JUMP TO CONTENT

Insights from a Senior CRA at ICON

Posting date: 27/04/2026
Author: Inside ICON

At ICON, our people are at the centre of everything we do. In this blog, Senior Clinical Research Associate Rafi Cabral shares an insight into his career journey, what it is really like to work as a CRA, and how ICON supports his growth both professionally and personally.

Getting to know Rafi

Rafi Cabral is based in Bridgewater, New Jersey and has been with ICON for five years. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, hiking, and practising meditation. Colleagues might be surprised to learn that he is quite extroverted, bringing energy and connection into both his professional and personal life.

What does a CRA at ICON do?

For those unfamiliar with clinical research, Rafi describes his role simply. A Clinical Research Associate is responsible for ensuring that clinical trials are conducted ethically, that participants remain safe, and that data collected is accurate and reliable. This work ultimately contributes to the development of better treatments for patients.

A typical week involves continuous engagement with study sites, reviewing data, and ensuring that projects are progressing in line with expectations. It is a fast paced role that requires strong organisation, attention to detail, and the ability to manage evolving priorities.

What makes the role rewarding

For Rafi, the most fulfilling part of the role is knowing that his work contributes to improving healthcare outcomes. He also values the variety in his day to day responsibilities, which include problem solving, learning new skills, and contributing ideas to support study development.

Managing workload and travel

The CRA role can be demanding, with tight timelines and high expectations. Rafi manages this by staying organised and focusing on priority tasks. Travel is a significant part of the role, but with careful planning, he ensures it does not interfere with time spent with family and friends.

Strong communication has been key to navigating challenges such as balancing site management with extensive travel. By maintaining clear and effective relationships with study teams and sites, Rafi has been able to adapt and succeed.

Support and culture at ICON

Rafi highlights the importance of the support systems in place at ICON. Well designed monitoring plans and collaborative study teams provide a strong foundation for success in a metrics driven environment.

What sets ICON apart, in his view, is its inclusive culture and empowering approach. Teamwork is a central part of the experience, and employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and grow within their roles.

Flexibility and work life balance

Flexibility plays an important role in Rafi’s experience at ICON. The company supports employees through flexible working arrangements and family focused policies, helping them balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments.

Managers also play a key role by setting clear goals, offering constructive feedback, recognising achievements, and supporting work life balance.

Career development and growth

Professional development has been a strong focus throughout Rafi’s career at ICON. He has benefited from ongoing training through ICON’s learning platforms and development programs, which have helped him expand his skills as a CRA.

Support from managers and mentors has also been instrumental. Regular feedback and guidance have enabled him to continuously improve and progress in his career.

For those considering a CRA career at ICON, Rafi’s advice is straightforward: take full advantage of the development opportunities available and stay committed to continuous learning.

Why build a career at ICON

According to Rafi, people choose to stay at ICON because of the strong sense of teamwork and inclusive culture. It is an environment where individuals feel supported and encouraged to grow.

For experienced CRAs considering their next move, he describes ICON as a place that offers both professional development and meaningful work, making it a rewarding career choice.

Final reflections

On challenging days, Rafi draws motivation from his daughter, keeping his focus on what matters most. The best advice he has received is to manage your energy, not just your time, a mindset that has helped him maintain balance in a demanding role.

Reflecting on his journey so far, Rafi is grateful for the opportunities he has been given and is looking forward to continuing his growth at ICON.

Explore our current CRA openings and discover where a career at ICON could take you.

List #1

Related jobs at ICON

Study Support Assistant

Salary

Location

Brazil, Sao Paulo

Location

Sao Paulo

Remote Working

Hybrid

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions (FSP)

Job Categories

Study Start Up

Job Type

Permanent

Description

As a Study Support Assistant at ICON, you will provide administrative and operational support for clinical trials, contributing to the advancement of innovative treatments and therapies.What You Will

Reference

JR155110

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Patricia Duchnicky Read more Shortlist Save this role
Clinical Research Associate

Salary

Location

Brazil, Sao Paulo

Location

Sao Paulo

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions (FSP)

Job Categories

Clinical Monitoring

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Clinical Research Associate in Belém do Pará to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Clinical Research Associate at ICON, you will play a pivotal role in designing and an

Reference

JR154812

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Bruna Duarte

Author

Bruna Duarte
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Clinical Supplies Specialist - Logistic

Salary

Location

UK, Reading

Location

Reading

Remote Working

Office Based

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions (FSP)

Job Categories

Clinical Supplies

Job Type

Permanent

Description

The Distribution Operations role in Clinical Packaging and Distribution is responsible for providing operational expertise in technical areas of clinical supply (e.g. storage, inventory, pick-pack, di

Reference

JR153824

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Rajvir Samra

Author

Rajvir Samra
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Grants Specialist

Salary

Location

Brazil, Sao Paulo

Location

Sao Paulo

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions (FSP)

Job Categories

Accounting & Finance

Job Type

Permanent

Description

As a Grants Specialist at ICON, you will contribute to our accounting and financial operations function, working collaboratively to deliver high-quality outcomes across our clinical programmes.What Yo

Reference

JR153123

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Tulio Sanquiz

Author

Tulio Sanquiz
Read more Shortlist Save this role
View all
List #1

Related stories

Headshot of male
From Supporting Studies to Leading Teams: Yordan's Clinical Research Journey

Teaser label

Our People

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

06/10/2026

Summary

Why I Still Recommend the CTA Role After More Than 10 Years in Clinical Research Clinical Operations Manager Yordan Zahariev reflects on career growth, leadership and the opportunities a CTA role

Teaser label

Discover Yordan's career journey at ICON and learn how a CTA role can open doors across clinical research.

Read more
Building Careers Across Latin America

Teaser label

Our People

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

06/04/2026

Summary

After more than 20 years at ICON, Carolina Boari has witnessed the organisation's growth across Latin America while building a successful career of her own. Today, as Executive Director of Clini

Teaser label

Hear from Carolina about her career journey at ICON.

Read more
Headshot of female
Sajna's Biometrics Career Journey

Teaser label

Our People

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

05/26/2026

Summary

From Data Management to Leadership For Sajna Basant, a career in Biometrics has always been about more than data. “Data is not just numbers,” she explains. “It represents real people, their health

Teaser label

Discover how Sajna built her career in Biometrics at ICON.

Read more
View all
List #1

Recently viewed jobs

View Jobs

Browse popular job categories below or search all jobs above