Clinical research is a branch of medical science that determines the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products, and treatment regimens intended for human use. These scientific studies are carried out prior to the release of the medicine in the market. These trials are undertaken at various stages and studies are conducted after the launch of a new product to monitor safety and side effects during large-scale use. Clinical Research/ Pharmacy Industry has seen rapid and sustained growth in last decades and expected to grow fast. There is high demand for trained professionals in this field the pay package are impressive even at the entry level. The most common entry-level position in this field is that of a Clinical Research Associate (CRA). There are also other job titles like Clinical Study Managers, Clinical Research Coordinator, Drug Safety Manager, Medical Writer, etc. depending on the nature of work.

B. Sc. degree is a must to enter this field. Ideally the industry is looking for science graduates from pharmacy, medicine, life science and bioscience. There is No age bar for pursuing Clinical Research. A scientific mind bent and interest in medicine and research is desirable.

India is the second largest pharmaceutical market in Asia growing by more than nine per cent annually. According to a report, there are more than 50,000 jobs in clinical research in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies and Contract Research Organizations are always seeking new Clinical Investigators to help study new drugs and devices. These organizations (called Sponsors) provide grant funds to physicians and institutions, which more than cover the cost of conducting the clinical studies. well known Research Organization recently reviewed the job positions in this avenue which are i.e. Business Development in Genomics, Product Manager Quality Control Research Scientist in Bioinformatics, Clinical Data\Archives Manager, Project Manager Regulatory Affairs Sales, Biostatistician Clinical Research, Associate Marketing\PR Proteomics Research Associate Technician, Skilled Trades etc. Medical Writing Technologist Patents\IP Positions Clinical Research Coordinator Technology Transfer Clinical Research Investigator. Freshers can expect a pay packet of around three lakhs or more per annum. If you have a master''s degree backing your qualifications, then the amount is almost doubled. Clinical research is an industry where experience counts, thus the longer you are in this field; higher the salary you can expect.

Some of the institutes offering courses in Clinical Research are as follows: