Small CROs, where to find them to apply?

Are you looking for a clinical research position and you could not find anything? Have you tried to apply for small CROs? Here are two effective methods to find them before applying.

A few months ago, I had written an article on “The 5 best solutions to find a CRA job“.

Many Internet users were interested in my third proposition: “Apply for small CROs” and my fourth suggestion: “Do not look for small companies job advertisements, apply straight away.”

Some have asked me to provide them with lists, others asked for methods to find these small CROs. In this article, I am suggesting both 🙂

First, weaponed with your CV and your cover letter in English and French. Save them under PDF files for a more professional look. Thus, your formatting will always be perfect, no matter the software your recipient will use. If you do not have the appropriate software on your PC, download it for free here.

Then, get prepared for possible English interviews by phone. It would be a shame to be contacted and decrease your chances 😉

Your tools to find CROS and apply: LinkedIn and / or Viadeo (paying subscription) and your Google search engine.

Méthode 1 : Recherche GOOGLE

1. Finding the coordinates of small CROs online

You will have two scenarios:

The CRO is located in France

If the CRO is established in France, its might require CRA for its projects in France. Go for it and apply.

The CRO operates in Europe (excluding France) or abroad

Some small foreign CROs are already operating in France and others have plans to set up there. Depending on their needs, they will hire CRAs. Some will advertise job on internet ads (LinkedIn) and others not. The key is to apply at the right time and have the right profile. You will probably  be the first CRA of this CRO in France (consequently, some experience is required!)

To be informed about new implementations and CROs, I advise you to do internet alert on clinical research industry to be aware of any new information on this sector. There are internet sites that carry out monitoring in clinical research abroad. You can find them on Google by keying in words such as “Clinical research organization news” and subscribe on their RSS feed.

By doing a simple Google search with key words such as “Contract research organization” “Contract research organization list”, I found two interesting lists. 🙂

The link contains 751 listed CROs a. I think those this list will keep you busy for a while 😉

http://biopharmguy.com/links/company-by-location-clinical-research.php

You can also visit the site AFCRO:

https://www.afcros.com/annuaire-entreprises/

This is the association of French CROs, which needs no introduction. They have a directory referencing many French CROs, members of association. Learn about every company because they are not all doing monitoring of clinical studies.

2. Organize your research

When you find a new CRO, I recommend you to go on its website.

• Look if they conduct clinical research (in the “Services” section of the website).
• Check their location (in the “Contact us” section of the website).

Based on these elements, apply on their website or at the address that you will find by doing your research. Remember, it is not because there are no advertisements on the site that there is no need. Web sites are not always updated.

To customize your application, go on LinkedIn or Viadeo to find the name of the clinical operations manager and / or human resources manager of these CROs. You must have a paid account for this. I’ll explain how to do in the second part. The two methods are complementary.

Method 2: Search companies on LinkedIn

Before you start your research on LinkedIn and Viadeo, make sure that your profile is professional (photo, background, and form). It would be a shame to be noticed, while your profile has not been reviewed. (You will find tips here.)

LinkedIn

I recommend to subscribe to a premium account “Job Seeker” paying for 43 euros / month or a business account for 24 € / month. These two accounts do not have the same benefits. Visit LinkedIn to learn more. For this, once in your LinkedIn profile, look at the bottom and click on “account types”.

How to proceed on LinkedIn:

• Make an advanced search. Choose “Company” and then domain “Pharmaceutical industry”. You will get access to all pharmaceutical and French or foreign CROs on LinkedIn.
• Choose a company and then search:

1. If they conduct clinical research (by going to their website)
2. If they have job ads on LinkedIn in the “Career” section (you never know)
3. Who works in this company (check the circle of acquaintances 1st, 2nd, 3rd): this will serve you for more information on the CRO, for example.
4. The names of clinical operations managers, country managers, human resources managers…

• Return on these companies website and apply
• Think also to follow the company on LinkedIn.

Prepare an Excel table with the different companies in which you have applied. You can put the contact name, the date the application has been sent, and the positive or negative feedbacks. Organize your research, do not spread yourself. For example, start with French CROs…

In short key words are organization, LinkedIn and Google search! Go for it and good luck!

Also, visit the Pharmaspecific website, http://www.pharmaspecific.fr and discover our activity.

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