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Clinical trials associate vs clinical trial manager

The differences between clinical trials associates and clinical trial managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a clinical trials associate and a clinical trial manager. Additionally, a clinical trial manager has an average salary of $93,644, which is higher than the $74,952 average annual salary of a clinical trials associate.

The top three skills for a clinical trials associate include informed consent, patients and clinical operations. The most important skills for a clinical trial manager are patients, clinical trial management, and clinical operations.

Clinical trials associate vs clinical trial manager overview

Clinical Trials AssociateClinical Trial Manager
Yearly salary$74,952$93,644
Hourly rate$36.03$45.02
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs55,48760,284
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

What does a clinical trials associate do?

A clinical trial associate is in charge of coordinating and executing clinical trial operations, ensuring to meet all goals within budgets and deadlines. Their responsibilities revolve around preparing and processing necessary documentation and certifications, submitting requirements to government agencies, distributing essential materials within the clinical teams, and reviewing study sheets, ensuring every paperwork is complete and accurate. Furthermore, as a clinical trial associate, it is vital to lead while implementing the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.

What does a clinical trial manager do?

A clinical trial manager is primarily responsible for organizing and supervising clinical trials, ensuring to meet all goals while maintaining smooth operations. They are also responsible for collaborating with managers to set targets, hiring staff and participants for studies, and arranging the event. This planning includes its location and schedule. A clinical trial manager must also maintain documentation of all processes, liaise with scientists and key personnel, acquire necessary legal paperwork and certifications, and gather data accurately. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to implement the company's policies and regulations at all times.

Clinical trials associate vs clinical trial manager salary

Clinical trials associates and clinical trial managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Clinical Trials AssociateClinical Trial Manager
Average salary$74,952$93,644
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $121,000Between $61,000 And $142,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Rafael, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyDorsey & WhitneyEditas Medicine
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalPharmaceutical

Differences between clinical trials associate and clinical trial manager education

There are a few differences between a clinical trials associate and a clinical trial manager in terms of educational background:

Clinical Trials AssociateClinical Trial Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Clinical trials associate vs clinical trial manager demographics

Here are the differences between clinical trials associates' and clinical trial managers' demographics:

Clinical Trials AssociateClinical Trial Manager
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 25.3% Female, 74.7%Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 13.4% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 11.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between clinical trials associate and clinical trial manager duties and responsibilities

Clinical trials associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage trial master files and study document to meet GCP/ICH and internal guidelines for records retention.
  • Audit TMF to ensure all require regulatory documentation are collected and lead.
  • Work closely with investigators to recruit eligible patients to clinical protocols, manage data collection and preparation.
  • Preform ICF customization in accordance with ICH guidelines, GCP s and local regulatory requirements.
  • Support the setup, data entry and QC of the system to ensure accuracy and quality of data.
  • Monitor clinical data and resolve inconsistencies according to FDA regulations and ICF guidelines.
  • Show more

Clinical trial manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage SAEs and assure they are properly record and report.
  • Manage CRO vendors and ensure timely execution of study milestones.
  • Manage assign independent consultants and employee CRAs regarding project-relate issues.
  • Lead study data management activities for oncology trials in preparation for study close-out.
  • Ensure study adherence to all regulatory matters and sponsor requirements according to FDA regulations, GCP and ICH guidelines.
  • Create document templates require by FDA and ICH regulations for site distribution.
  • Show more

Clinical trials associate vs clinical trial manager skills

Common clinical trials associate skills
  • Informed Consent, 9%
  • Patients, 7%
  • Clinical Operations, 6%
  • FDA, 6%
  • Consent Forms, 5%
  • TMF, 5%
Common clinical trial manager skills
  • Patients, 8%
  • Clinical Trial Management, 7%
  • Clinical Operations, 6%
  • Clinical Research, 6%
  • Oversight, 6%
  • Project Management, 5%

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