CTA - relevant experience required - Job Opportunity at ICON

London, GB
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 21, 2025
Hybrid
£28,000 - £35,000 per year based on entry-level clinical research positions in London market, with ICON's position as a leading CRO typically offering competitive packages in the upper range of market standards

Benefits

Comprehensive childcare voucher schemes providing financial support for working parents and enhancing work-life balance
Subsidized travel passes offering significant cost savings on daily commuting expenses
Generous annual leave entitlements exceeding standard UK statutory requirements
Discounted gym memberships promoting employee wellness and health initiatives
Flexible health insurance packages tailored to individual and family needs
Competitive retirement planning with enhanced employer contributions
24/7 global employee assistance program providing mental health and wellbeing support
Life assurance coverage providing financial security for dependents
Bike purchase schemes supporting sustainable commuting options

Key Responsibilities

Drive operational excellence by proactively supporting Project Managers in clinical study execution, directly impacting the speed and quality of life-changing therapeutic development
Lead cross-functional coordination between In-House Set Up Teams and Project Managers to accelerate study initiation timelines, reducing time-to-market for critical treatments
Serve as the central strategic liaison for study-related communications across medical and operational departments, ensuring seamless information flow and decision-making
Maintain regulatory compliance excellence through meticulous Trial Master File management and quality control preparation, safeguarding study integrity
Execute financial oversight responsibilities including budget tracking, invoice processing, and payment coordination, ensuring optimal resource allocation
Develop and produce critical study documentation and aids that enhance operational efficiency and support field teams
Facilitate strategic meetings and maintain comprehensive tracking systems that drive accountability and performance optimization

Requirements

Education

A degree level qualification in Life Science, have equivalent experience or be a licensed healthcare professional

Experience

At least 6 months' experience working within a similar role, happy to look at candidates from academia background and/or commercial

Required Skills

An interest in the pharmaceutical industry and clinical research Fluent English proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite is required
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The clinical research industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased pharmaceutical R&D investment, with global clinical trials market expected to reach $69.8 billion by 2026, creating sustained demand for clinical support professionals. Digital transformation in clinical trials is revolutionizing operational efficiency, with electronic Trial Master Files (eTMF) and remote monitoring becoming standard, requiring CTAs to develop strong digital competencies alongside traditional clinical knowledge. Post-COVID regulatory flexibility has accelerated adoption of hybrid work models in clinical research, with sponsors increasingly offering flexible arrangements to attract talent in a competitive market. Regulatory harmonization across global markets is driving demand for professionals who can support multi-regional studies, with particular emphasis on understanding diverse regulatory requirements and cultural considerations.

Role Significance

Typically operates within cross-functional teams of 8-12 professionals including Project Managers, CRAs, and regulatory specialists, with direct collaboration across multiple departments and external stakeholders
Entry to mid-level operational role with significant growth potential, serving as a critical bridge between senior project management and field operations, with responsibilities that directly impact study timelines and quality outcomes

Key Projects

Multi-phase clinical trials spanning Phase I-IV studies across diverse therapeutic areas Global regulatory submission support projects requiring coordination across multiple regulatory authorities Digital transformation initiatives implementing new clinical trial technologies and processes Quality assurance projects ensuring compliance with GCP, FDA, and EMA requirements

Success Factors

Strong attention to detail and organizational capabilities are essential for managing complex Trial Master Files and regulatory documentation that can make or break study timelines and regulatory approvals. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills enable effective coordination across diverse teams, time zones, and cultural contexts in global clinical research environments. Adaptability and continuous learning mindset are critical given the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape and technological advancement in clinical research methodologies. Project management acumen and ability to work under pressure while maintaining quality standards, as clinical trials operate under strict timelines with significant financial and patient safety implications.

Market Demand

High demand driven by robust pharmaceutical pipeline expansion, increasing clinical trial complexity, and industry skills shortage, particularly for candidates with combined academic and commercial exposure

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Microsoft Office proficiency is fundamental as the role heavily relies on Excel for tracking, PowerPoint for documentation, and Outlook for communication across global teams. Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data analysis functions are particularly valuable for budget tracking and study metrics. Clinical research knowledge and pharmaceutical industry interest are essential foundations for understanding regulatory requirements, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles, and the complex landscape of drug development from preclinical through post-market surveillance. Communication and organizational skills are paramount given the role's function as a central coordination point between multiple stakeholders, requiring ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail in regulatory documentation.

Beneficial Skills

Regulatory affairs knowledge including understanding of FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines would accelerate career progression and increase value to project teams working on global submissions. Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2) or clinical research certifications (ACRP, SoCRA) would enhance credibility and open doors to senior roles within 2-3 years. Foreign language skills, particularly European languages, would be valuable for supporting international studies and communicating with global investigative sites. Data analysis and visualization skills using tools like Tableau or R would differentiate candidates as the industry increasingly focuses on data-driven decision making and real-world evidence generation.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work at client site in White City, London, providing direct exposure to pharmaceutical company operations and enhanced networking opportunities within the industry.
Sponsorship support for visa requirements demonstrates company commitment to international talent acquisition and long-term employee development.
Hybrid working model with 2 days office requirement balances flexibility with collaborative needs, reflecting progressive approach to post-pandemic work arrangements.
Exposure to world's largest clinical research organization provides unparalleled access to diverse therapeutic areas, cutting-edge technologies, and global best practices in clinical development.

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior CTA within 18-24 months, with potential advancement to CRA or Project Manager roles within 3-5 years depending on performance and additional qualifications

Potential Next Roles

Senior Clinical Trial Assistant with expanded responsibilities for multiple concurrent studies Clinical Research Associate (CRA) transitioning to field-based monitoring roles Project Manager positions overseeing entire study portfolios Regulatory Affairs Specialist focusing on submission and compliance activities

Company Overview

ICON

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization, providing comprehensive drug development solutions to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries with operations spanning over 40 countries and employing approximately 38,000 professionals globally.

Market leader in the global Contract Research Organization (CRO) sector, consistently ranked among the top 3 CROs worldwide by revenue, with particular strength in late-phase clinical development and commercialization support services.
Strong UK and European presence with significant operations in London serving as a key hub for European clinical operations, regulatory affairs, and business development activities supporting major pharmaceutical clients.
Performance-driven culture emphasizing scientific excellence, innovation, and professional development, with strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives and comprehensive employee wellbeing programs designed to support work-life balance in a demanding industry.
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