Clinical research careers offer a diverse opportunity to pivot academic research experience in familiar or new settings.
Dr Jane Bentley, (VP Clinical Strategy Lead, Oncology Syneos Health Clinical Solutions) will provide an overview of Clinical Research, where it fits in with medicine discovery, and outline the types of roles available focusing particularly on those science roles for which a PhD is advantageous.
You will also hear from Dr Hugo Benainous (Clinical Research Associate, CHUV Lausanne University Hospital) who will share his experience of working in clinical research, what his job involves on a day-to-day basis and give tips for getting into the sector.
Dr Jane Bentley, VP Clinical Strategy Lead, Oncology Syneos Health Clinical Solutions
I have over 35 years oncology drug development experience in the pharmaceutical industry and I am currently serving my second term on the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) board and support the ICR with regard to financial oversight and also in developing links with other professional organisations involved in clinical research.
I have a BSc in Pharmacology, a PhD in Toxicology from University of London and an MBA in International Health Care management. My first role after my PhD took me into a trainee clinical research associate (CRA) role at large pharma, fulfilling my aspiration to focus more on clinical research which I had “tasted” during an extramural year from my BSc. Subsequent roles as clinical trial manager and project manager allowed me to contribute to global pivotal trials in the treatment of cancer before taking on the role of a programme director in the registration trial of the first immunotherapy for treating advanced cancer (melanoma). My current role at a Contract Research Organisation (CRO) involves supporting both biotech and pharma with delivery and innovation strategy.
Dr Hugo Benainous, Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV)
As a clinical research associate at CHUV, my role involves comprehensive monitoring of clinical trials to ensure adherence to protocol, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards. I am responsible for conducting site visits, reviewing essential documents, and verifying data accuracy and integrity. Furthermore, I collaborate closely with ethic committees, sponsors, investigators and site staff to address any issues promptly. I provide training on study protocols & procedures and ensure proper documentation of all activities. Through meticulous monitoring and attention to detail, I contribute to the successful execution of clinical trials and the advancement of medical research.
I completed a Bachelor and Master of Biochemistry at the University of Geneva and a DPhil in Molecular Biology from Oxford University. The subject of my thesis was to elucidate the DNA repair mechanism involved when familial breast cancer cells were treated with a new class of small molecules (G-quadruplexes stabilizers). In simple words, to identify and characterize new potential drugs to treat familial breast cancer. After my DPhil I was a science teacher for 2 years before moving into clinical research.
