Navigating Career Choices: Big vs. Small Company vs. Contract Research Organization (CRO)

Choosing an industry career in the field of clinical research involves not only which position/s to apply for but you will also need to weigh the pros and cons of working for different types of organizations. Whether it’s a large established Pharma company, a small Biotech company, or a contract research organization (CRO), each option comes with its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things for you to consider.

Working for a Large Pharma Company

“Large Pharma” refers to pharmaceutical companies that are substantial in size, often multinational corporations with significant resources, extensive research and development capabilities, and a broad portfolio of drugs and healthcare products. These companies typically have substantial revenues and market capitalization, allowing them to invest heavily in research, clinical trials, and the production of pharmaceuticals.
Examples of large pharmaceutical companies include Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Novartis, Merck & Co., and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), among others. These companies often play a pivotal role in the healthcare industry, driving innovation, and shaping medical treatments and practices.

Advantages:

1. Resources and Infrastructure: Large companies often boast robust resources, from cutting-edge technologies to comprehensive training programs, providing a strong foundation for career growth.
2. Networking and Mentorship: Opportunities to interact with a diverse range of professionals, potentially leading to mentorship by industry veterans and fostering a vast professional network.
3. Stability and Reputation: Established companies often offer job stability, a recognizable brand name on your resume, and a strong market presence.

Disadvantages:

1. Hierarchical Structure: The hierarchical nature of big companies might limit autonomy and decision-making power, leading to a slower career progression.
2. Rigidity and Bureaucracy: Large organizations may be slower to adapt to change due to bureaucratic processes, which can hinder innovation and flexibility.
3. Narrow Job Roles: Defined job roles in big companies may limit exposure to various aspects of clinical research.

Working for a Small Company

Small biotech companies are typically smaller-scale enterprises focused on biotechnology, often specializing in innovative research, development, and commercialization of products in the life sciences sector. These companies can vary significantly in size, ranging from startups with a handful of employees to mid-sized firms with a few hundred staff members.
These biotech companies play a crucial role in driving innovation and advancing the biotechnology industry. Some small biotechs eventually grow into larger entities through successful product development, partnerships, or acquisitions by larger pharmaceutical companies.

Advantages:

1. Flexibility and Autonomy: Smaller companies often offer more flexibility and room for innovation. Employees may have a broader range of responsibilities, allowing for diverse skill development.
2. Close-Knit Culture: Tight-knit teams can foster a strong sense of camaraderie, enabling closer collaboration and quicker decision-making.
3. Opportunity for Growth: As these companies expand, employees may have more significant roles and responsibilities, providing an accelerated path for career growth.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Resources: Smaller companies may have limited resources, which could impact the availability of advanced tools, training, or infrastructure.
2. Less Job Security: Due to financial constraints or market volatility, smaller companies might have a higher risk of instability or closure.
3. Less Recognizable Brand: Working for a lesser-known company may not carry the same weight on a resume as a big company name.

Regardless of company size, large Pharma and smaller biotech companies are often referred to as “sponsors”. In the context of clinical research, a sponsor refers to an individual, company, institution, or organization that takes primary responsibility for initiating, managing, and financing a clinical study. The sponsor plays a pivotal role in the planning, conduct, and oversight of the research process. Their primary objective is to ensure the safety and well-being of participants while generating reliable data that can contribute to scientific knowledge or support regulatory submissions for new treatments or therapies. Our courses and programs go in depth into all the various stakeholders within the clinical research industry and the intricacies of their function and operation.

Working for a Contract Research Organization (CRO)

A Contract Research Organization (CRO) is a specialized company that provides comprehensive support to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries in the conduct of clinical trials and various clinical research services. These organizations offer outsourced expertise, services, and infrastructure to assist sponsors (such as pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, or academic institutions) in various stages of the drug development and clinical research process.

Similarly, CROs also come in different sizes and specialities. Examples of large CROs include IQVIA, Covance (Labcorp) and PPD. Examples of small to mid-sized CROs include Novotech, Southern Star Research, and George Clinical. Many of these are Clueo Clinical’s industry partners, offering direct employment to our Industry-Bridging Program (IBP) graduates.

Advantages:

1. Diverse Experience: CROs often work with various clients (also known as Sponsors) and projects, providing exposure to different therapeutic areas, methodologies, and research stages (from Phase I to Phase IV/post-market).
2. Specialized Expertise: Opportunities to develop specialized skills in clinical research due to the varied projects handled by CROs.
3. Global Reach: CROs may offer international opportunities, allowing employees to work on projects across different countries and cultures.

Disadvantages:

1. Workload Variability: Workload fluctuations due to project-based nature can lead to periods of high stress or uncertainty.
2. Client Demands: Pressure to meet client demands and timelines may sometimes affect work-life balance.
3. Limited Company Culture: Employees might not experience a strong sense of belonging or identity with a specific company due to frequent project changes.

When deciding between these options, it’s crucial to consider your personal career goals, preferred work environment, growth opportunities, and the balance between stability and innovation. Ultimately, the right fit depends on individual preferences and your aspirations within the dynamic field of clinical research.

Do you want to kick-start your industry career in the field of clinical research but do not have the required experience or where to begin? Contact us today to discuss about your career aspirations and how you can achieve your career goals.

Dr. Thu (Sue) Nguyen, PhD

Sue is the founder and CEO of Clueo Clinical Pty Ltd. She has over 15 years of combined experience in clinical and pre-clinical research and development, training and management. She is passionate about patient-centric science, clinical research, education, and helping others find their career passion and succeed in life.
She is an avid learner, an authentic networker and wants to empower the next generation to reach their fullest potential in Australia and around the world.

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