboratory capabilities and regulatory expertise provides unique insights into the complete drug development process

Career Growth

Progression to Senior CRA typically occurs within 18-24 months with strong performance. Lead or management roles generally require 3-4 years of CRA experience. Transition to Clinical Trial Manager or specialized roles often happens within 4-6 years depending on additional skills development and organizational needs.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Clinical Research Associate with expanded site portfolios and mentoring responsibilities for junior staff Lead CRA or CRA Team Lead positions involving direct management of CRA teams and strategic oversight of large clinical programs Clinical Trial Manager roles focusing on overall study management and cross-functional team leadership Therapeutic Area Specialist positions requiring deep expertise in specific disease areas and close collaboration with medical teams Quality Assurance or Regulatory Affairs roles leveraging clinical research experience for compliance and submission activities

Company Overview

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a Fortune 500 global leader in serving science with revenues exceeding $40 billion, combining multiple acquired companies including PPD (acquired in 2021 for $17.4 billion) to create one of the world's largest contract research organizations. The company provides comprehensive laboratory products, services, and solutions across the complete clinical development spectrum from discovery through commercial manufacturing.

Thermo Fisher Scientific holds the #1 or #2 market position in most of its served markets, with particular strength in analytical instruments, laboratory equipment, and clinical research services. The PPD division specifically ranks among the top 3 global CROs with proven expertise in complex late-stage clinical trials and regulatory submissions.
The UK represents a strategic market for Thermo Fisher Scientific with significant operations including R&D facilities, manufacturing sites, and clinical research capabilities. Post-Brexit, the company has maintained strong presence in the UK while expanding EU operations, positioning UK-based employees to support both domestic and international projects.
Thermo Fisher Scientific emphasizes scientific excellence and innovation with a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and continuous learning. The company's Mission-driven approach creates strong employee engagement, while the scale and resources provide extensive opportunities for professional development and career advancement across multiple scientific disciplines.
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