With each carefully performed laboratory test, you ensure accurate results for individual patients. But what if your skills could help develop treatments that benefit thousands or even millions?

Clinical trials, the carefully designed studies that evaluate new medications, devices, and treatments-depend critically on precise laboratory data. And no one is better positioned to ensure that data quality than experienced laboratory professionals.

As Africa’s participation in global clinical research expands, opportunities for laboratory scientists in this field are growing rapidly.

The Clinical Research Ecosystem

Clinical trials require specialized laboratory support at multiple levels:

• Central Laboratories: Processing and analyzing samples for multi-site studies
• Site Laboratories: Supporting individual research locations
• Biorepositories: Managing specimen collection and storage
• Specialty Testing Labs: Providing advanced or novel testing services
• Contract Research Organizations (CROs): Coordinating trial operations
• Sponsor Companies: Overseeing trial design and implementation
• Regulatory Bodies: Ensuring compliance with research standards

Each component requires laboratory professionals who understand both scientific rigor and clinical context.

Why Laboratory Scientists Thrive in Clinical Research

Your laboratory background provides distinct advantages:

1. Procedural Discipline: Your attention to protocols ensures study integrity.

2. Specimen Expertise: Your understanding of sample handling prevents pre-analytical errors.

3. Quality Consciousness: Your focus on quality control supports reliable data generation.

4. Documentation Skills: Your experience with precise record-keeping supports regulatory compliance.

5. Analytical Judgment: Your ability to recognize unusual results helps identify potential issues.

• Africa’s clinical research sector is expanding significantly:
• Increasing recognition of African Countries as important study locations
• Growing investment in trials addressing diseases prevalent in our population
• Development of local research infrastructure and capabilities
• Rising awareness of the need for diversity in clinical trial participants
• Expansion of international research collaborations

These trends create substantial demand for laboratory professionals with clinical research skills.

Roles and Responsibilities

Clinical research offers various positions for laboratory scientists:

• Clinical Laboratory Technologist/Scientist: Performing specialized testing for trial protocols
• Laboratory Coordinator: Managing specimen workflows and documentation
• Research Associate: Supporting laboratory aspects of study execution
• Quality Assurance Specialist: Ensuring compliance with research standards
• Laboratory Manager: Overseeing research laboratory operations
• Clinical Research Associate: Monitoring laboratory components of trials

These roles often offer improved compensation and working conditions compared to routine clinical laboratories.

Essential Skills to Develop

Beyond your core laboratory knowledge, focus on building:

• Good Clinical Practice (GCP): Understanding research ethics and standards
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with national and international research requirements
• Data Management: Experience with electronic data capture systems
• Protocol Implementation: Translating research requirements into laboratory procedures
• Investigational Product Knowledge: Understanding special handling requirements

A Path Forward: Building Your Research Credentials

To transition into clinical research, consider these steps:

1. Education Enhancement: Pursue certifications in clinical research (there are many available online)

2. Network Development: Connect with professionals in research organizations

3. Experience Building: Volunteer for research projects at your institution

4. Skill Documentation: Create a CV highlighting quality management and protocol experience

5. Strategic Application: Look for entry-level positions in research laboratories or CROs

Many laboratory professionals begin their research careers through part-time involvement in studies conducted at their institutions before moving into full-time research roles.

Success Story: From Hospital Lab to Global Impact

A former colleague and friend, a medical laboratory scientist with hematology experience volunteered to support a small clinical trial at her hospital. That experience led to a position with a contract research organization, where she now oversees laboratory operations for multinational studies testing treatments for diseases endemic to West Africa like Sickle Cell disease. Her work directly contributes to developing medications specifically validated in African populations.

Her career transition doubled her income while dramatically increasing her professional satisfaction and impact.

Your Research Career Exploration Plan

If clinical research interests you:

1. Research clinical trials currently recruiting in Africa, your country specifically.

2. Identify organizations conducting studies in your region

3. Explore online courses in Good Clinical Practice (many are free)

4. Connect with professionals working in clinical research

5. Look for opportunities to support research at your current institution

Remember: Your laboratory expertise is a valuable asset in research settings. Clinical investigators need professionals who understand both the science of testing and the practical realities of specimen management.

More to come, till the next edition, stay intentional.

Nancy.