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Clinical Scientist

I was looking for a job with good career prospects and with plenty of future and present opportunities for learning

Matthew, Clinical Scientist

​So, what do you do?

I currently work as a Clinical Science Specialist for Phase I/II Clinical Trials. I am responsible for providing scientific input into all the steps involved in the preparation of a study, from planning and set up, to study conduct and production of the Clinical Study Report (amongst other things).

What does your typical day involve?

It is difficult to define a typical day, as each day seems to be different, and this is possibly one of the aspects I enjoy the most.

Why did you decide on a career in the pharmaceutical industry?

I was looking for a job with good career prospects and with plenty of future and present opportunities for learning. I was very keen to find a job which suited my skills and where I could apply and learn about more about science.

As soon as I left my degree I was looking forward to hold a scientific post, but I did not know were to look, and also I was not aware that scientific positions such as my current job were available.

How has your career developed since you entered the industry?

I initially entered the pharmaceutical industry as a production pharmacist, and then, about a year ago, moved to my current position as a scientist in Clinical Pharmacology. I found that the later gave me more opportunities to apply the concepts and knowledge that I learnt during my Pharmacy degree.

What qualifications and experience did you have when you entered the industry?

After completing my pharmacy degree in Barcelona University, I held a few positions in non-industrial posts such as a Retail Pharmacist and Hospital Pharmacist, and then I joined the industry where I gained experience in Quality and Manufacturing.

During my university degree I collaborated with the Pharmacology Department in organizing the laboratory practices which gave me the opportunity to learn about Clinical Pharmacology. Possibly due my interest in this area, I was finally recruited for my current position.

What possibilities are there for your career in the future?

I could become a Clinician Pharmacologist, as a next step in my career and which would involve not only study level responsibilities but also project level.

What do you think are the most important skills for someone in your role to have?

Passionate, team player, good communication skills, scientific approach to resolving problems, quick learner, willingness to share knowledge amongst other things.

What is it like socially where you work?

There are quite a lot of activities outside work for those who want to join, and from time to time we also participate in team building activities. We also have a Gym within the company for those who like to stay fit!

What are you most proud of in your career?

I am just proud to be where I am now, and also I am proud that I do not need to work at weekends any more!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking a career in the pharmaceutical industry?

Industry can offer many and diverse positions (Pharmacology, Clinical Science, Biomarkers, Training, etc.); so focus on the one field you are interested in, then look at what are the requirements for that post and make sure that you receive the further training and gain experience in those areas. 

Case studies

  • Analytical Chemist
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  • Apprentice - Higher Laboratory Scientist
  • Biologist (biomarkers)
  • Biologist (DPMK)
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  • Biostatistics Manager
  • Business Engagement Director
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  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Clinical Research Manager
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  • Clinical Safety Scientist 2
  • Clinical Scientist
  • Clinical trials supplies
  • Commercial Account Manager
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  • Compliance Director
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  • Graduate Trainee Biologist
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  • Head of Drug Safety and Local Safety Officer
  • Head of Health Economics
  • Head of Market Access
  • Healthcare Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Industrial Placement (Medicinal Chemist)
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  • Industrial Placement Biologist
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  • Industrial placement student – biologist
  • Industry Accountant
  • IT Project Manager
  • Laboratory Technician (biology)
  • Laboratory Technician (chemistry)
  • Lean Coach
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  • Market Access Director
  • Mathematical Modeller
  • Medical department intern
  • Medical Director and Managing Director UK & Ireland
  • Medical Director UK and Ireland
  • Medical Director UK and Republic of Ireland
  • Medical Information Scientist
  • Medical Physicist
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  • Medicinal Chemist
  • Medicinal Chemist – Video
  • Medicinal Chemistry Director
  • Occupational Health Manager
  • Patent Attorney
  • Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist
  • Pharmaceutical Technologist
  • Pharmacist (formulation)
  • Pharmacist (pre-registration)
  • Pharmacokineticist (DMPK) – Video
  • Pharmacologist
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  • Policy and Public Affairs Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Production Coordinator
  • Project Manager / Director
  • Public Relations Executive
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  • Regulatory Affairs Executive
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  • Research Project Leader
  • Research Scientist – Video
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  • Senior statistician
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  • Synthetic Medicinal Chemist – Video
  • Toxicologist
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  • Training Director
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  • UK and Ireland Medical Director
  • Veterinary Surgeon

ABPI

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales 
(registered number 09826787) and its registered office is at 7th Floor Southside,105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT.
Telephone +44 (0) 207 9303477

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Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA)

The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) was established by The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry to operate the ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry independently of the ABPI. The PMCPA is a division of ABPI which is a company registered in England and Wales (registered number 09826787) with its registered office at 7th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QT.

Office of Health Economics (OHE)

The Office of Health Economics (OHE) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (registered number 09848965) and its registered office is at 7th Floor Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT. OHE provides independent research, advisory and consultancy services on policy implications and economic issues within the pharmaceutical, health care and biotechnology sectors.