Landing a job as a clinical research associate (CRA) at Parexel can be an exciting and rewarding career move. As one of the top contract research organizations in the world, Parexel offers ample opportunities to be part of cutting-edge clinical trials that advance medical innovation.
However, the interview process can feel daunting You’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in clinical research, attention to detail, communication skills, and alignment with Parexel’s mission
To help you prepare here are the top Parexel CRA interview questions and sample answers
1. Why are you interested in becoming a CRA at Parexel?
Emphasize your passion for clinical research and interest in Parexel specifically. For example:
I’m deeply passionate about advancing healthcare through clinical research. Parexel’s global reach, focus on quality, and industry-leading therapeutic expertise make it an ideal place to grow my CRA career. I’m excited by the opportunity to be part of Parexel’s mission to bend the time and cost curve of biopharmaceutical development and bring new therapies to patients who need them.
2. What are the most important skills and qualities for a successful CRA?
Highlight skills like organization, attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving. For example:
Excellent organization is crucial for managing the complex logistics of clinical trials. Meticulous attention to detail ensures strict adherence to protocols and regulatory guidelines. Strong communication skills enable clear collaboration with study teams and sites. Finally, creative problem-solving helps address the unexpected challenges that frequently arise.
3. How do you stay up-to-date on clinical research regulations and guidelines?
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. For example:
I make it a priority to regularly review updates from regulatory agencies like the FDA and EMA. I also subscribe to industry publications, attend webinars and conferences, and participate in online communities to discuss emerging regulations with peers. Staying current ensures I conduct trials ethically and in compliance with the latest standards.
4. How would you handle a situation where a study site is underperforming?
Highlight your collaborative approach and problem-solving skills. For example:
First, I would meet with the site team to understand the specific challenges they’re facing with recruitment or data collection. I’d offer additional training and resources to support them, while setting revised timelines. If issues persist, I would escalate to the project lead to discuss solutions like redistributing responsibilities or adding new sites. The key is maintaining close communication to quickly address problems.
5. Tell us about a time you successfully coordinated a complex multi-site clinical trial.
Share a specific example that demonstrates important skills like organization, communication, and leadership. For example:
In my last role, I coordinated a Phase III trial across 23 domestic and international sites. From the start, I established aligned timelines and standardized training across sites. Through regularly scheduled calls, I maintained open communication channels to promptly address questions and issues. My diligent oversight ensured we completed enrollment two weeks ahead of schedule, with high-quality data collection across all sites.
6. How do you ensure patient safety and adherence to ethical guidelines in a clinical trial?
Highlight your understanding of ethical principles and protection of human subjects. For example:
Ensuring informed consent, voluntary participation, and confidentiality are central to protecting patients’ rights. I adhere closely to IRB protocols, monitor patient safety data, and promptly report any adverse events. Open communication and compassion for participants also helps ensure patients feel respected and cared for throughout a trial.
7. What experience do you have with clinical data management systems?
Demonstrate your hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms. For example:
I have extensive experience using data capture systems like Oracle Clinical and Medidata Rave for studies across therapeutic areas. I’m skilled in designing CRFs, entering and cleaning data, performing reconciliation, and generating reports for data reviews. This expertise is key for smooth data flow and integrity.
8. How would you handle a situation where a study participant wants to drop out due to compliance issues or adverse effects?
Showcase your patient focus and ethics knowledge. For example:
While complete participation is ideal, a patient’s health is always the top priority. I would have an empathetic discussion focusing on their well-being, while explaining the value of their continued participation. However, if they remain set on discontinuing, I would respect their decision and follow protocols to properly withdraw them from the study.
9. Tell me about a time when you identified an issue with a site that jeopardized trial integrity. How did you respond?
Demonstrate vigilance and quality orientation. For example:
When reviewing data, I noticed inconsistencies suggesting protocol deviations at a site. I promptly contacted the lead investigator to discuss my concerns and conduct a root cause analysis. Together, we tightened oversight and retrained staff on proper processes. This experience demonstrated the importance of regularly scrutinizing data to quickly detect and mitigate issues.
10. How would you go about training new CRAs or site staff on trial protocols and procedures?
Highlight your instructional skills and commitment to consistency. For example:
First, I would thoroughly review the protocol and create comprehensive training materials to share ahead of time. In-person, I use hands-on demonstrations and roleplaying of procedures to ensure thorough understanding. After training, I maintain an open line of communication, provide ongoing support as needed, and conduct periodic refresher training. My goal is confident comprehension and standardized execution.
11. Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple priorities with a tight deadline. How did you approach this?
Share a example focused on time management, organization, and focus. For example:
Recently, I had 5 monitoring reports due within one week. To stay organized, I created a detailed task list with deadlines for each deliverable and milestone. I blocked time to focus on one report at a time without distractions. When facing competing priorities, I leveraged teammates for help. Through dedication and structure, I submitted all 5 reports on time, without compromising quality.
12. What strategies do you use to build strong working relationships with project teams and site staff?
Highlight relationship-building skills like communication, empathy, and positivity. For example:
I prioritize clear and proactive communication to foster trust and alignment. Taking time to understand challenges from their perspective builds empathy. Remaining flexible and solution-oriented defuses tensions. I also believe in giving genuine praise when earned to uplift the team. Maintaining these principles has enabled me to build highly collaborative relationships with both internal and external partners.
13. How would you handle a situation where a patient wants to enroll in a trial you feel they are not suitable for?
Demonstrate ethics knowledge and communication skills. For example:
First and foremost, I would have an open conversation focused on understanding their goals and concerns. I would explain the study criteria and why I feel their participation may not be advisable. However, if the patient understands the risks and provides informed consent, I would consult the PI about potentially enrolling them. My priorities are preserving patient autonomy, safety, and transparency.
14. What proactive measures would you take to ensure trial protocols are being followed correctly at study sites?
Highlight vigilance, attention to detail, and oversight. For example:
Thorough site initiation training and ongoing education set the right foundation. However, consistent monitoring is equally crucial. I would conduct regular check-ins, data reviews, and on-site/remote audits to verify adherence. Swiftly addressing any deviations prevents bad habits. My detailed oversight helps ensure every site consistently follows the protocol.
15. Tell me about a time when you had to push back on unnecessary changes to an established protocol. How did you approach this?
Demonstrate your scientific mindset, diplomacy, and influence skills. For example:
When a sponsor proposed a protocol change late in a study, I felt it could compromise data integrity. During a call, I diplomatically outlined my concerns, emphasizing the time and resources already invested. I suggested alternative options to address their goals without major changes. By balancing tact with conviction, I convinced them to instead implement the change in future studies, preventing disruption to this trial.
16. Describe a situation where you had to solve a complex problem on short notice during a clinical trial.
Share a specific example focused on creative problem-solving. For example:
When a site’s lead investigator unexpectedly left mid-trial, I immediately consulted with the project team to brainstorm solutions. We chose to divide duties between the remaining site staff temporarily instead of finding a replacement. I also increased monitoring and communication to ensure continuity. Our quick solution prevented any disruption to enrollment or data collection.
17. What safety risks or ethical concerns might arise in a multi-site clinical trial, and how would you mitigate them?
Demonstrate broad thinking about risks inherent in complex trials. For example:
*Inability to closely
Step 4: Applying for your role
It’s time to click apply! Sign up to apply and follow your application through the process. The application includes creating your profile, by connecting to your LinkedIn account and/or uploading your documents. After reviewing the overview page, submit your application and receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.
Step 5b: Interview with a recruiter
If your application is chosen, you will likely have a phone interview with a recruiter. During this call, you will talk about your work history, experience, and what you want in your next job.
Clinical Research Associate: Interview Questions, Answers, & MORE!
FAQ
How long does Parexel take to hire?
Why should we hire you for clinical research?
What should I tell a Parexel interviewer?
Share some things about your personal qualities with the interviewer and remember, when sharing any quality that could be improved, tell how you are working to make a change. Below is a list of our Parexel interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples.
How do you answer a Parexel interview question?
The important thing is recognizing the things that may need to be improved and being willing to address them. Share some things about your personal qualities with the interviewer and remember, when sharing any quality that could be improved, tell how you are working to make a change. Below is a list of our Parexel interview questions.
How does the Parexel hiring process work?
The Parexel hiring process typically begins with an initial screening call or email from a recruiter, followed by a phone or video interview with the hiring manager or team members. This may be accompanied by a written test or case study to assess the candidate’s skills and knowledge.
What does Parexel do?
Parexel, a leading global biopharmaceutical services provider, has established itself as a pioneer in the field of clinical research and development, offering a wide range of services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries.
