Clinical Research Associate jobs in Cambridge, MA

​A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is a professional who plays a crucial role in the field of clinical research. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that clinical trials are conducted in compliance with regulatory guidelines, protocols, and good clinical practice (GCP) standards. Here are some of the key tasks and responsibilities of a Clinical Research Associate:

1. Study Start-up: CRAs contribute to the initiation of clinical trials by assisting with site selection, conducting pre-study visits, and ensuring that investigators and study sites are adequately prepared to conduct the research.

2. Site Monitoring: CRAs conduct regular site visits to monitor the progress of clinical trials. They verify that the trial is being conducted in accordance with the approved protocol, applicable regulations, and GCP guidelines. This involves reviewing and verifying source documents, ensuring proper documentation and record-keeping, and assessing the adherence to study procedures and regulatory requirements.

3. Data Collection and Quality Control: CRAs review and validate the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of clinical data collected during the trial. They ensure that data is appropriately entered into electronic data capture (EDC) systems and resolve any data discrepancies or inconsistencies.

4. Participant Safety and Rights: CRAs are responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of trial participants. They verify that informed consent procedures are followed, adverse events are reported and managed appropriately, and that participants' rights and well-being are protected throughout the study.

5. Regulatory Compliance: CRAs work closely with regulatory authorities and ethics committees to ensure that all regulatory submissions, including ethics committee approvals and informed consent forms, are accurate and up to date. They also assist in preparing and reviewing study-related documentation, such as study protocols, case report forms, and study reports.

6. Collaboration and Communication: CRAs collaborate with various stakeholders involved in clinical trials, including investigators, study coordinators, study sponsors, and contract research organizations (CROs). They provide guidance, support, and training to site staff, and maintain effective communication to address any issues or concerns that arise during the trial.

Overall, the role of a Clinical Research Associate is to ensure the integrity, quality, and compliance of clinical trials, thereby contributing to the generation of reliable and scientifically sound data for the evaluation of new medical treatments or interventions.

Cambridge, MA

​Cambridge, Massachusetts is considered one of the world's top hubs for life sciences and biotechnology:

• Home to Harvard University and MIT - two of the world's premier research institutions that drive innovation and spin-offs.

• Dense cluster of biotech companies, both established and startups, benefiting from proximity and networks. Major companies like Biogen, Sanofi, Novartis have offices.

• Access to plentiful VC funding through a high concentration of biotech investors in the Boston/Cambridge area.

• Talent pipeline from having multiple top universities nearby including Harvard Medical School.

• Hundreds of biotech, pharma, and medical device companies in Cambridge area creates strong job market.

• Massachusetts provides a supportive ecosystem for biotech growth through tax incentives, grants, and initiatives.

• Cambridge Kendall Square has been purpose-built as a hub for biotech with lab space, incubators, and community events.

The combination of research institutions, abundant funding, dense industry cluster, and supporting infrastructure make Cambridge arguably the top global innovation hub for life sciences and biotechnology today. It offers unmatched ecosystem connectivity.