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

Clinical Operations Manager Yordan Zahariev reflects on career growth, leadership and the opportunities a CTA role can unlock.

"Even as an intern in a small country in Eastern Europe, I was contributing to something on a global scale."

More than a decade later, that sense of purpose still motivates Yordan.

Today, he leads one of ICON's largest Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA) teams in Bulgaria, but his career started with a simple curiosity about how new medicines reach patients. Along the way, he discovered a profession that combines science, collaboration and continuous learning, and a role that can open doors across the clinical research industry.

Unlike many people working in clinical research, Yordan did not initially plan to enter the industry.

"Honestly, my interest in clinical research started through my sister," he says. "She was a CRA, and hearing about how new therapies eventually reached patients really sparked my curiosity."

At the time, clinical research was still developing in Bulgaria, but the more he learned, the more interested he became in the work taking place behind the scenes.

"I was fascinated by the impact clinical research can have on people's lives. Everybody is working towards the same goal, which is helping patients."

That interest led him to complete a Master's degree in Healthcare Management before securing an internship as a CTA at a Bulgarian CRO.

"Even as an intern, I could see how my work contributed to bringing new therapies to patients. That was fascinating."

It was an experience that confirmed he had found the right industry.

Yordan joined ICON more than ten years ago as a Clinical Trial Assistant, a role he still describes as one of the best entry points into clinical research.

"The CTA role is a stepping stone into clinical trials. It gives you exposure to so many different departments and opportunities to learn."

As he progressed into senior positions, he took on increasingly complex responsibilities and began supporting project managers with higher-level operational activities. One milestone stands out in particular.

"The first time I mentored a new colleague was a real milestone for me. It was the first opportunity I had to pass on my knowledge and experience, and I realised how much I enjoyed helping others develop."

Later, while helping to grow teams within ICON, he found himself becoming the person new colleagues turned to for guidance, support and coaching.

"It expanded my perspective. Until then, I had been very focused on operational delivery. Suddenly, I was thinking about how to help other people succeed."

For anyone looking to develop their own career, Yordan believes embracing new opportunities is essential.

"Take on new challenges. Don't hesitate. If you have the capacity and you want to learn something new, volunteer and offer your support. Over time, that will definitely help you grow."

Ask Yordan what a typical day looks like for a CTA and he laughs.

"The CTA role is incredibly dynamic. If I tried to list every responsibility, we'd probably need several pages."

On any given day, a CTA might be:

• Managing trial master files and study documentation 
• Supporting clinical trial systems and user access 
• Coordinating internal and external meetings 
• Maintaining study tracking and reporting activities 
• Supporting training compliance 
• Preparing study materials and investigator site files 
• Working with vendors and study teams across multiple functions

"It is a highly collaborative role. CTAs work closely with project managers, clinical trial managers, CRAs, start-up teams, regulatory colleagues and many other functions."

Because of this broad exposure, CTAs often become a central point of coordination within a study.

"The goal is to help keep studies organised and running smoothly. You're constantly working with different stakeholders to make that happen."

One of the biggest advantages of starting as a CTA is the visibility it provides across clinical research.

"The CTA role offers really high visibility into many aspects of clinical operations, which makes it a strong starting point for multiple career paths."

While many professionals choose to become Clinical Research Associates, Yordan has seen colleagues progress into a wide range of roles, including Clinical Study Associate positions, Study Start-Up, Pharmacovigilance, Project Operations Associate roles, Quality and Compliance, and Contracts functions.

"The options are almost endless. People often discover new career interests because of the exposure they get as a CTA."

The role also develops skills that remain valuable throughout a clinical research career.

"You learn organisation, communication, problem-solving and attention to detail. Those skills are valued across the industry."

Moving from individual contributor roles into leadership brought a new set of lessons.

"That transition was exciting, but also challenging at times," Yordan says. "I learned that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about listening, supporting people and empowering others."

The shift required him to rethink how success is measured.

"As an individual contributor, success was very task focused. You either delivered something or you didn't. As a leader, success becomes about building a strong team, creating an environment where people can grow and helping others succeed."

Today, helping people realise their potential remains the most rewarding part of his role.

"I love seeing people become more confident, take on new challenges and volunteer for opportunities they may not have considered before. Knowing you've contributed, even in a small way, to somebody's development journey is incredibly fulfilling."

Over the past three years, Yordan has helped lead significant growth within ICON's CTA Hub in Bulgaria.

"When I joined the CTA leadership team around three years ago, we had around 20 CTAs in Bulgaria and one people leader, which was me at the time."

Today, the team is approaching 100 CTAs, supported by an expanding leadership structure that includes Yordan and three Group Leads, with plans for further growth. 

As the team has expanded, so too has its reputation across ICON's global study teams for delivering high-quality work and dependable support.

"The feedback we receive from global study teams is fantastic. They often take the time to recognise our people, and that's always rewarding to see."

Yordan is equally proud of the leadership team that has grown alongside the CTA function.

"I've been very fortunate to work with a team of highly capable and dedicated Group Leads. Their leadership, commitment and support play a crucial role in the development of our people and the success of the wider team."

For him, the real achievement is creating an environment where people can develop, collaborate and build long-term careers.

When asked what advice he would give someone considering a career in clinical research, Yordan's answer is immediate. "Be curious."

He encourages people to think beyond their immediate responsibilities and understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture.

"Be curious about how your work impacts patients, colleagues and study delivery."

He also believes growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

"Volunteer for tasks that challenge you. Explore different departments. Ask questions. Seek feedback."

Those experiences, he says, become the foundation for future opportunities.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions, explore different areas and take on new challenges. That's how you build knowledge, confidence and experience."

After more than a decade with ICON, Yordan still points to the company's culture as one of its greatest strengths.

"We offer a supportive and collaborative environment where people can learn, grow and be supported."

Whether someone is joining as a CTA or taking their first step into clinical operations, he believes the opportunities to learn are everywhere.

"There's always someone willing to share their experience and help you develop. That's something I've always valued about ICON."

For Yordan, that culture of collaboration and continuous development is what makes ICON a place where people can build long and rewarding careers in clinical research.