Contract research organizations (CROs) operate in many capacities to support the work of healthcare innovators and help move therapies from idea to market. CROs support pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies and research institutions with a wide range of services, including:
Clinical Trials Management
Patient Recruiting
Project Management
Regulatory Affairs
NCBiotech is working with statewide partners to drive strategy and support the CRO sector. By working together to expand the clinical-based workforce and awareness of the CRO community, North Carolina will continue to be a global leader in this key life sciences sector.
In the early 80s, contract research pioneers Quintiles, now IQVIA, and PPD were both founded in North Carolina.
Today, CROs are dispersed throughout the state, with major clusters in the Research Triangle and southeastern regions. They provide easy access to life sciences companies that are ready to move into the next stage of commercialization.
North Carolina's CRO industry includes companies and support organizations that have a strong focus in clinical trial management. The functions of these companies include clinical study management and monitoring, project management and patient recruitment.
View a complete list of clinical trial companies in NCBiotech's Company Directory.
Source: NCBiotech Business Intelligence & Analytics
Currently, in North Carolina, there are more than 4,800 open clinical trials. This includes trials that are active as well as enrolling by invitation and preparing to recruit.
The state's clinical trial management industry includes 180+ companies that are specialized in clinical trial management and support organizations that offer a variety of services. The companies that are specialized in clinical trial management employ more than 14,000 people.
NCBiotech has convened a group of industry and academic partners in this sector, called the North Carolina CRO Collaborative, to address challenges and develop solutions that will strengthen the CRO sector in North Carolina. One goal of this dedicated initiative is to grow the clinical trial management workforce in North Carolina. Learn more about the Collaborative.
The North Carolina CRO Collaborative was brought together to address and support the needs of the CRO industry. The immediate goals of the CRO Collaborative are to improve and expand clinical-based workforce development in North Carolina through curriculum enhancement and development as well as increase awareness of CRO industry trends and career opportunities throughout the state.
The committee is comprised of representatives from eight CROs, eight academic institutes (both clinical research training programs and university-affiliated clinical site programs), and one hospital system.
The CRO Collaborative has recently developed 10 job profiles that can be used to educate students about career opportunities in the CRO sector.
Aperio Clinical provides clinical research services across multiple therapeutic areas, as well as consulting services in quality assurance, strategic resourcing, and practical application of the latest clinical trial technology.
The drug development business of LabCorp, provides a wide range of early-stage and late-stage product development services primarily to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
FHI Clinical is a full-service contract research organization (CRO) with global expertise, responsive approaches and proven solutions to manage complex clinical research around the world.
ICON partners with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical research and trial services for all phases of drug clinical development. In short, ICON does its part to ensure life-saving drugs get to market.
IQVIA provides technology-enabled healthcare services to help biotech, medical device and pharmaceutical companies develop new therapies, identify unmet treatment needs and understand the safety, effectiveness and value of pharmaceutical products.
Parexel supports the development of innovative new medicines to improve the health of patients worldwide. We provide global clinical development services to help life science and biopharmaceutical clients transform scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients through a full suite of services, from clinical trials to regulatory and consulting services to commercial and market access.
PharPoint Research is a client-focused CRO that offers clinical operations, data management, biostatistics, and strategic clinical trial consulting services to sponsors of all sizes. With success founded on sponsor satisfaction, PharPoint's award-winning team has an impressive 95% repeat business rate.
PPD is a global contract research organization that provides comprehensive, integrated drug development, laboratory and lifecycle management services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organizations.
Premier Research, a clinical research company, is dedicated to helping biotech, specialty pharma, and device innovators transform life-changing ideas and breakthrough science into new medical treatments. As a global company, Premier Research specializes in the use of innovative technologies for smart study design and trial management to deliver clean, conclusive data to sponsors. Whether it’s developing product lifecycle strategies, reducing clinical development cycle times, securing access to patients, navigating global regulations, maximizing the impact of limited rare disease data, or providing expertise in specific therapeutic areas, Premier Research is committed to helping its customers answer the unmet needs of patients across a broad range of medical conditions.
PSI is a privately-owned, full-service clinical research organization operating globally. PSI’s global reach supports clinical trials across multiple countries and continents, and it is known to be highly selective about the work that they pursue. With an exceptionally high repeat and referral business rate combined with minimal staff turnover, PSI is committed to being the best CRO in the world as measured by its employees, sponsors, sites, and vendors.
Syneos Health is an end-to-end, fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions company that works differently – bringing together the best clinical and commercial minds to create a better, smarter, faster way to get medicines into the hands of patients who need it most.
Atrium Health medical faculty, affiliated physicians, residents and fellows are involved in clinical research targeting specific illnesses, from cancer and emergency medicine, to pediatrics and surgery, and more.
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a robust educational institution that offers degrees in seven health science disciplines. The state-of-the-art campus is located on the grounds of Atrium Health Cabarrus where students learn in immersive healthcare environments.
Campbell University provides foundational and advanced knowledge of Clinical Research through its Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree programs. Our programs include study and application in product development, clinical trial operations, study design, data management, regulatory affairs, medical ethics, scientific writing, and biostatistical literacy. The curricula represents a combination of scholarly theory and real-world experience. Graduates are qualified to work as clinical investigators, clinical research associates, clinical research coordinators, data research coordinators, project support, project managers, data managers, safety specialists, regulatory managers, and other relevant positions.
Durham Tech offers a Clinical Trials Research Associate curriculum- accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)- that includes its AAS degree and several certificate program offerings. Durham Tech’s AAS degree remains the only clinical research AAS program in the nation to achieve CAAHEP accreditation. The Clinical Trials Research program was established at Durham Tech in 1998 and has evolved with the growth of the industry to prepare students to assist physicians and clinical researchers in the initiation, administration, coordination, and management of clinical research studies for the development of new drugs, clinical products, and treatment regimens. The majority of the AAS degree program and all of the certificate programs can be completed through online or on-campus classes.
UNCW offers multiple nationally ranked clinical research programs within the College of Health and Human Services. Students gain a broad understanding of the science, regulatory, and business aspects of developing new therapies whether they are new to the field, looking for a career change, or seeking career advancement. UNCW provides students flexible, online learning experiences to complete a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research, Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Clinical Research Operations, or Master of Science in Clinical Research and Product Development. Also, UNCW provides the clinical research community: FuseCR and the Center for Clinical Research Workforce Development.
NCCU's Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) offers students the knowledge and tools needed to function at a high level in clinical research positions in local and global industry.
Duke is one of the largest biomedical research enterprises in the country, with nearly $798 million in sponsored research expenditures annually. The Duke University School of Medicine includes the research efforts of more than 2,500 basic science and clinical faculty members who strive to transform medicine and health, locally and globally, through innovative scientific research and rapid translation of breakthrough discoveries. Their research, which extends from the bench to the bedside, has resulted in some of the world’s most significant medical and biological discoveries and has resulted in innovative new treatments for a wide range of human diseases.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Clinical Research focuses on protocol implementation, study coordination, data and regulatory management, clinical trial budget development, internal auditing and clinical trial education.
The North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute (TraCS) is the academic home of the NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science Awards at UNC Chapel Hill. Through improving the efficiency of research, training the research workforce, and sharing successful research methods, TraCS supports its mission to accelerate clinical and translational research from health science to discovery to dissemination to patients and communities. TraCS partners with the UNC Network for Research Professionals in efforts to improve knowledge about clinical research careers. The network promotes excellence in the conduct of clinical, social, and translational research at UNC through a forum of education, professional development and mentoring programs.
NCBIO is the trade association for the North Carolina life science industry. It’s members include clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical, biologics, and medical device companies, and other life science and supporting businesses.
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center is a private, nonprofit corporation that transforms North Carolina’s life science opportunities into economic prosperity through innovation, commercialization, education and business growth. NCBiotech fosters growth in the life sciences through funding, research services, and targeted initiatives in addition to economic development and recruitment activities.
The North Carolina CRO Collaborative was brought together to address and support the needs of the CRO industry. The immediate goals of the CRO Collaborative are to improve and expand clinical-based workforce development in North Carolina through curriculum enhancement and development, as well as increase awareness of CRO industry trends and career opportunities throughout the state.
The NC CRO Collaborative mentorship program is a structured initiative designed to accelerate the development of early-career clinical research professionals and students entering the field. The program pairs emerging talent with experienced clinical research leaders across CROs, clinical sites, and academia.
If you are an experienced clinical research professional and/or educator, please apply to be a mentor. If you are an early-career professional or student looking to enter clinical research, please apply to be a mentee.
Complete the mentorship application to get started today.
Disclaimer: This opportunity is for professional development. Mentors do not provide job matching services. Take charge of your professional development by connecting with experienced clinical research professionals for coaching and guidance.
A mentor is a clinical research professional with a minimum of three years of experience (academia or industry).
This is an opportunity for experienced professionals to provide structured guidance, context, and career navigation support to mentees, accelerating readiness for roles across the clinical research ecosystem.
Clinical research is an integral part of the CRO industry. Whether you are just getting started in field of clinical research, or want to expand your expertise, North Carolina's academic institutions have a number of programs that can help advance your career in this growing industry.
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a robust educational institution that offers degrees in seven health science disciplines. The state-of-the-art campus is located on the grounds of Atrium Health Cabarrus where students learn in immersive healthcare environments.
The Campbell University Clinical Research programs equip students with the knowledge and training to pursue careers as clinical researchers in the contract research organization industry. Campbell University offers a bachelors and masters of science in Clinical Research, as well as dual master degree programs.
Durham Tech offers a Clinical Trials Research Associate curriculum- accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)- that includes its AAS degree and several certificate program offerings. Durham Tech’s AAS degree remains the only clinical research AAS program in the nation to achieve CAAHEP accreditation. The Clinical Trials Research program was established at Durham Tech in 1998 and has evolved with the growth of the industry to prepare students to assist physicians and clinical researchers in the initiation, administration, coordination, and management of clinical research studies for the development of new drugs, clinical products, and treatment regimens. The majority of the AAS degree program and all of the certificate programs can be completed through online or on-campus classes.
Duke is one of the largest biomedical research enterprises in the country, with nearly $798 million in sponsored research expenditures annually. The Duke University School of Medicine includes the research efforts of more than 2,500 basic science and clinical faculty members who strive to transform medicine and health, locally and globally, through innovative scientific research and rapid translation of breakthrough discoveries. Their research, which extends from the bench to the bedside, has resulted in some of the world’s most significant medical and biological discoveries and has resulted in innovative new treatments for a wide range of human diseases.
The Clinical Trials Certificate at Forsyth Technical Community College prepares individuals to assist with research studies in a variety of settings including medical centers, hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, clinics, research facilities, nanotechnology and biotechnology companies, and physicians’ offices. To enroll in this certificate program the student must have already completed a science or health related degree, certification, or license.
NCCU's Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) offers students the knowledge and tools needed to function at a high level in clinical research positions in local and global industry.
UNCW offers multiple nationally ranked clinical research programs within the College of Health and Human Services. Students gain a broad understanding of the science, regulatory, and business aspects of developing new therapies whether they are new to the field, looking for a career change, or seeking career advancement. UNCW provides students flexible, online learning experiences to complete a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research, Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Clinical Research Operations, or Master of Science in Clinical Research and Product Development. Also, UNCW provides the clinical research community: FuseCR and the Center for Clinical Research Workforce Development.
The Wake Forest University Master of Science in Clinical Research Management (CRM) program provides a systematic approach to clinical research that meets the needs of all students. Designed for those working in or entering the clinical research field, this degree program expands participants’ knowledge of both the macro and micro aspects of the clinical research ecosystem and is focused on an overarching vision to shape and impact the future of healthcare.
From foundational roles in clinical operations and research to biometrics and financial analysis, there are multiple ways to get started with a career in North Carolina's CRO industry. View the careers below to get more information on salary, on-the-job duties and educational requirements.
There are hundreds of reasons a career in clinical research will help you find your element. Learn why clinical research is a great career choice, hear from professionals in the field, and sign up for more information about careers in clinical research on the Find Your Element website.
Thanks to the support of the ACRP Partners in Workforce Advancement, the Association of Clinical Research Professionals launched ‘Find Your Element’ to help raise awareness of the clinical research profession among college students.
Be on the lookout for upcoming events in 2025.
Private equity’s reputation for slashing costs and selling companies quickly doesn’t always hold true.
Case in point: QHP Capital. The Raleigh life sciences private equity firm goes by a different playbook, one that helps transform companies into long-term success stories.
The average research and development costs of launching a new drug vary widely, a 2021 National Institutes of Health analysis found, but remain very expensive, “…ranging from $161 million to $4.54 billion (2019 US$). Therapeutic area-specific estimates were highest for anticancer drugs (between $944 million and $4.54 billion).”
AM Technical Solutions — a global architecture, engineering, construction and commissioning firm for high-tech markets headquartered in Austin, Texas — has acquired engineering consulting firm Sequence Inc., which is based in Research Triangle Park.
Caidya, a global clinical research organization based in Raleigh, has announced it is combining with UK-based CRO Simbec-Orion to create a new platform to accelerate drug development programs and international scale-up. The combined company will operate under the Caidya name, the announcement said.
People living with type 1 diabetes walk a delicate line between taking enough insulin to control blood sugar and taking too much, which can cause dangerously low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. An investigational liver-targeted insulin called HDV Lispro (HDV-LIS) could make day-to-day blood sugar management easier and safer.
United Therapeutics Corporation, a public benefit corporation with co-headquarters in Research Triangle Park, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance under the company’s Investigational New Drug application to proceed with a clinical study of its investigational UHeart xenoheart derived from a pig.
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For patients with rare diseases, finding a relevant clinical trial can be a difficult and fragmented process, but a new partnership is creating a more connected pathway for patients and providers.
It has been known for years by insiders as the “hidden gem” of North Carolina’s life sciences ecosystem. And now, after four decades of unique and valuable service to partners statewide, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center’s (NCBiotech’s) Life Sciences Intelligence (LSI) unit is now a “gem on display.”
For questions or more information, contact:
Martie Jones
Associate Director, Life Science Economic Development
Life Sciences Economic Development
[email protected]