5 stimulating oncology jobs where you can make a difference

As far as career paths go, few options are as rewarding and respected as clinical research - with oncology arguably topping the list for areas in which you can have a potentially huge, positive impact on a vast number of people’s lives. This area of research is considered one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine and although it has come on considerably in recent years, there are still huge opportunities for improvement.

There are countless options for ambitious professionals that want to get into a career in oncology. In this article, we explore five of the most stimulating oncology jobs in clinical research and how pursuing a career in these roles can help make a positive difference.

Clinical trial associate

A role as a clinical trial associate is a great option for those looking to take on big challenges in the clinical research space. Professionals in these roles are responsible for the administration surrounding clinical trials. This will see you working to help develop current and create new drugs and treatments for cancer patients. As a clinical trial associate, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and correct running of clinical trials.

Clinical trial associates are needed for all types of clinical trials. However, those that chose to specialise in a specific therapy area, such as oncology, at an early stage in their career can rapidly develop an understanding of their area and fast-track their progression.

Clinical project manager

Clinical project managers take on a major planning and leadership role in the clinical research process. As a professional in this role, you will be responsible for supporting the planning phase of clinical trials as well as coordinating and leading them once they are underway.

For example, in the oncology space, a clinical project manager may find themselves managing trials for medicines or medical devices dedicated to supporting the recovery and well-being of cancer patients. Progression from this role may see you taking on a position as a senior project manager. This will offer you an opportunity to take on more responsibility and contribute to more complex trials.

Study contracts manager

Study contracts managers take on an essential role in the clinical research space, ensuring that costing and contracts are properly reviewed and dealt with. Professionals in this space are

responsible for negotiating, developing and managing contracts at all levels. They are also often a critical part of the budgeting process.

Over time clinical trials will inevitably continue to grow in their ambition, whilst budgets shrink or remain the same. This is why a career as a study contracts manager can be so interesting. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that trials achieve their objectives whilst keeping efficiency high and costs to a minimum.

Biostatistician

If you have a love for data and find joy in analysing data sets, and looking for patterns and anomalies, then a role as a biostatistician may be perfect for you. Working on the development of potentially life-changing cancer drugs and treatments, biostatisticians provide statistical support throughout the entire process. This gives those in the role the chance to work on every stage of clinical trials, ranging from conception and design to analysis and reporting.

Medical director

Becoming a medical director is the career goal of many professionals within the oncology space.

Those who reach this level take on a leadership role in oncology medical trials. They are typically responsible for the overarching management of trials, ensuring that objectives are clear and that all the parts of the trial team are achieving their responsibilities. Being a medical director can be fast-paced and high pressured, making it perfect for ambitious individuals who are up for a challenge.

Find a clinical research job that is right for you at ICON

Are you looking for a rewarding career in clinical research? You've come to the right place.

For those just starting, a role such as clinical trial associate may be the perfect way to get into the space and get a feel for the areas you want to pursue. Professionals with an established background in oncology may benefit from looking into advanced positions such as senior clinical project manager or medical director.

We currently have several exciting oncology and clinical trial roles available at ICON. Explore all our current clinical trial opportunities and become a part of the team.

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