How to get ahead with your project management skills in clinical technology

Patient diagnosis, treatment, and clinical research use an ever-increasing range of cutting-edge, specialised software and equipment. There is a huge increase in the demand for Project managers in this area.

If you’re interested in exploring project management jobs in clinical technology, here’s a quick summary to help you match your skills to relevant roles and shape a career plan.

Key clinical technology jobs overview

Clinical Project Manager / Clinical Trial Manager: project managing clinical teams including research trials. Responsibilities include full operational oversight, site visits and protocol compliance checks, liaising with coordinators and sponsors, reviewing of reports and trial subjects’ well-being.

• Requirements: Bachelor’s life-science degree for entry level, advanced degree often desirable; knowledge of clinical practice, applicable regulations; proven study management experience.

• Considerations: Experience can affect salary. High accountability, to both management and sponsors, can make this a demanding role.

Clinical Technology Project Manager: project managing client’s expectations and delivery of their software or equipment for their clinical trials. This involves an in-depth knowledge of Clinical Trials and robust Project Management skills. There are frequent challenges around explaining new concepts or complex technology to your stakeholders. Responsibilities include full operational oversight, risk management, client and protocol compliance checks, liaising with users and sponsors, reviewing of status reports and input into product roadmaps.

• Requirements: Bachelor’s life-science or computing degree for entry level, advanced degree often desirable; knowledge of clinical practice, technology, applicable regulations; proven study management experience.

• Considerations: Experience can affect salary. High accountability, strong communication, negotiation and technical understanding, can make this a demanding role.

Getting ahead in clinical technology roles

Becoming a Clinical Project Manager: a first step may be a clinical research associate role (these roles are often directly managed by a CPM).

Progression: Clinical Project Managers may progress to Regional Manager roles or similar, responsible for numerous Contract Research Organisations.

Becoming a Clinical Technology Project Manager: a potential initial role could be as a clinical technologist, maintaining and servicing cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment equipment. Clinical Project Managers and Data Managers are often ideal for this.

Progression: Project Managers can move into technology programme management, software development learning SDLC and AGILE/ SCRUM techniques, sales and consulting roles.

How to seek clinical technology jobs

Pop Science works closely with our clients to provide truly bespoke recruitment, matching candidates expertly using our industry knowledge and passion for medical science. See what relevant roles are available now on our website, or feel free to contact our friendly, experienced team to arrange some in-person time to discuss your needs.