Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Medical Researcher

💰 $75,000 - $140,000

HealthcareResearchScienceBiotechnologyPharmaceutical

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly motivated and detail-oriented Medical Researcher to join our pioneering team. In this pivotal role, you will be at the heart of our research and development efforts, driving scientific inquiry from conception to publication. You will be responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing research studies aimed at advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and developing novel therapies. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a robust background in scientific methodology, data analysis, and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate with a cross-functional team of clinicians, scientists, and statisticians, contributing your expertise to make a tangible impact on patient outcomes and the future of medicine.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Research Assistant / Associate
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist

Advancement To:

  • Senior Medical Researcher / Principal Scientist
  • Clinical Program Manager / Director of Clinical Research
  • Principal Investigator (PI)
  • Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

Lateral Moves:

  • Medical Writer
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Data Scientist (Healthcare/Biotech)
  • Field Application Scientist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, develop, and implement comprehensive research protocols and study methodologies for clinical trials and preclinical studies, ensuring scientific integrity and feasibility.
  • Conduct in-depth and systematic literature reviews to stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, identify research gaps, and inform study design and grant proposals.
  • Perform advanced statistical analysis on complex clinical and biological datasets using software such as R, SAS, or SPSS to interpret results and assess clinical significance.
  • Author and co-author scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and posters for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national and international conferences.
  • Manage all phases of clinical study execution, including site selection, patient recruitment strategies, and ongoing monitoring to ensure adherence to protocol and timelines.
  • Ensure all research activities are conducted in strict compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH guidelines, and other applicable local and federal regulations.
  • Collect, process, and manage high-quality research data using Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems and other databases, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
  • Develop and validate novel laboratory assays and experimental models to investigate disease mechanisms and evaluate the efficacy of new therapeutic interventions.
  • Prepare, write, and submit grant applications and research proposals to secure funding from government agencies (e.g., NIH, DOD) and private foundations.
  • Collaborate closely with Principal Investigators, statisticians, and clinical staff to analyze and interpret complex research findings and their implications.
  • Prepare and present detailed study progress reports, interim analyses, and final study results to internal stakeholders, steering committees, and regulatory bodies.
  • Oversee the handling and analysis of biological samples, including tissue, blood, and other specimens, ensuring proper storage and chain of custody.
  • Develop informed consent forms, case report forms (CRFs), and other study-related documentation essential for ethical and organized trial conduct.
  • Identify and troubleshoot potential issues in study protocols or data collection, implementing corrective and preventive action plans as needed.
  • Provide scientific and technical expertise during interactions with regulatory authorities, including the preparation of materials for IND and NDA submissions.
  • Maintain accurate, detailed, and compliant laboratory notebooks and research records in accordance with established scientific and institutional standards.
  • Mentor and provide training to junior researchers, technicians, and students on experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific best practices.
  • Evaluate and implement new research technologies and methodologies to enhance the efficiency and quality of research outputs.
  • Participate in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the research department to ensure operational consistency and quality.
  • Manage study budgets and resources, ensuring projects are completed within financial and time constraints.
  • Foster and maintain collaborative relationships with academic partners, contract research organizations (CROs), and other external research entities.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to answer emergent scientific questions.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader scientific strategy, data governance, and long-term research roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units and clinical operations to translate scientific needs into actionable research plans and requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, project kick-offs, and agile ceremonies within the broader research and development team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Clinical Trial Design and Protocol Development
  • Statistical Analysis (R, SAS, SPSS, or Stata)
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and FDA Regulations
  • Medical and Scientific Writing (Publications, Grants)
  • Data Management & EDC Systems (e.g., REDCap, Medidata Rave)
  • Bioinformatics and Genomic Data Analysis
  • Laboratory Techniques (e.g., PCR, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Cell Culture)
  • Systematic Literature Review & Meta-Analysis
  • Grant Writing and Submission
  • Project Management Software (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project)
  • Epidemiology Principles

Soft Skills

  • Critical Thinking and Analytical Problem-Solving
  • Excellent Written and Verbal Communication
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail and Organization
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Adaptability and Flexibility in a fast-paced environment
  • Ethical Judgment and Integrity
  • Independent Work Ethic and Self-Motivation
  • Mentorship and Leadership

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Master's Degree (M.S., M.P.H.) in a relevant scientific discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., or equivalent doctoral-level degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biology / Molecular Biology
  • Public Health / Epidemiology
  • Pharmacology / Toxicology
  • Neuroscience
  • Chemistry

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in a clinical, academic, or industry research environment post-graduation.

Preferred:

  • A proven track record of first-author publications in reputable, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Specific experience in a relevant therapeutic area (e.g., Oncology, Immunology, Neurology, Cardiology).
  • Demonstrable experience in securing research funding through successful grant applications is highly advantageous.
Explore More Careers