Professional Development

SPCRP hopes to promote and support the professional development of Penn clinical research personnel and research staff. Our society hopes to grow and define a professional status for active research staff. Many career options within clinical research include Research Assistants, Clinical Research Coordinators, Research Project Managers, Regulatory Specialists, Business Administrators, Data Analysts, Grants Managers, Associate Directors, and Directors.

Below include a non-comprehensive internal and outside organizations to further progress the careers of clinical research professionals. We welcome submissions for any additional resources, including pertinent organizations or staff benefits, that we can amplify for your colleagues. Email us psom-penncrc@pobox.upenn.edu.

Internal Resources

  1. University of Pennsylvania Almanac: The Almanac is the University’s official weekly publication of record that delivers updates on policy, research highlights (including clinical research achievements), governance, and campus news relevant to faculty and professional staff.
  2. Penn Libraries: Penn Libraries provides comprehensive information resources, research support services, and access to vast physical and digital scholarly collections that are essential for conducting literature reviews, managing research data, and supporting evidence-based clinical research.
  3. Office of Organization Effectiveness (OOE): The Office of Organization Effectiveness offers leadership development, professional training, coaching, and organizational consulting that helps teams improve performance, foster collaboration, and enhance staff effectiveness within Penn Medicine.
  4. Penn Professional Staff Assembly (PPSA): The Penn Professional Staff Assembly advocates for and connects monthly-paid professional staff across the University, providing networking, resources, and events that can enhance the work environment and professional growth of all staff members.
  5. Office of Clinical Research (OCR): The Office of Clinical Research serves as a central hub for clinical research infrastructure, policies, and support services that help investigators and research staff navigate and conduct clinical trials effectively at Penn Medicine.
  6. Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT): The Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics fosters interdisciplinary translational research by providing resources, training, and collaboration opportunities that help bridge basic science discoveries with clinical application and therapeutic development.

External Resources

  1. The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA): The Society of Clinical Research Associates offers professional certification, continuing education, and standards in clinical research that help enhance competency and credibility for clinical research professionals worldwide.
  2. Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP): The Association of Clinical Research Professionals provides training, certification, and networking opportunities that support career development and best practices in clinical research management and operations.
  3. Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS): The Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society serves as a global organization advancing regulatory professionals through education, certification, and advocacy to ensure safe and compliant development and regulation of healthcare products.