JUMP TO CONTENT
clinical researcher holding a test tube

What does a clinical trial project manager do?

Posting date: 23/11/2022
Author: Inside ICON

Well-structured clinical trials have always been a cornerstone of the life sciences industry. Yet with projects becoming increasingly complex, competition intensifying and public/governmental pressure to improve standards, this area is set to become more challenging in the coming years.

In fact, international health organisations are establishing programs that deal with drug safety and their rollout across the globe. For example, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has rolled out the “Medication Without Harm” initiative in order to promote better processes and standards for medications - including the use of more extensive and thorough clinical trials.

Clinical Trial Project Managers play a major role in supporting these ambitious targets and pursuing a project manager career can be both challenging and rewarding. In this article, we explore the key role that Clinical Trial Project Managers play in clinical trials and the steps you can take to start or progress in this area.

Clinical Trial Project Manager: Responsibilities

Clinical Trail Project Managers can have a broad range of responsibilities, each differing slightly depending on the business they work for and the projects they work on. However, there are some commonalities across the board for those that find themselves in these roles.

For example, at the core of their responsibilities, all Clinical Trial Project Managers are responsible for leading clinical studies. This also typically includes supporting the planning, set up and coordination processes of clinical trials. Depending on the business/sector you work in, this may include leading trials on medical devices, medicines or nutritional products.

Other responsibilities may include:

  • Developing and managing budgets
  • Ensuring trials are conducted in line with industry guidelines and legislation
  • Identifying and mitigating potential trial risks
  • Support patient eligibility checks
  • Resolving protocol deviation issues
  • Acting as the main point of contact for sponsors and project teams
  • Assisting in the preparation of Clinical Study Reports (CSRs)
  • Reporting on clinical trial progress
  • Negotiation with suppliers
  • Supporting the creation of clinical trial proposals
  • Support the general running of clinical trials and help overcome any potential issues

Why are Clinical Trial Project Managers important?

Clinical Trial Project Managers are key in ensuring the smooth running and successful completion of these trials within the CRO space and they’re playing an increasingly pivotal role as the market develops.

Clinical trials undertook a key role in overcoming the covid-19 pandemic. The rapid approach to getting vaccines approved has drastically changed how these types of trials are approached. A call for faster, but more comprehensive trials is a big challenge that Clinical Trail Project Managers can help overcome.

There are three main reasons why Clinical Trial Project Managers are so important within clinical trials:

  1. They ensure that best practices and legislation are followed, improving the strength of the trial and its results
  2. They facilitate the smooth running of trials, ensuring the project team can focus on their area of expertise
  3. They support clear communication between trial sponsors and project teams, ensuring transparency and ongoing support

Ultimately, a Clinical Trial Project Manager acts as the glue that holds clinical trials together.

Roles at ICON: Clinical Trial Manager jobs

Clinical Trial Project Manager careers can be highly exciting and rewarding. The roles we have available at ICON allow individuals like you to become part of our shared mission to save lives and improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world. Whether you are just starting out or you are a seasoned Clinical Trials Manager, joining us will allow you to make a positive contribution.



List #1

Related jobs at ICON

Senior Project Manager

Salary

Location

United Kingdom

Department

Regulatory, Drug Safety/ Quality Assurance & Other roles

Location

UK

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Quality Assurance

Job Type

Permanent

Description

Senior Project Manager - Clinical Quality Assurance (Homebased in the UK)As a Senior Project Manager you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powere

Reference

2025-119045

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Patrick Hale

Author

Patrick Hale
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Senior Statistical Programmer

Salary

Location

United Kingdom, South Africa, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, Poland

Department

Biometrics Roles

Location

Bulgaria

Poland

Romania

South Africa

Spain

UK

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Programming

Job Type

Permanent

Description

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotech

Reference

2025-118531

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Jack Fisher

Author

Jack Fisher
Jack Fisher

Author

Jack Fisher
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Senior Statistical Programmer I

Salary

Location

United Kingdom, Poland, Romania

Department

Biometrics Roles

Location

Poland

Romania

UK

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Biometrics Portfolio

Job Type

Permanent

Description

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotech

Reference

2025-118702

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Jack Fisher

Author

Jack Fisher
Jack Fisher

Author

Jack Fisher
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Clinical Trial Assistant

Salary

Location

Bratislava

Department

Clinical Operations Roles

Location

Bratislava

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Clinical Trial Support

Job Type

Permanent

Description

As a Clinical Trial Assistant you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence. This CTA role is dedicated to one client

Reference

2025-118355

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Natalia Roth

Author

Natalia Roth
Read more Shortlist Save this role
View all
List #1

Related stories

Liquid drug vials in palm of hand
Understanding INDs and NDAs in Clinical Research

Teaser label

Industry

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/22/2025

Summary

What is an IND or NDA? A Guide for Aspiring Clinical Research Professionals If you’re considering a career in clinical research or the broader pharmaceutical and biotech industry, you’ve likely c

Teaser label

Discover the difference between IND & NDA applications, and the steps from drug development to regulatory approval.

Read more
Informed consent form
What is an Informed Consent Form (ICF)?

Teaser label

Industry

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/22/2025

Summary

When it comes to clinical trials, one of the most important documents you’ll hear about is the Informed Consent Form (ICF). Whether you're starting out in clinical research or exploring job opportunit

Teaser label

Learn what an Informed Consent Form (ICF) is, why it’s essential in clinical research, and how it protects participants.

Read more
Medic in full gown with a clipboard
Clinical Research Associate (CRA) vs Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)

Teaser label

Industry

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/17/2025

Summary

CRA vs CRC Embarking on a career in clinical research is an exciting journey for STEM graduates, offering opportunities to contribute directly to the development of new therapies and to safeguard

Teaser label

Discover the key differences between Clinical Research Associates (CRA) and Clinical Research Coordinators (CRC).

Read more
View all
List #1

Recently viewed jobs

View Jobs

Browse popular job categories below or search all jobs above