Navigating a Career in Clinical Research
Clinical research in Australia is rapidly evolving. Investment is growing, new trial models like decentralised and teletrials are reshaping access, and global sponsors continue to look to Australia for our strong regulatory environment and skilled workforce. At the same time, funding pressures, workforce fatigue, and inequities in regional access show that the system is being stretched and perhaps at the apex of transformation. For those working in the industry, this means navigating both expanding opportunities and mounting complexity.
What drives career progression?
So, what does a successful clinical career look like in 2025? It is no longer a linear progression through a proven career path; success is now all about adaptability. The people who thrive in the clinical research industry tend to:
Build range early: developing skills across monitoring, project management, data, and patient-facing work.
Stay networked: connecting with peers, sites, sponsors, and regulators. Opportunities often come through relationships.
Keep learning: whether it’s regulatory shifts, digital tools, or novel trial designs, staying current is key.
Balance precision with perspective: the best professionals can see both the details and the bigger picture of why the work matters - the patient outcomes.
For those starting out
For those just beginning their career journey, here are a few sage tips to take on board:
Be curious, not just compliant: Don’t just follow SOPs, ask why things are done the way they are. Think critically about why we do things and how it impacts patient outcomes.
Seek mentors: Experienced colleagues often want to share their knowledge, but you have to ask. Many people love talking about their careers and are happy to share their learnings.
Get comfortable with change: Protocol amendments, shifting timelines, and new tech are the norm. Resilience is your strongest asset.
Think long-term: Careers can move from site to sponsor, from clinical to regulatory, or into data. Keep your eyes open for lateral moves that give you breadth.
For seasoned professionals
For those who have been in the game for a long time, it can sometimes feel relentless and tiresome. Burnout is a real risk when timelines tighten and complexity grows. If you’re feeling disillusioned:
Reconnect with purpose: Remember why you started and your life purpose. Focus on what really matters: advancing science and improving patient outcomes. Sometimes volunteering for a trial in an area you care about can reignite motivation.
Reframe your role: Lateral shifts into coaching, training, quality, or consultancy can offer fresh energy without leaving the industry.
Set boundaries: The industry is high-pressure, but sustainable careers are built on knowing when to say no and when to say yes to that potentially risky opportunity.
Invest in renewal: Whether through professional development, short breaks, or even stepping back to contract work, space often creates clarity.
Riding the wave of change
Australia’s clinical research sector will only grow more complex as decentralised trials, patient-centred approaches, and advanced therapies gain traction. Those who succeed will be the ones who can ride the wave rather than resist it. So, stay open, adaptable, and focused on the human impact behind the data.
In the end, a career in clinical research isn’t just about climbing titles. It’s about navigating an evolving ecosystem, staying grounded in purpose, and continually reshaping your skills to meet the moment.
Please contact us if you are looking for a career mentor, interested in new career opportunities or would like to be better supported to achieve your career goals. We would love to hear from you.
Amelia Jacka
Director and Business Manager
Sunrise Clinical