Entry-Level APEX Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

Do you have up to 2 years of experience working as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Ophthalmology or Oncology Clinical Trials?

*Currently hiring for November and December 2024 Cohorts – Candidates must be available to start on November 11th or December 2nd*

Application Deadline: October 11th, 5pm EST  

The Accelerated Program of Education, Exposure, and Experience for Clinical Research Associates (APEX CRA) provides foundational clinical research training including project and system experience. 

 As they progress through the program, APEX CRAs perform billable project tasks to support the CRAs and Clinical Operations Leads (COLs) with a focus in three developmental areas: Project Support, Initiation CRA support, and Site Facing support. They are required to complete the ACRP Entry Level Knowledge Assessment and are enrolled in a 1-year membership to the ACRP.

APEX CRAs work closely with CRAs to gain exposure to and experience with the CRA role and its responsibilities across a period of four months. They get the opportunity to practically apply in-class concepts with day-to-day application by working with clinical systems including Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS), Electronic Data Capture, Safety Information Systems, and TMF platforms. Instructor-led trainings are supplemented with ongoing coaching and support of Line Managers and COLs. 

APEX CRAs accompany CRAs for observational and co-monitoring support on-site or during remote visits which combines learning for the APEX CRAs and workload aid for their CRA colleagues. Upon completion of the program, APEX CRAs are well-positioned to independently function within the CRA role and to immediately begin successful monitoring.

At Parexel, the CRA role offers the opportunity to go beyond the role of a typical clinical monitor. CRA’s are accountable for using their expertise to build and maintain the site relationship and ensure they’re set up for success. As the clinical sites’ sole point of contact, this includes addressing and resolving site issues and questions. You’ll also manage site quality and delivery from site identification through to close-out.

Travel expectations: The CRA role is a largely field based role that requires frequent travel multiple times per month. Investigator sites participating in studies span the country, from large research centers to smaller offices, so traveling to them is a part of the CRAs role. You can expect at least five trips per month that are multi-day, overnight stays in different locations. Travel time can vary widely depending on the location of the site, flights, proximity to the airport and travel delays. In addition, there are other factors that will impact the travel times including your location, the study you are working on and the location of the sites. During the first six months, travel will be limited but, as your development continues, traveling will increase.

Job Qualifications :

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in life sciences/data sciences/pharmacy or other health related disciplines.
• 6- 24 months maximum experience in clinical research
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills within a matrixed team.
• Experience working in a self-driven capacity, with a sense of urgency and limited oversight.
• A client-focused approach to work and flexible attitude with respect to assignments/new learning.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks, evaluate a variety of unpredictable scenarios and achieve project timelines while being able to apply your understanding of study protocol(s).
• An honest and ethical work approach to promote the development of life changing treatments for patients.
• Strong computer skills with aptitude to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to travel 80% of the time
• Ophthalmology or Oncology Study experience required  

Parexel is proud to be a leading Clinical Research Organization with colleagues across the globe. As a member of our team, you’ll get to know your coworkers on a personal level. Have a question? A clinical research leader, project team member, technology “super user” or collaborator are a phone call away. Our clinical research teams meet regularly to have discussions in an open environment, allowing our team members to share their expertise and promote learning within the team. Management supports and encourages career growth through consistent performance discussions and evaluations. Whether your interest is to progress into a more senior level CRA role, into line management, Quality, Project Leadership or a variety of other positions, Parexel prides itself on career opportunities for our employees.

EEO Disclaimer

Parexel is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, which in the United States includes race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.