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How do I get involved in clinical research as an undergraduate?
I think I've found my dream job– maybe.
For the past while I've been fixated on the role of a clinical research associate. This position appeals to me for a variety of reasons, such as the strong requirement for travel (which I love).
The main issue is that I feel underprepared and don't know as much as I would like to about the clinical research community– most online CRA personalities I've found fixate more on the lifestyle aspect rather than the work itself.
I am currently a first-year undergraduate pursuing a degree in biology, and would greatly appreciate any resources or suggested opportunities to gain a better understanding of this field. I know there are a variety of roles within clinical research, so I would also appreciate if anyone can suggest any similar jobs I might look into.
Thank you!
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4 answers
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Mark’s Answer
Your profile says you are in Boston. If you are in school there or even elsewhere, medical schools do a large amount of the clinical research in the country. If there is a medical school near you, you could find out if there is a clinical research department or division and contact them. You could also see (medical school website, Google search or maybe ask ChatGPT) who does clinical research at the school and talk with the research coordinator for some projects and see if you can talk with people doing the research about their jobs and maybe volunteer to work with them. There might even be a paid position but I'm not sure how common those are. Pharmaceutical companies also do clinical research so that's another place to look. I agree with others that talking with your biology or chemistry professors could be helpful also.
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Karen’s Answer
It’s great that you’ve identified an interest in clinical research so early—being proactive as a first-year undergraduate gives you a real advantage.
To get started, focus on building both **exposure and relevant skills. One of the best entry points is to look for research opportunities at your university. Reach out to professors in biology, public health, or medicine and ask about volunteering or assisting in labs or ongoing studies. Even basic roles help you understand how research is designed, conducted, and documented.
You can also explore internships or volunteer roles with hospitals, research centers, or organizations involved in clinical trials. These experiences introduce you to key concepts like study protocols, patient recruitment, and data collection—core elements of clinical research.
It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with industry standards such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP), which guides how clinical trials are conducted ethically and safely. Many free or low-cost online courses offer introductory training in this area and can strengthen your profile early on.
In terms of career paths, the role you mentioned—Clinical Research Associate—typically requires some prior experience. Many professionals begin in entry-level roles such as:
* Clinical Research Coordinator
* Research Assistant
* Data Manager
These positions help you build the practical knowledge needed to eventually transition into a CRA role, which often involves monitoring trials, ensuring compliance, and working with multiple research sites.
Additionally, consider joining student or professional organizations related to clinical research or life sciences. Networking with people already in the field can give you a clearer, more realistic picture beyond the “lifestyle” content you’ve seen online.
Overall, focus on gaining hands-on experience, learning the fundamentals of clinical trials, and gradually building your network. You’re at the perfect stage to explore, so take advantage of every opportunity to learn and get involved.
To get started, focus on building both **exposure and relevant skills. One of the best entry points is to look for research opportunities at your university. Reach out to professors in biology, public health, or medicine and ask about volunteering or assisting in labs or ongoing studies. Even basic roles help you understand how research is designed, conducted, and documented.
You can also explore internships or volunteer roles with hospitals, research centers, or organizations involved in clinical trials. These experiences introduce you to key concepts like study protocols, patient recruitment, and data collection—core elements of clinical research.
It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with industry standards such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP), which guides how clinical trials are conducted ethically and safely. Many free or low-cost online courses offer introductory training in this area and can strengthen your profile early on.
In terms of career paths, the role you mentioned—Clinical Research Associate—typically requires some prior experience. Many professionals begin in entry-level roles such as:
* Clinical Research Coordinator
* Research Assistant
* Data Manager
These positions help you build the practical knowledge needed to eventually transition into a CRA role, which often involves monitoring trials, ensuring compliance, and working with multiple research sites.
Additionally, consider joining student or professional organizations related to clinical research or life sciences. Networking with people already in the field can give you a clearer, more realistic picture beyond the “lifestyle” content you’ve seen online.
Overall, focus on gaining hands-on experience, learning the fundamentals of clinical trials, and gradually building your network. You’re at the perfect stage to explore, so take advantage of every opportunity to learn and get involved.
Updated
Nigel’s Answer
You are actually in a great position, because finding an area this early that genuinely interests you gives you time to explore it the right way. Clinical research can be a very strong path, but you are also right that a lot of online content focuses more on the lifestyle than the actual work.
As an undergraduate, the best first step is to get exposure to research in any form, even if it is not clinical research right away. Look for opportunities through your biology department, professors doing lab or human-subject research, academic medical centers, hospitals connected to your university, or public health research groups. At your stage, the goal is less about getting the perfect title and more about learning how research actually works: study design, data collection, patient interaction, documentation, ethics, and regulatory expectations.
You may also want to learn the difference between some of the common roles. A Clinical Research Associate often monitors studies and works more on the sponsor or CRO side, while Clinical Research Coordinators are usually closer to the day-to-day study activity at the site level. Many people interested in becoming a CRA start by getting experience in roles like research assistant, clinical research assistant, or clinical research coordinator.
A few things I would recommend:
learn basic research terminology, ask professors or advisors if they know of undergraduate research openings, explore summer research programs, and try to talk to people working in hospitals, universities, or contract research organizations. Even one conversation with someone doing the actual work can teach you more than a lot of social media content.
Since you are a first-year student, do not worry about being underprepared yet. You are early, and that is a good thing. Focus on building experience, curiosity, and a solid understanding of how studies are run. That will help you figure out whether CRA is truly your dream role or whether a related path fits you even better.
You may also want to explore roles like clinical research coordinator, research assistant, clinical trial assistant, regulatory affairs specialist, medical science liaison, or data management in research. Those can all help you better understand the field.
As an undergraduate, the best first step is to get exposure to research in any form, even if it is not clinical research right away. Look for opportunities through your biology department, professors doing lab or human-subject research, academic medical centers, hospitals connected to your university, or public health research groups. At your stage, the goal is less about getting the perfect title and more about learning how research actually works: study design, data collection, patient interaction, documentation, ethics, and regulatory expectations.
You may also want to learn the difference between some of the common roles. A Clinical Research Associate often monitors studies and works more on the sponsor or CRO side, while Clinical Research Coordinators are usually closer to the day-to-day study activity at the site level. Many people interested in becoming a CRA start by getting experience in roles like research assistant, clinical research assistant, or clinical research coordinator.
A few things I would recommend:
learn basic research terminology, ask professors or advisors if they know of undergraduate research openings, explore summer research programs, and try to talk to people working in hospitals, universities, or contract research organizations. Even one conversation with someone doing the actual work can teach you more than a lot of social media content.
Since you are a first-year student, do not worry about being underprepared yet. You are early, and that is a good thing. Focus on building experience, curiosity, and a solid understanding of how studies are run. That will help you figure out whether CRA is truly your dream role or whether a related path fits you even better.
You may also want to explore roles like clinical research coordinator, research assistant, clinical trial assistant, regulatory affairs specialist, medical science liaison, or data management in research. Those can all help you better understand the field.
Updated
Rita’s Answer
When I was in undergraduate school, the jobs for clinical research were usually with the professors. There was also a summer job at NIH. Usually, it's easier if you have connections.