JUMP TO CONTENT
Female in a lab handling test samples

A Comprehensive Guide to Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Posting date: 02/01/2024
Author: Inside ICON

A Comprehensive Guide to Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Contract Research Organizations (CROs) play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. They provide support to companies in the form of research services outsourced on a contract basis. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what CROs are, who their clients are, the stages of the research process they are typically involved in, and delve into the exciting career opportunities within the field of clinical research.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction to Contract Research Organizations (CROs) 
  • The Role of CROs in the Research Process 
  • Services Offered by CROs 
  • Clients and Partners of CROs 
  • Careers in Clinical Research 
  • Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Roles and Responsibilities 
  • Educational and Professional Requirements for Clinical Research 
  • Careers Advancement Opportunities in Clinical Research 
  • Tips for Success in Clinical Research 
  • Careers Resources and Professional Organizations 
  • Conclusion

Introduction to Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Contract Research Organizations (CROs) are companies that provide support to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries in the form of research services outsourced on a contract basis. They offer a wide range of services, including biopharmaceutical development, clinical development, clinical trials management, and pharmacovigilance. CROs aim to simplify the entry into drug markets and streamline the drug development process by providing specialized expertise and resources.

The Role of CROs in the Research Process

CROs play a crucial role in the research process, from the early stages of drug discovery and development to the final stages of clinical trials and commercialization. They work closely with their clients to design and execute clinical trials, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and ethical standards. CROs also provide support in data management, statistical analysis, and the preparation of regulatory submissions.

Services Offered by CROs

CROs offer a wide range of services to their clients, including but not limited to: 

Biopharmaceutical development: CROs assist in the development of new drugs, from preclinical studies to early-phase clinical trials. Clinical development: CROs design and manage clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards. 

Clinical trials management: CROs oversee all aspects of clinical trials, including site selection, patient recruitment, data collection, and safety monitoring. 

Pharmacovigilance: CROs monitor the safety of drugs and medical devices during clinical trials and after they are on the market. 

Real-world evidence and outcomes research: CROs collect and analyze data from real-world sources, such as electronic health records, to generate evidence on the safety and effectiveness of drugs and medical devices. CROs conduct studies to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drugs and medical devices in real-world settings. 

Clients and Partners of CROs

CROs work with a diverse range of clients, including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, research institutions, and government organizations. They collaborate closely with their clients to ensure that research studies are conducted efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. CROs also partner with academic institutions and foundations to support their research initiatives.

Careers in Clinical Research

Clinical research offers exciting career opportunities for individuals interested in the scientific, regulatory, and operational aspects of drug development. 

Careers in clinical research span a wide range of roles, including Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Clinical Project Manager, Data Manager, Biostatistician, and Medical Writer, among others. These roles require a combination of scientific knowledge, attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills.

Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Roles and Responsibilities

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) play a crucial role in the execution and monitoring of clinical trials. Their responsibilities include site selection and initiation, monitoring study progress, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulatory requirements, and maintaining accurate and complete documentation. CRAs work closely with investigators, study coordinators, and other stakeholders to ensure that trials are conducted safely and efficiently.

Educational and Professional Requirements for Clinical Research Careers

Careers in clinical research typically require a strong educational background in life sciences or a related field. Many positions, such as CRAs, require a bachelor's or master's degree in a scientific discipline. Professional certifications, such as the Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) certification, can enhance career prospects and demonstrate expertise in the field.

Advancement Opportunities in Clinical Research

Clinical research offers ample opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. Experienced professionals can progress to more senior roles, such as Clinical Project Manager or Clinical Operations Director, where they oversee the planning and execution of multiple clinical trials. Continuing education, networking, and staying updated with industry trends are essential for career advancement in clinical research.

Tips for success in seeking a Career in Clinical Research

To succeed in clinical research careers, professionals should continuously develop their scientific knowledge, stay updated with regulatory requirements, and enhance their communication and project management skills. Networking, building relationships with key stakeholders, and seeking mentorship can also contribute to career advancement in the field.

Resources and Professional Organizations for Clinical Research Professionals

Several resources and professional organizations cater to the needs of clinical research professionals. These include industry publications, online forums, conferences, and professional associations. Organizations such as the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) provide educational resources, networking opportunities, and professional certifications for clinical research professionals.

Conclusion

Contract Research Organizations (CROs) play a vital role in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries by providing research services on a contract basis. They offer a wide range of services to support the development and execution of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards. 

Careers in clinical research offer exciting opportunities for individuals interested in the scientific, regulatory, and operational aspects of drug development. By partnering with CROs and pursuing careers in clinical research, professionals can contribute to the advancement of medical science and the development of innovative therapies.

If you're interested in exploring careers opportunities in clinical research, view our current vacancies at ICON today.

List #1

Related jobs at ICON

Sr. COA Licensing Associate

Salary

Location

Ireland, Dublin

Location

Dublin

Warsaw

Bucharest

Barcelona

Remote Working

Office or Home

Business Area

ICON Full Service & Corporate Support

Job Categories

Project/ Program Management

Job Type

Permanent

Description

Mapi Research Trust (MRT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving patients' quality of life by facilitating access to Patient-Centered Outcome (PCO) information. We promote scientific appr

Reference

JR132563

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Clodagh Finnegan Read more Shortlist Save this role
Project Analyst II

Salary

Location

Poland, Warsaw

Location

Sofia

Warsaw

Remote Working

Office or Home

Business Area

ICON Full Service & Corporate Support

Job Categories

Project/ Program Management

Job Type

Permanent

Description

Mapi Research Trust (MRT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving patients' quality of life by facilitating access to Patient-Centered Outcome (PCO) information. We promote scientific appr

Reference

JR130392

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Clodagh Finnegan Read more Shortlist Save this role
Imaging Project Manager

Salary

Location

United Kingdom

Department

Clinical Trial Management

Location

UK

Remote Working

Home-Based

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Clinical Trial Management

Job Type

Permanent

Description

As a Imaging Project Manager you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence.

Reference

2025-121499

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Rajvir Samra

Author

Rajvir Samra
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Clinical Training and Education Specialist

Salary

Location

United Kingdom

Department

Clinical Operations Roles

Location

UK

Remote Working

Home-Based

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Contracts Administration

Job Type

Permanent

Description

As a Clinical Training and Education Specialist you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence.

Reference

2025-121518

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Rajvir Samra

Author

Rajvir Samra
Read more Shortlist Save this role
View all
List #1

Related stories

Headshot of female
Building a Career at ICON: Susie's journey from HR Analyst to Senior VP

Teaser label

Inside ICON

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

08/07/2025

Summary

Building a Career at ICON: A Conversation with Susie McEvoy, Senior VP of HR At ICON, career journeys are rarely linear – and Susie McEvoy’s story is a powerful example of that. From joining as a

Teaser label

Discover how Susie built a successful career at ICON, progressing from HR Analyst to Senior Vice President.

Read more
Nurse
Career Guide: Clinical Research Nursing

Teaser label

Inside ICON

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

08/01/2025

Summary

Clinical Research Nursing: A Vital Career at ICON Clinical research nursing is a specialised discipline that blends expert patient care with the science of clinical trials. Nurses in this role ar

Teaser label

Learn about key responsibilities and how to start your career in clinical research nursing.

Read more
stethoscope on paper records
Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS) Demystified

Teaser label

Inside ICON

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

07/28/2025

Summary

CTMS: The Essential Tool for Clinical Research Professionals Clinical trials have rapidly evolved, accelerated by technology and digital innovation. Central to this evolution is the Clinical Tria

Teaser label

Explore the Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS), its core functions, market growth, and career advantages.

Read more
View all
List #1

Recently viewed jobs

View Jobs

Browse popular job categories below or search all jobs above