Current job title: Administrative
Assistant (Clinical Project Assistant)
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biologics
Department: R&D, Clinical Development
Years worked in this industry: more
than 8
Years worked in this department: more
than 8
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Yes, I had
a medical background and knowledge
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 2 directors and 3 project
managers
Typical work hours: 8 ˝ - 9 hours a
day.
Weekends or overtime hours: Weekends
only if I am traveling or as needed. I work about 2 ˝ hours overtime a
week. I work more overtime only when needed or when I am traveling. I do
get paid time and a half for overtime. Double time if it is the 7th day of
the week
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): $16 - $18/
hour
Benefits (direct or indirect):
Tuition/Education program
Continuing education seminars
Life Insurance
Health Care
Dental
Optical
Major Medical
Long-term disability
Short-term disability
Profit Sharing
401 K / Matching program
5 sick days
4 personal days
160 hours vacation
8 major holidays off and the week from Christmas to New years off
Pension plan
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Contract research organization: A CRO oversees the clinical trials
required for FDA approval of a drug.
Good manufacturing practices: GMPs are manufacturing regulations
established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that require
companies extensively to document their ongoing manufacturing efforts. If
you work in quality assurance or quality control, GMPs will exert a large
influence over your life.
Quality control/quality assurance: The folks who work in this area make
sure that drugs are manufactured in accordance with FDA regulations. Note
to scientists: Don’t limit yourselves to R&D—opportunities abound in
QA/QC.
A typical day on the job: There never
is a typical day. Everyday is different. The only thing I do first that is
typical is I check all calendars and read e-mails. Beyond that nothing is
typical
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
You have the opportunity to
network with individuals from other countries.
You are continually learning something new.
Travel opportunity (this depends on the position)
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Nothing is your own. You work
with the team on projects and receive no credit for the good work you do.
You are only acknowledged if something goes wrong.
Administrative professionals are not respected. Treated like second-class
citizens.
Type of workspace/office:
cubicle
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Work will all individuals that
report to my boss from both the US and Canada
Manage bosses calendars
Plan and schedule meetings both on and off site
Process invoices
Manage the incoming mail
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Have a
working medical knowledge if not a medical background
Able to work in a fast pace atmosphere, able to think on your feet
Able to work independently with little to no supervision
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer, Scanner, copier, fax
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Software:
Microsoft Programs:
Word, Access, EXCEL, Project 2003, Publisher 2003, PowerPoint, Visio,
Outlook
Computer Medical Manager
Reference Manager
SAP System
ARIBA
ScanSoft Paperport
Documentum
Medline, Embase & PrivateStar
Other:
Meeting Planning
Critical soft skills: These are all
crucial skills:
People skills:
Communication and listening
In this business you deal with multiple countries, people and situations.
You need to understand each countries customs so as to not offend someone
by doing something that may come so natural to us. Need to communicate
properly and even more so listen carefully.
Oral and Written Communication
Presents facts or ideas clearly and appropriately for different audiences.
Discretion
Discretion is a key part of any business.
Leadership
Involved in solving problems; interacts with a team effectively and guides
others
Problem solving
Since I have no supervision I have to be able to handle any problems that
may come up professionally and efficiently.
Negotiating
Have to be able to negotiate at work depending on the situation. I also
need to be a good negotiator when I am dealing with hotels and DM’s
(Destination Management Companies).
The ability to work on a multiple projects at a time (multitask).
I know it is said that multitasking is not a good thing but I disagree. I work
on many projects all the time and I have to be able to multi task in order
to get my job done and to meet deadlines.
Organized and attention to detail
Organization is also a key part of any business. Be meticulous. To be able
to plan, schedule and control workload. Uses resources in an effective
manner.
Pace of this position: Extremely fast
pace
Geographical region: Northeast U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™