Contract research, a new business model, that arrived in India many years ago, has shaped itself to provide career opportunities to many individuals.
Several decades ago not a single contract research organization (CRO) was operating in our nation. With the onset of globalization, privatization and the gradual recognition of India at the international stage, a number of CRO’s and pharmaceutical companies began to set up their operations and explore India’s potential. It however took a great deal of time and effort to focus and establish clinical research organizations here. This was primarily due to the lack of regulatory framework, lack of trained professionals and lack of infrastructure required at various levels to support the initiatives taken by several pharma companies, CRO’s and entrepreneurs involved in the clinical trial business. Off-late there has been a major transformation in India as it has produced a number of clinical research professionals who have successfully handled and constantly undertake global multi-centric studies. According to the McKinsey Report, the clinical research market in India by 2010 has grown to about US$ 1.5 billion and would still grow in its coming years. To work in the clinical research industry one needs to possess at least a bachelors degree and other some specific skill sets. Good cognitive and excellent communication skills are highly desired. At the moment India has many trained clinical research professionals who work hard to handle complex issues in clinical trials.
Clinical research stands as an attractive career for science graduates, and is largely driven and managed by people working in in its various departments such as clinical operations, clinical data management, quality assurance etc. Well qualified, experienced and trained personnel are more likely to demonstrate sufficient credibility and capability to attract projects from sponsors. Having stated this, it is important to note that when compared to the western countries, India only has a small number of skilled professionals. It is necessary to have formal training that stands as an incessant tool to help strengthen one’s career path. A number of training institutes or organizations such as the James Lind Institute offer professional or post graduate diplomas in core areas of clinical research & others. This helps to shape one’s career and brighten up opportunities that come their way and to meet the needs of the clinical research industry.
James Lind Institute is a leading online clinical research training institute that is globally accredited and recognized internationally for clinical research programs. Programs are offered in combination with medical writing, pharmacovigilance, data management etc.