What does a study director do?
Technically, a study director carries out scientific responsibilities for protocol design or study plan and approval. Study directors supervise the gathering, analysis, interpretation, documentation, and reporting of data results. They handle the matriculation of students with regard to data management system development. Working with the computer systems team is part of their duties so they will be able to establish a data management system in tracking the study participants. They also support the toxicology team or group on different project teams.
Study director responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real study director resumes:
- Design, conducts and manages studies for EPA and oce compliance, such as water solubility and partition coefficient studies.
- Manage all outsource toxicology studies at contract research laboratories.
- Establish and maintain strong community partnerships to achieve HIV prevention objectives.
- Evaluate study design and toxicology data as needed.
- Consult drug development scientists on data interpretation and study conclusions for FDA submission.
- Participate on the ISO certification team.
- Prepare protocol submissions for IACUC review.
- Initiate new training techniques for LIMS.
- Perform wet chemistry assays in support of pesticide registration.
- Ensure compliance of student-athletes in fulfilling NCAA study requirements.
- Review and analyze all raw data and execute final report by using LIMS system.
- Coach and mentore technicians on GLP and GMP standards to maintain high quality laboratory procedures.
- Review, approve and release raw data and reports in compliance with GLP and GMP regulations.
- Develop and finalize ISO, OECD, and MHLW GLP and non-GLP protocols including client specific protocols.
- Supervise kids in study hall, helping one on one with their work on a daily bases.
Study director skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Study Directors are proficient in Toxicology, Data Collection, and Study Design. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Leadership skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Study Directors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Toxicology, 10%
Reviewed and updated genetic toxicology Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) through literature search and genetic toxicology regulatory guidelines.
- Data Collection, 7%
Conducted literature reviews and created training materials for data collection staff on cultural sensitivity (including people living with disabilities).
- Study Design, 7%
Influenced study designs to conduct scientifically driven studies that would meet the requirements of regulatory agencies while ensuring animal welfare.
- Project Management, 6%
Honed project management skills by designing, organizing, performing and directing microbiology studies on medical devices.
- Data Analysis, 6%
Developed and executed Internet, consumer mail panel, and telephone surveys/questionnaires for consumer products including data analysis and research reports/presentations
- FDA, 6%
Coordinated across Nelson Laboratories and collaborated with clients to validate hospital reprocessing procedures for FDA compliance.
Most study directors use their skills in "toxicology," "data collection," and "study design" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential study director responsibilities here:
Interpersonal skills. One of the key soft skills for a study director to have is interpersonal skills. You can see how this relates to what study directors do because "natural sciences managers lead research teams and therefore need to work well with others in order to reach common goals." Additionally, a study director resume shows how study directors use interpersonal skills: "participate in team meetings and the ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and work effectively within the team. "
Leadership skills. Many study director duties rely on leadership skills. "natural sciences managers must be able to organize, direct, and motivate others," so a study director will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways study director responsibilities rely on leadership skills: "provided embedded professional development, ongoing leadership, & support for more than 100 teachers. "
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for study directors to perform their duties. For an example of how study director responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "natural sciences managers use scientific observation and analysis to find answers to complex technical questions." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a study director: "provided special client services (scientific advice, custom study design, and issue solutions); 4. ".
Time-management skills. study director responsibilities often require "time-management skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "natural sciences managers must be able to perform multiple administrative, supervisory, and technical tasks while ensuring that projects remain on schedule." This resume example shows what study directors do with time-management skills on a typical day: "communicated and worked with clients, research staff, quality assurance and project management to meet deadlines. "
Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in study director job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what study directors do. Study director responsibilities rely on this skill because "natural sciences managers must be able to communicate clearly with a variety of audiences, such as scientists, policymakers, and the public." You can also see how study director duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "headed effort to improve iacuc communication and efficiency producing new methods of protocol production to improve turnaround time in approval process. "
The three companies that hire the most study directors are:
- Namsa10 study directors jobs
- Westat7 study directors jobs
- Eurofins6 study directors jobs
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Compare different study directors
Study director vs. Clinical research associate
A clinical research associate is responsible for assisting medical professionals in clinical trials and conducting research studies on medications and medical procedures. Clinical research associates monitor the research materials, ensuring its safety and reliability through trial procedures, writing comprehensive reports of results, and disseminating information across the concerned parties. They also provide recommendations on improving clinical processes, reiterating protocol requirements, and maintaining strict confidentiality of the trial subjects. A clinical research associate must have extensive knowledge of the medical industry, including its disciplines and principles, to perform duties accurately under minimal supervision.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a study director are more likely to require skills like "toxicology," "study design," "data analysis," and "data interpretation." On the other hand, a job as a clinical research associate requires skills like "patients," "cra," "clinical trials," and "clinical trial management." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Clinical research associates earn the highest salaries when working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average yearly salary of $73,702. On the other hand, study directors are paid more in the health care industry with an average salary of $87,246.On average, clinical research associates reach similar levels of education than study directors. Clinical research associates are 3.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 4.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Study director vs. Clinical research assistant
Clinical research assistants are responsible for assisting with scientific studies and monitoring clinical trials. Other duties and responsibilities include ensuring compliance with clinical trial procedures and protocols, finding research subjects, and collecting and analyzing data. In addition, they are responsible for overseeing clinical site activities and preparing documentation, presentation, and correspondence on findings. They are also expected to prepare informed consent for clinical trials and conduct audits on research trials. The skills and qualifications required for this role include a bachelor's degree in psychology, science or related field, previous work experience, and excellent communication skills.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real study director resumes. While study director responsibilities can utilize skills like "toxicology," "study design," "project management," and "data interpretation," clinical research assistants use skills like "patients," "data entry," "patient care," and "clinical trials."
On average, clinical research assistants earn a lower salary than study directors. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, clinical research assistants earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $42,184. Whereas study directors have higher pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $87,246.In general, clinical research assistants achieve lower levels of education than study directors. They're 7.8% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 4.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Study director vs. Clinical associate
A clinical associate is responsible for supporting the operations of a medical facility by performing administrative and clerical duties as needed to provide high-quality care services for the patients and assisting health care professionals in performing medical procedures. Clinical associates monitor the conditions of the patients, administer medication, collect laboratory samples, and conduct initial medical assessments such as checking temperature and vital signs. A clinical associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on addressing different patients' needs and reporting the patients' progress to the physicians.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a study director is likely to be skilled in "toxicology," "study design," "project management," and "data analysis," while a typical clinical associate is skilled in "patients," "rehabilitation," "home health," and "vital signs."
When it comes to education, clinical associates tend to earn lower degree levels compared to study directors. In fact, they're 8.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 4.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Study director vs. Senior clinical research associate
A Senior Clinical Research Associate performs and coordinates all aspects of the clinical monitoring and site management process. They design, implement, and monitor clinical trials.
Types of study director
Updated January 8, 2025
