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Clinical trials specialist vs clinical research specialist

The differences between clinical trials specialists and clinical research specialists 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 specialist and a clinical research specialist. Additionally, a clinical trials specialist has an average salary of $74,910, which is higher than the $60,945 average annual salary of a clinical research specialist.

The top three skills for a clinical trials specialist include patients, clinical research and clinical trials. The most important skills for a clinical research specialist are patients, clinical trials, and informed consent.

Clinical trials specialist vs clinical research specialist overview

Clinical Trials SpecialistClinical Research Specialist
Yearly salary$74,910$60,945
Hourly rate$36.01$29.30
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs57,45896,707
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

What does a clinical trials specialist do?

A Clinical Trials specialist assist in the daily activities involved in clinical trials. This includes gathering facts, information, and observed data and helps analyze and interpret results. Clinic trials are essential in developing new medicines and vaccines needed for the safeguard of human health. Alongside this primary responsibility, it is also the clinical trial specialist's task to organize data, monitor laboratory equipment, and ensure all specimens needed for the trials are according to instructions.

What does a clinical research specialist do?

An air traffic controller specializes in overseeing and directing airspace traffic, all while maintaining an active line of communication with aircraft to ensure safe and efficient air travels. Generally assigned in ground control centers and towers, an air traffic controller's responsibilities revolve around utilizing technology to monitor flight paths, weather, and airport runways to guide pilots and airport personnel. They also work on coordinating with other control officers, inspecting and maintaining instruments and equipment in good condition, and alerting departments and assigned personnel should there be any emergencies.

Clinical trials specialist vs clinical research specialist salary

Clinical trials specialists and clinical research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Clinical Trials SpecialistClinical Research Specialist
Average salary$74,910$60,945
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $120,000Between $42,000 And $87,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyExelixisEdwards Lifesciences
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalPharmaceutical

Differences between clinical trials specialist and clinical research specialist education

There are a few differences between a clinical trials specialist and a clinical research specialist in terms of educational background:

Clinical Trials SpecialistClinical Research Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of Pennsylvania

Clinical trials specialist vs clinical research specialist demographics

Here are the differences between clinical trials specialists' and clinical research specialists' demographics:

Clinical Trials SpecialistClinical Research Specialist
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 27.0% Female, 73.0%Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 11.2% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 11.0% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between clinical trials specialist and clinical research specialist duties and responsibilities

Clinical trials specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage all clinical data and subject source documentation through the EDC system to verify compliance and subject eligibility.
  • Lead study data management activities for oncology trials in preparation for study close-out.
  • Review clinical study documents for completeness and compliance with protocol, FDA regulations, ICH and GCP guidelines.
  • Perform routine quality control (QC) of TMF and submit documents to ensure overall quality.
  • Review ICF and study reports and find discrepancies that are missed by CRO management.
  • Collect, review, approve and track in CTMS regulatory essential start-up and amendment documents.
  • Show more

Clinical research specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the input of the subjects' data among various management database including iMedidata, EDC.
  • Develop and project manage a staffing program model to support inpatient oncology.
  • Manage all planning and execution of oncology clinical trials, domestic and international, including decision impact and companion diagnostic trials.
  • Review and edit clinical documentation for FDA submission and approval.
  • Prepare investigator initiate and industry study protocol for IRB review and approval.
  • Participate in study developments to ensure compliance with FDA regulations and guidelines.
  • Show more

Clinical trials specialist vs clinical research specialist skills

Common clinical trials specialist skills
  • Patients, 13%
  • Clinical Research, 10%
  • Clinical Trials, 9%
  • Informed Consent, 8%
  • FDA, 5%
  • Consent Forms, 4%
Common clinical research specialist skills
  • Patients, 12%
  • Clinical Trials, 8%
  • Informed Consent, 8%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • IRB, 6%
  • Research Data, 5%

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