A Day in the Life of a Senior CRA at ICON

Inside the Role of a Senior CRA: Diego's Clinical Research Career at ICON

Ask Diego Prieto what he does for a living and his answer is refreshingly simple.

"I usually tell people I work on trials for new drugs and treatments," he says. "I often mention the COVID vaccine studies because they helped people understand what clinical research is."

It's an easy way to explain a career that many people never see behind the scenes. As a Senior Clinical Research Associate (CRA) at ICON, Diego spends much of his time travelling to research sites across Brazil, working closely with investigators and study teams to help keep clinical trials running smoothly. Every visit, every conversation and every review of study data plays a part in bringing new treatments one step closer to patients.

Life on the road as a CRA

Unlike many office-based roles, no two days as a CRA are ever quite the same.

A typical week might involve travelling to sites, carrying out monitoring visits, reviewing documentation and working with research teams to resolve questions before moving on to the next location.

For Diego, though, it's the moments that happen beyond the paperwork that stay with him.

"The part I enjoy the most is seeing the results of the trial in patients' medical records. Watching their test results improve and seeing their wellbeing get better is the best part of our job."

It's a reminder that every detail matters because behind every study is someone hoping for a better treatment.

One sponsor, one way of working

Before joining ICON, Diego worked across multiple sponsors. Moving into a sponsor-embedded role has brought a different way of working, one that he says makes collaboration much simpler.

"The best part is the standardisation of processes. Working with one set of SOPs brings more confidence and reduces the chance of error."

That consistency also strengthens relationships. Working alongside the same sponsor team creates trust, making it easier to discuss challenges openly and find solutions together.

"Our consistent delivery and the trust we receive from our sponsor colleagues creates a collaborative environment where problems can be discussed and solved."

For Diego, that's one of the biggest advantages of the single sponsor model.

The moments that matter most

Clinical research often moves forward through hundreds of small decisions.

For Diego, even something as simple as helping move a timeline forward can have a meaningful impact.

"Any time we can push a timeline to make sure a participant can be enrolled into a study, we know we've made a difference."

Whether that's submitting an amendment more quickly or helping a site overcome an operational challenge, those small gains can give more patients the opportunity to take part in research that could improve, or even save, lives.

That's what continues to motivate him every day.

Recharging outside of work

When he's not travelling for work, Diego likes to head in the opposite direction of the city.

Living in São Paulo means life can be busy, so spending time in Brazil's state and national parks has become his favourite way to recharge. Hiking through nature and swimming beneath waterfalls helps him switch off after a busy week of site visits.

Back home, he also enjoys cycling, going to the gym and playing basketball whenever his knees allow it.

One thing colleagues might not know? Diego is a self-confessed cat person. His four cats, T'Challa, Shuri, Nakia and Cori, make sure life at home is never quiet.

The best advice I've ever received

Although Diego doesn't point to one defining mentor, he believes every person he's worked alongside has shaped his career in some way.

His first opportunity at a clinical research centre gave him a start in the industry, but he says the biggest lessons came from simply paying attention to the people around him.

"I've worked with great people throughout my career. From senior leaders and managers to assistants, everyone had experience and knowledge that I could learn from."

That experience has shaped the advice he now gives to others considering a career in clinical research.

"Everyone has something to teach you, even the most junior colleague. Listen, observe and learn."

Looking ahead with ICON

After seven months at ICON, Diego says it's the people that have made the biggest impression.

A collaborative team, supportive manager and healthy work-life balance have helped him settle quickly into his role, while the sponsor-embedded model has given him the opportunity to build strong partnerships and focus on delivering high-quality clinical research.

If you're looking to build your career as a Clinical Research Associate, ICON offers the opportunity to work in dedicated sponsor teams where collaboration, trust and continuous learning are part of everyday life. Like Diego, you'll help bring innovative treatments closer to the patients who need them while building a career that continues to grow.

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Every Day in the Field: Diego's Story as a Senior CRA at ICON

Inside the Role of a Senior CRA: Diego's Clinical Research Career at ICON

Life on the road as a CRA

One sponsor, one way of working

The moments that matter most

Recharging outside of work

The best advice I've ever received

Looking ahead with ICON

ICON & You
The potential of together.

Impactful work. Meaningful careers. Quality rewards.

About Icon

Overview of Service Lines

Global Office Locator

Inclusion & Belonging

ICON Cares - ESG

Building a Successful Clinical Research Resume

Landing Your First Job in Clinical Research

Every Day in the Field: Diego's Story as a Senior CRA at ICON

Inside the Role of a Senior CRA: Diego's Clinical Research Career at ICON

Life on the road as a CRA

One sponsor, one way of working

The moments that matter most

Recharging outside of work

The best advice I've ever received

Looking ahead with ICON

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ICON & You The potential of together.

Impactful work. Meaningful careers. Quality rewards.

ICON & You
The potential of together.