Job Profiles

Contract research organizations and diagnostic testing companies support drug development for life sciences companies, helping to move therapies from idea to market. Careers covering a wide range of responsibilities and skill sets are available in the field — beyond just drug development.

In fact, a wide variety of jobs exist, including laboratory scientists, statisticians, quality assurance professionals, and project managers, as well as careers in supporting roles like human resources, finance, sales, and marketing. No matter your education level, skillset, or prior experience, there’s likely a career waiting for you in the clinical research field.

Find Your Job

Get to know more about the responsibilities and requirements for jobs in the life sciences, and sort your options by the level of education needed.

Specimen Accessioner

Specimen Accessioner

A specimen accessioner catalogs samples and specimens for review, then sends their findings to doctors or lab professionals for further research and analysis.
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Manufacturing Associate

Manufacturing Associate

Process technicians plan both the big picture and the details, keeping all systems running as they should by planning, evaluating, and analyzing workflows.
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Maintenance and/or Instrumentation Technician

Maintenance and/or Instrumentation Technician

Both maintenance and instrumentation technicians are responsible for all things equipment, including calibrating, maintaining, installing, repairing, and more.
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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

A lab technician gathers and chemically analyzes samples, preparing solutions and aiding in all things related to lab equipment upkeep and maintenance in order to do so.
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Process Development Scientist

Process Development Scientist

Process development scientists use problem-solving and creativity to come up with the processes used in research, then use technology to monitor production.
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Data Coordinator

Data Coordinator

Data coordinators manage information for ongoing clinical trials to ensure the quality and record the results of the trial.
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Process Engineer

Process Engineer

Similar to process technicians and development scientists, process engineers oversee systems by designing, controlling, and operating the transformation of raw materials into valuable products.
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Clinical Research Associate

Clinical Research Associate

Clinical research associates supervise each stage of a trial including selecting a site, giving instructions for properly running trials, and closing out the site and completing paperwork once the trial has concluded.
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Bioinformatician

Bioinformatician

Combining biology, computer science, and math to interpret and analyze data, bioinformaticians problem-solve in order to accomplish research goals.
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Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance

A job for the detailed-oriented, quality assurance specialists inspect and monitor both products and procedures in order to ensure they’re up to industry standards.
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Scientist

Scientist

From testing a drug formula to optimizing its shelf-life, scientists at CROs are responsible for overseeing the steps in drug development that lead up to clinical trials.
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Quality Control

Quality Control

Quality control specialists handle standards with equipment and lab environments, ensuring that tests are run in the proper environment and communicating improvements to other lab members.
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Specimen Accessioner

Specimen Accessioner

A specimen accessioner catalogs samples and specimens for review, then sends their findings to doctors or lab professionals for further research and analysis.
Read More
Manufacturing Associate

Manufacturing Associate

Process technicians plan both the big picture and the details, keeping all systems running as they should by planning, evaluating, and analyzing workflows.
Read More
Maintenance and/or Instrumentation Technician

Maintenance and/or Instrumentation Technician

Both maintenance and instrumentation technicians are responsible for all things equipment, including calibrating, maintaining, installing, repairing, and more.
Read More
Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

A lab technician gathers and chemically analyzes samples, preparing solutions and aiding in all things related to lab equipment upkeep and maintenance in order to do so.
Read More
Process Development Scientist

Process Development Scientist

Process development scientists use problem-solving and creativity to come up with the processes used in research, then use technology to monitor production.
Read More
Data Coordinator

Data Coordinator

Data coordinators manage information for ongoing clinical trials to ensure the quality and record the results of the trial.
Read More
Process Engineer

Process Engineer

Similar to process technicians and development scientists, process engineers oversee systems by designing, controlling, and operating the transformation of raw materials into valuable products.
Read More
Clinical Research Associate

Clinical Research Associate

Clinical research associates supervise each stage of a trial including selecting a site, giving instructions for properly running trials, and closing out the site and completing paperwork once the trial has concluded.
Read More
Bioinformatician

Bioinformatician

Combining biology, computer science, and math to interpret and analyze data, bioinformaticians problem-solve in order to accomplish research goals.
Read More
Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance

A job for the detailed-oriented, quality assurance specialists inspect and monitor both products and procedures in order to ensure they’re up to industry standards.
Read More
Scientist

Scientist

From testing a drug formula to optimizing its shelf-life, scientists at CROs are responsible for overseeing the steps in drug development that lead up to clinical trials.
Read More
Quality Control

Quality Control

Quality control specialists handle standards with equipment and lab environments, ensuring that tests are run in the proper environment and communicating improvements to other lab members.
Read More

Header image photo credit: Novartis