What is the role of a pharmaceutical researcher?
A pharmaceutical researcher or pharmaceutical scientist contributes to expanding medical knowledge and drug development through clinical research. Their primary responsibility is to conduct and oversee various pharmaceutical research projects to ensure their successful execution and compliance with regulations. Pharmaceutical researchers are part of a team that includes other researchers, physicians, data analysts, and other stakeholders, working together to ensure the effective and ethical conduct of clinical trials and research studies.
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Industrial Engineer
Location: Charlottetown
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Assist in the planning, execution, and monitoring of capital and infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets. Lead process and equipment validation ensuring regulatory compliance and consistent high-quality products. Monitor production data and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to highlight trends and opportunities for improvements. Ensure that all manufacturing processes and equipment meet the required standards and specifications through rigorous testing and validation. Follow IQ, OQ, PQ methodologies when applicable. Develop and manage qualification documentation for new equipment, processes, and systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Track the status of qualification activities and provide regular updates to stakeholders on progress and issues. Conduct assessments of packaging materials and processes to ensure they meet quality, safety, and compliance standards. Provide recommendations for packaging improvements and partner with suppliers and internal teams to implement changes. Identify and implement strategies and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) for continuous improvements, efficiency gains, and waste reduction including tracing performance of implemented changes.
Sales Operations Coordinator
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Marketing & Sales
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Collaborate with the sales, marketing and forecasting teams to manage the operations related to the sales incentive programs (calculation, analysis, adjustments, reports, payouts) Collaborate with the sales leads to keep the Sales Reps Performance Ranking up to date Validate reports like Sales Validation Report, Eligibility Validation Report which enhances the robustness and accuracy of the process Extract and validate the reps lists for the processing of the incentive payouts based on their performance Collaborate with The Sales Insight Manager, Data Scientist, Sales and Marketing leads to determine how to best optimize the HCPs target lists Coordinate the end-to-end process and all efforts related to the updating of customer targeting lists (list extract, refresh, validation, upload) across all BUs each semester Identify areas of improvement in the processes, individual performance, and team dynamics through process analysis. Support the logistics related to Sales Force redesign and optimization (alignment of reps to district
Data Manager
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Research & Development
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Analyze Patient Support Program (PSP) data for outcomes research, including feasibility assessments, audits, and quality evaluations. Collaborate with the PSP team to guide program design, data capture, and system improvements with a medical evidence generation focus. Partner with cross-functional teams to navigate governance, SOPs, and end-to-end data management processes. Identify evidence needs and opportunities to leverage PSP data for research and insights.
Pharmacovigilance Specialist
Location: Quebec or Ontario
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Analyze and process adverse events and safety reports with utmost quality and timeliness in accordance with Global and Local Pharmacovigilance procedures. Collect, pursue follow-up information to complete quality adverse event reports and transmit all local adverse events to Global Pharmacovigilance. Evaluate domestic and foreign ICSRs (marketed and non-marketed drugs) for submission to Health Canada according to Canadian regulations and within prescribed timelines. Submit the Canadian reportable adverse reactions to Health Canada according to their regulations and guidance's. Respond to queries and requests from Global Pharmacovigilance. Run monthly submissions compliance report and communicate with team members. Organize and ensure maintenance of the electronic filing and archiving system according to corporate and Canadian requirements. Document and update case information into the global safety database. Interact with other functional areas/departments to process adverse events efficiently & reliably. Collaborate in developing and maintaining the local Pharmacovigilance SOPs and procedures. Update the list of all Canadian drug licensing status and renewals, in conjunction with Regulatory Affairs. Participate in training of PV Associate on their assigned activities. Support associate with inbound and outbound case management activities as needed and as per corporate and local requirements and timelines. Provide overall support to the PV on all team activities. Maintain current knowledge of all relevant local Pharmacovigilance regulations in regard to drug, natural health and cosmetics products. Coordinate responses to questions and requests from Regulatory Authorities.
Bilingual Customer Service Representative
Location: Markham
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Communications & Distribution
Experience: 1 years
Handle incoming calls and emails professionally, ensuring timely resolutions for customers and Sales Representatives. Provide specialized account and order management, including verification, processing, tracking, and issue resolution. Maintain and monitor shared inboxes, ensuring prompt action on orders and customer requests. Support new customers and those using our online ordering portal. Proactively follow up with customers and Sales Representatives to ensure satisfaction. Document, track, and resolve customer interactions, escalating where necessary. Monitor daily sales orders/transactions to ensure smooth processing. Identify opportunities for process improvements and share ideas with leadership. Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with internal teams. Ensure adherence to customer service standards, policies, and procedures.
What do pharmaceutical researchers do?
In this role, pharmaceutical researchers perform several essential tasks to facilitate successful pharmaceutical science. They collaborate with medical professionals, principal investigators, and other team members to define research objectives and design appropriate research protocols. Additionally, they work closely with regulatory authorities to obtain necessary approvals and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and guidelines governing pharmaceutical research.
They are responsible for recruiting and enrolling study participants, making sure that the appropriate target population is included. Maintaining accurate and organized records, managing data collection and analysis, and addressing any data-related issues that may arise during the study are also part of their responsibilities.
Moreover, pharmaceutical scientists need to lead the monitoring and auditing of research sites to ensure data quality, accuracy, and adherence to good clinical practice (GCP) standards. Implementing safety measures and conducting risk assessments are vital to ensuring patient safety throughout the research process.
Staying updated with the latest advancements in pharmaceutical research methodologies, technologies, and regulatory requirements is essential. By integrating cutting-edge practices, they can optimize innovation and success of research projects in the pharmaceutical field.
What are the required skills for a pharmaceutical researcher?
pharmaceutical researchers need a variety of skills. Strong leadership and project management abilities are essential for effectively coordinating and motivating teams throughout the research process. Excellent communication skills are also necessary for facilitating collaboration between team members, investigators, and other sector stakeholders. They should be able to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely.
In addition, in-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical research regulations, including GCP, and familiarity with the drug development process are vital for ensuring compliance and successful execution of studies. Analytical and problem-solving skills are also crucial for handling challenges and making informed decisions during the research process.
Where do pharmaceutical researchers work?
Pharmaceutical researchers can find job opportunities in various settings, including pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), academic institutions, hospitals, and government agencies. They may also work in specialized research facilities or medical device companies conducting clinical trials for new drugs and treatments.
Common pharmaceutical researcher responsibilities
Conduct and oversee pharmaceutical research projects, coordinating interdisciplinary teams;
Develop and implement research protocols, ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical guidelines;
Work closely with investigators and stakeholders to define research objectives and expectations;
Oversee participant recruitment and enrollment, ensuring the inclusion of the appropriate target population;
Maintain accurate and organized records of research progress, data collection, and analysis;
Perform data quality checks and address data-related issues as they arise;
Ensure patient safety by implementing safety measures and conducting risk assessments;
Monitor and audit research sites to ensure adherence to GCP standards;
Stay informed about the latest advancements in pharmaceutical research methodologies and regulatory requirements;
Communicate effectively with team members, investigators, and stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and project success;
Provide guidance and support to researchers and study coordinators throughout the research process.
Qualifications for pharmaceutical researchers
To become a pharmaceutical researcher, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as pharmaceutical sciences, life sciences, biomedical sciences, or healthcare management. Advanced degrees or certifications in pharmaceutical research or a related discipline are advantageous.
Other essential qualifications include:
- 2-4+ years of experience in pharmaceutical research or related healthcare projects;
- In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical research regulations, including GCP;
- Strong project management and leadership skills;
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities;
- Analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Familiarity with the drug development process and research methodologies;
- Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams;
- A commitment to ensuring patient safety and contributing to advancements in healthcare through pharmaceutical research.